Really beginning to feel like fall now with the rain and cooler temperatures today and the rest of the week. Thought this would be a good time to share this information. A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you’ll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home. Here are helpful checklists for monthly and fall maintenance. | ||
| Monthly | ||
| | Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
| Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule. | ||
| | If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well. | |
| Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks. | ||
Autumn
| Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detector | ||
| | Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
| Change the batteries in both. This should be done twice a year. | ||
| Furnace / Heating System | ||
| | Have your system serviced by a qualified service company. | |
| If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum them to remove dust. | ||
| Remove the grills on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts. | ||
| If you use a portable humidifier, it’s time to clean it. | ||
| Water Heater | ||
| Extend its life expectancy by draining a gallon or two of water from your hot water heater at least twice a year. | ||
| Windows and Doors | ||
| Put up storm windows. | ||
| Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass. | ||
| Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. | ||
| Make sure all doors to the outside shut tightly. Renew weather stripping as required. | ||
| Outside | ||
| Check your chimney for obstructions, such as bird’s nests. | ||
| Clean gutters and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. | ||
| Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall. Remove mulch from the foundation wall as well. This helps prevent water damage. | ||
| Drain and store outdoor hoses. Prepare your outdoor faucets for winter freezes. | ||
| Protect young trees and bushes for winter and winterize gardens. | ||
| Trim shrubs and trees so that they clear the foundation, exterior walls, and roof of the house. | ||
| Store outdoor furniture. | ||
| Well Water / Septic Tank | ||
| If you have well water, test the water quality. Testing for bacteria twice a year is suggested. | ||
| If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before spring. As a general rule, septic tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years. | ||
