Living in a condo doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for summer home maintenance. While you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or checking the roof, there are still a few key areas inside your unit that deserve attention—especially during the warmest months.
Here are some practical summer maintenance tips for GHTA condo and apartment dwellers to stay cool, safe, and stress-free.
1. Clean or Replace the Fan Coil Unit Filter
Many condo units rely on a fan coil unit for heating and cooling. These systems quietly regulate your indoor temperature—but only if the filter is clean.
Why it matters:
A clogged filter can reduce airflow, strain the system, and make your unit feel warmer than it should. Worse, it can circulate dust and allergens throughout your space.
What to do:
- Turn off the fan coil unit.
- Remove the cover and locate the filter.
- If it’s reusable, vacuum or rinse it. If it’s disposable, replace it with a compatible size.
- Do this every 3 to 6 months—summer is a great time to start.
💡 Not sure how to open the panel? A flat-rate service visit can help you get it done safely and properly.
2. Check Balcony Door Seals
During the winter, door seals can shrink or crack. In summer, poor seals let hot air in and cool air out—raising your energy bill and lowering your comfort.
Quick check:
Close your balcony door and look for light seeping in around the edges. Feel for warm drafts. If you notice gaps, it might be time to replace the weatherstripping.
3. Clear Balcony Drains and Weep Holes
Many balconies in high-rises have drains or small weep holes built into the flooring or railing system to let rainwater escape. When these get clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, you may find yourself with a mini swimming pool after a summer downpour.
How to fix it:
- Check the corners and floor edges of your balcony.
- Use a soft brush or gloved hand to remove visible blockages.
- Pour a small amount of water to test flow.
🧼 A 15-minute task that can save you thousands in water damage.
4. Test Your Smoke and CO Detectors
Just like in houses, in-unit alarms can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Summer is a good seasonal reminder to check batteries and test functionality.
Steps:
- Press the test button and listen for the alert.
- Replace the battery if it’s weak or unresponsive.
- Check expiry dates—many detectors need replacing every 7–10 years.
5. Coordinate With Condo Management
Some tasks—like building-wide HVAC inspections or pest control—are scheduled by your property manager. Still, it’s your job to stay informed and prepare your unit accordingly.
Pro tip:
- Keep an eye on notice boards or management emails.
- Ask about upcoming maintenance windows.
- If something needs attention in your unit (e.g., a leaky pipe or water stain), flag it early.
Final Thought: Don’t Ignore In-Unit Fixes
Even though the condo corporation handles common areas, you’re still responsible for everything within your unit. If something breaks—like a loose faucet, stuck drawer, or noisy exhaust fan—it’s on you.
RenoRepair.ca offers flat-rate repair visits for condo owners in the GHTA. Whether it’s replacing filters, sealing drafts, or tackling minor repairs, we’ve got trusted local pros ready to help—no quotes, no surprises, just the fix.
👉 Join the waitlist to be first in line when we launch our condo-friendly maintenance services.
Stay cool. Stay safe. Stay condo-savvy this summer.