Get a Head Start on Shoulder Season

We’re often most prepared for our homes to battle winter chills and beat summer heat—but what about those transitional months where we experience both in one day? You know, those days when people rock the classic Canadian shorts-and-parka combo. If it’s tricky to get your wardrobe right, it can be equally confusing to adjust your home settings accordingly.

Here are some fantastic tips for navigating the spring shoulder season:

Think Twice Before Switching to Summer Settings

It’s tempting to store away your snow boots and flip everything to summer mode after the first warm week of the year, but hold off! We suggest keeping your humidifier set to 'winter mode' at around 25-30% humidity until we’ve fully bid farewell to winter and your furnace gets its much-needed summer break.

Similarly, use good judgment before turning on the air conditioning. Starting your A/C when temperatures are below 16 degrees can harm the unit. Instead, opt for a comfortable setting (either auto mode or let your smart thermostat handle it). Then, play around with your curtains and windows to strike a balance and save on energy—open them to catch sunlight on cooler days and close them when it’s warmer outside.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

As the snow melts, take a stroll around your property! Look for signs of damage, unwanted visitors, and areas where energy might be escaping. This is the ideal time to check your roof and exterior while you’re free from snow yet still vulnerable to spring moisture.

Pro Tip: Use melting snow or spring rain to test your downspouts and ensure water flows away from your home. Make sure the downspout hasn’t been bent out of place during winter and isn’t directing water toward your foundation.

Your downspouts should be angled so water drains at least six feet away from your house. Don’t forget to check your neighbor’s downspouts too—they might be directing water toward your property. If you’re unsure what to look for, consider consulting a home inspector via video call for guidance.

Tackle Your Garage

The garage is perfect for seasonal projects. As you say goodbye to winter, sweep and wash out any salt residue—removing mineral stains will keep your garage looking sharp and prevent your floor from deteriorating over time.

Take inventory of what’s stored in your garage and declutter any items that accumulated over winter. Organize and put away shovels and brushes. Inspect, repair, and clean your summer tools now so they’re ready for your next big project.

Swap and Clean Filters

Keep your A/C running efficiently by replacing filters regularly. Blocked filters can make your air conditioner work 15% harder and shorten its lifespan.

Pro Tip: Mark the installation date on the filter along with the recommended replacement date. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area, your home might need a different schedule—these notes can save you from guessing.

While we’re on the topic of filters, don’t forget to clean the vents in your kitchen and bathroom. You might even want to take it further and have your ducts and furnace professionally cleaned.

Optimize Solar Energy

If you have solar panels, now’s the time to clean them so they perform optimally during the long summer days.

If you’re considering installing solar panels, this is the perfect moment to start the process. Reach out to local installers or watch videos to determine if solar power is the right choice for your home.

With these tips, you’ll breeze through the shoulder season. So slip on your shorts, zip up your parka, and get your home ready for the bright days ahead.