Good maintenance protects your investment, enhances comfort, extends life expectancies, and reduces your costs. It makes great sense. Some homeowners do the maintenance themselves, and others get help with it.
Here is a list of items to include as part of your Spring home maintenance program:
Gutters (Eavestroughs) – Clean to extend their life and keep the basement/crawlspace dry.
Window Wells – Clean debris to ensure proper drainage. Install covers if necessary.
Catch Basins – Ensure the storm sewer, ditch, culvert or catch basin outside the home is clear to help avoid flooding.
Railings – Check that railings on stairs, around openings and on decks are secure and in good condition
Sliding Doors and Windows – Clean tracks and make sure drain holes are open to reduce the risk of water damage in the home.
Garage Door Operator – Test the auto-reverse mechanism - it should reverse when it meets reasonable resistance or if the “photo-eye” beam is broken (some say test monthly). Lubricate to ensure the operator works freely and minimize the load on the electric motor.
Garage Door Hardware – Lubricate to ensure the door moves freely.
Lawn Irrigation System – Turn on and inspect the system for leaks and proper operation. Adjust sprinkler heads if needed.
Smoke Detectors/Alarms – Test to make sure they work in the event of a fire (some say test monthly).
Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Alarms – Test to make sure they work in the event of an appliance malfunction (some say test monthly).
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters – Test to make sure they work if there is an electrical problem (some say test monthly).
Backup Generator – Test (unless unit automatically runs self test)
Filters/Air Cleaners on Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems and Heat Recovery Ventilator (if applicable) – Clean or replace to reduce heating costs, improve comfort and protect the equipment (some say check monthly).
Air Conditioning System – Have it serviced before turning it on to maximize life expectancy and reduce operating costs. Make sure there is at least 3 feet clear around the exterior unit. Cut back trees and shrubs as needed.
Humidifier – Turn off and shut off the water so we don’t add humidity in the summer.
Humidifiers Connected to Furnace – Close the damper on the humidifier bypass on the furnace to avoid short-circuiting the air-conditioning system.
Outdoor Hose Bibbs (Faucets) – Turn on water supply inside the home (unless faucets are the frost-free type) to allow use.
Floor Drains – Check that there is water in the traps to prevent sewer odors from getting into the home.
Sump Pump – Test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding.
Range Hood Filters – Clean to maintain efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimize the risk of grease fires (some say check monthly). Check that the dampers open when the fan is on and close when it is off.
Central vacuum system – Empty canister and clean filter (if applicable) so system will work effectively (may need to be done more frequently)
Dishwasher – Clean the drain filter (may need to be done more frequently).
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. It is always prudent to stay on top of these items to keep your home a healthy and safe place to live. I will be posting summer maintenance tips when the seasons change. In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful weather spring brings us every year and get your maintenance done!
If you would like help identifying the condition of items around your home, please reach out to us about our home maintenance inspections. We will inspect your home and help compile a prioritized list of items that need action.