Don’t Fall behind in your Maintenance
Being proactive includes changing the filter on the furnace, and turning off the exterior hose connection in the winter. Not changing the filter can freeze the coil and cause a very warm house. Not turning off the hose can result in a flood.
Remember that not every maintenance item will be relevant to your home so do your homework to decide what is necessary. Make sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions regarding service. Be cautious before attempting maintenance, repairs, or inspection. Make sure to turn off power and disconnect utility services.
Daily and Weekly
Be very watchful in times of drastic weather changes. Changes in weather can have a large impact on your home. A big snowstorm can create the necessity to clear the intake and discharge vent pipes on your furnace. In periods of heavy rain it is important to make sure that gutters are clean and check the sump pump. During periods of strong winds and cool temperatures you may find that windows need to be replaced. Sudden increase in temperature may reveal problems with your central air. It is important as a home owner to realize your home communicates with you, so make sure you listen.
Fall
- Air conditioning – Cover top of unit if desired.
- Heating – Schedule professional service
- Oil heat – Arrange for maintenance and oil delivery
- Water heater – Draw sediment as needed. Check for carbon monoxide
- Humidifier – Service, clean, change panel as needed.
- Duct dampers – Adjust from cooling to heating if necessary.
- High and low returns – Open low returns and close upper returns for heating season.
- Gutters, downspouts – Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are attached and extended.
- Roof – Visually inspect for any damage ; trim trees as necessary.
- Roof vents – Inspect for damage and bird nests.
- Chimney – Visually inspect for damage.
- Sump pump – Test sump pump to make sure it removes water from the crock.
- Exterior, general – Check the condition of paint, caulk, and putty.
- Weatherstripping – Check and repair weatherstripping on windows and doors.
- Exterior, grounds – Check that grading of soil and hard surfaces slopes away from the basement.
- Basement – Check for any signs of leaks, cracks, movement, rot, mildew.
- Crawl space – Check for adequate ventilation to remove excess moisture.
- Plumbing – Open outside hose connection shutoff.
- Clothes dryer – Clean lint from duct and from unit per manufacturer instructions.
- Bathroom tile – Check grout, caulk and tile for damage.
- Garage door – Tighten all hardware, and lubricate moving parts.
- Fireplace – Check flute, damper, firebox.
- Sprinklers, irrigation – Drain and service drain.
- Room air conditioner – Remove unit, or install cover.
- Swimming pools – Service and close.
- Hoses – Remove from hose bibs; drain to prevent freezing.
Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home? Need to schedule a home inspection?
Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com
