FAQs & ​Helpful Tips

Creating a comfortable, healthy, and safe home environment can start with simple actions you can take yourself. Explore our tips and resources designed to help you get started on your home improvement journey. Whether you're looking for advice on maintaining your electrical systems or enhancing your home's energy efficiency, we're here to provide valuable insights and guidance.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING TIPS

​Essential Guidelines for a Cool and Efficient Home
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• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have a professional inspect your home's ducts and cooling equipment to ensure optimal performance.

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• Maintain Your AC Filters: Clean or replace your air conditioning filters every month to keep your system running smoothly.

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• Check Your Fireplace: Clean and inspect your chimney to ensure your fireplace is functioning properly.

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• Clean Gutters and Drains: Regularly clean your rain gutters and storm drains to prevent water damage.

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• Vacuum and Clean: Keep your vents, baseboard heaters, and ducts clean and free of dust.

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• Seal Air Leaks: Address air leaks in the attic, basement, crawlspaces, and around windows and doors to improve energy efficiency.

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• Inspect Insulation: Ensure your attic has adequate insulation to keep your home comfortable year-round.

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• Manage Sunlight: Draw shades or curtains on sunny sides of the house during peak sunlight hours to maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

​These tips can help you maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home while extending the life of your heating and cooling systems.

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TIPS FOR IMPROVING AIR QUALITY & REDUCING HEALTH RISKS

• Change Detector Batteries: Replace batteries in smoke alarms, radon detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors when adjusting your clocks for daylight savings.

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• Improve Ventilation: Consider installing a ventilation system to boost indoor air circulation and introduce fresh air into your home.

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• Address Water Damage: Clean or replace water-damaged carpets and materials to prevent mold growth and other health risks.

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• Keep a Clean Home: Regularly clean your home to reduce the accumulation of allergy-causing pollutants, dust, and pet dander.

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• Use Fuel-Burning Appliances Safely: Ensure proper ventilation and regularly inspect fuel-burning appliances to prevent harmful leaks.

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• Store Chemicals Safely: Properly store and dispose of household chemicals to avoid harmful exposure and potential health risks.

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ELECTRICAL PANELS, FUSES & OUTLETS: SAFETY TIPS
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• Blown Fuse: If a fuse blows, turn off all appliances and lights connected to that circuit before replacing the fuse.

 

• Proper Fuse Replacement: Always replace a fuse with one that has the same rating to ensure safety and avoid electrical hazards.

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• Check for Loose Fuses: Loose fuses can overheat and become a fire risk. If you use plug-type fuses, periodically check that they are secure.

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• Never Improvise: Never replace a fuse with a coin or any metal object, as this can lead to dangerous short circuits or electrical fires.

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• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Install GFCIs in outlets, especially in areas with moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, to prevent electrical shocks.

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USEFUL LINKS
Authorized Contractor Program Overview

•  http://www.esasafe.com/Contractors/acp_001.php?s=10

​FALL and WINTER TIPS

Guidelines for Keeping Your Home Warm & Efficient
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• Schedule Professional Inspections: Have a service expert inspect your home’s ducts and heating equipment to ensure they’re in top condition.

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• Optimize Thermostat Settings: Set your thermostat to 20°C when you’re at home and awake, and lower it to 15°C while you’re asleep or away.

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• Maintain Furnace Filters: Clean or replace your furnace filters every month to ensure efficient heating.

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• Inspect Your Fireplace: Clean your chimney and check that your fireplace is operating safely and efficiently.

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• Seal Air Leaks: Address air leaks in the attic, basement, crawlspaces, and around windows and doors to enhance insulation.

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• Insulate Windows: Use heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets to insulate windows and prevent heat loss.

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• Check Attic Insulation: Ensure your attic has adequate insulation to keep warmth in and cold out.

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• Manage Curtains and Shades: Close curtains or shades at night to retain heat and open them during the day to let in sunlight.

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• Maximize Sunlight Exposure: Clean windows on the south side of your house to increase sunlight entry and natural heating.

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• Weather-Strip Doors: Apply weather-stripping to doors leading to cold or outside areas to prevent drafts.

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• Protect Waterlines: Wrap and insulate waterlines to prevent freezing and potential damage.

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• Repair Leaky Faucets: Fix any leaky faucets to prevent water waste and avoid unnecessary energy costs.

These practices will help you maintain a warm, energy-efficient home during the colder months.

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ELECTRICAL DEVICES, APPLIANCES, & POWER TOOLS:  SAFE PRACTICES

• Unplug Before Repairs: Always unplug electrical equipment before performing any repairs or maintenance.

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• Unplug When Not in Use: Unplug gadgets when they’re not in use to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

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• Keep Devices Away from Water: Ensure all electrical devices and appliances are kept away from water sources to prevent electric shock.

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• Electric Lawn Mower Safety: Only use electric lawn mowers when the grass is dry. Never operate them in the rain.

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• Choose Certified Appliances: Always choose appliances and tools that carry the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification or another accredited Standards Council of Canada seal for safety assurance.

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CORDS, EXTENSION CORDS, & PLUGS: ESSENTIAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Always pull the plug, not the cord when disconnecting an electrical device.

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• Never remove a plug with wet hands or when touching a metal object.

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• The third prong on a plug is a safety feature—don’t break it off or bypass it.

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• Use three-pronged extension cords for all outdoor applications.

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• Keep cords away from heat sources and water to prevent hazards.

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• Replace cords and plugs showing signs of wear or damage. Stop using them immediately.

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• Avoid placing cords under carpets, through doorways, or in areas where they can be stepped on.

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• Ensure extension cords are properly rated for electricity consumption.

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• Extension cords are meant for temporary use—if you need a permanent solution, call an electrician.

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• Coil excess cord length neatly and secure it with plastic ties or velcro straps.

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• Use a certified power bar if you need to plug multiple devices into one outlet.