Monthly Activity

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Maintenance Tips

Test automatic garage door opener.

• Place a chair or wastebasket in the path of the closing door to make sure it functions properly. An automatic garage door opener should stop and reverse when it closes on a solid object (this is a safety feature to prevent injury to people or pets).

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Test GFCI outlets and circuit breakers.

• Test by triggering the test button on the breakers. Ground fault circuit interruptors (GFCI) can be found on the kitchen or bathroom electrical outlets or in the main circuit breaker box. GFCI are used on outlets that might service appliances that require an electrical ground.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Test Smoke alarms.

• Press the test button on smoke alarm to make sure they are functioning.

Monthly Activity

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Inspect hot water heater.

• Check for rust stains or water on or around the hot water heater. This can indicate by a plumber.
• Drain 1-2 gallons of water from the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Rust or debris will settle at the bottom of the tanks and on the lower heating element. This can shorten the life of the tank or the element. Draining the tank removes the sediments.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Clean frost-free refrigerator drain pan.

• Remove the tray from the bottom of the refrigerator that collects the condensation. Empty it and wash it in soap and water before replacing.  This stagnant water can breed bacteria. It is also a good idea to watch the water level in the tray; it normally evaporates as quickly as it accumulates. A tray that fills with water might indicate a refrigerator that requires adjustment.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Inspect dishwasher for leaks.

• Remove the access panel at the bottom of the front of the dishwasher and check underneath for any water. Any sign of water signals a problem that requires a plumber.
• Check and clean the screen in the bottom interior for food particles that can decay and breed bacteria.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Clean kitchen exhaust fan filters.

• Remove the filters from exhaust fans  and clean with soap and water or in the dishwasher. Filters can accumulate grease, decreasing their efficiency. Grease in a range hood and filter can accelerate a kitchen fire.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Check garbage disposal for obstructions or clinging food particles

•Solid obstructions can jam or break the disposal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing any objects.
• Accumulated food particles can breed bacteria and cause odors (grind ice cubes to clean)

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Check heating system air filter.

•Inspect the air filter for accumulated dust and dirt that make the heating unit work harder. A dust-filled filter will carry air-borne bacteria back into the heating system and into the air. Replace the air filter if any dust accumulates.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Check sinks and drains

• Clean slow drains by plunging or with a plumbers snake (clogs can build until they become impassable; grease in the drain pipes can become more difficult to clear as time passes).
• Pour water down unused drains, such as basement sump drains. This will maintain a level of water in the trap (the elbow-shaped joint) and stop sewer gasses from entering the house.
• inspect under all sinks for water or corrosion at the shut-off valves. Slow leaks can create mold and wood rot. Call a plumber to correct any problems.

JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN  JUL   AUG  SEP   OCT    NOV   DEC
                                                                                         

Maintenance Tips

Check heating registers.

• Look for soot streaks around any heat register that can be a signal of a problem with the heating system (requiring professional help)

Seasonal Activity     

Maintenance Tips

 Spring   Fall

Rake Leaves and debris away from house and check foundations.

• Prevent moisture and insects from direct contact with wood, which can cause decay and damage
• Note any cracks in the foundation or masonry. These are normal, but changes in the size of the cracks might indicate a more extensive problem that requires investigation for cause.
• Check the interior foundation or basement walls for moisture or site residue on concrete blocks, which indicates water seepage. This could require waterproofing treatment.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Clean out gutters

• Remove debris from gutters and clean the screens that lead to the downspouts. Accumulation can cause overflowing, moisture contact with wood, and decay.
• Check the joints in the gutters for cracks.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Check roof penetrations for leaks

• Check around any items that penetrate the roof (chimney, vent pipes, or sky lights) for loose or broken shingles.
• Check the interior ceiling and around roof penetrations for witness lines (water stains) that indicate leaks. Make repairs to stop any leaks that can lead to dry rot and structural damage.

 Fall

Maintenance Tips

Check and repair caulk around exterior surfaces.

• Check around windows and doors to make sure the caulking seals are secure. Remove and replace loose caulking.

 Spring 

Maintenance Tips

Clean mildewed areas of house exterior

• Remove dirt and mildew from exterior surfaces. Mildew can deteriorate paint and wood, leading to rot.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Clean gaps between deck boards

• Pressure wash the space between the surface boards to remove accumulated leaves and debris. This material can hold moisture against the wood leading to rot.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Clean area around air compressor.
Wash or vacuum air compressor vents

• Remove the accumulated leaves and debris around the air compressor. Hand wash (do not use sprayer hose) or vacuum the vents to clear of debris. This activity allows the unit to work more efficiently.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Trim any shrubs around house.

• Prune shrubs and trees away from the house and windows. Plants that are in contact with the exterior surface wear. Plants that obstruct windows create a shield that allows a thief to enter the home undetected.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Inspect weather stripping

• Check the weather stripping around the doors and windows for a proper seal. Replace any stripping that is hard of broken or that fails to seal.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Clean area between interior and exterior windows.

•Clean the dirt and remove the debris from the space between the interior and exterior windows or screens.
• Make sure the weep holes (small holes leading outside that drain off accumulated water and condensation) are clear.

 Spring   Fall

Maintenance Tips

Inspect Furnace

• Look for rust(can indicate improper condensation draining)
• Note any odd sounds or smells
• Test for proper draft at the furnace or water heater diverter(hold a small piece of tissue paper close to the exhaust to make sure air is flowing outward)
• Examine flue for leaks, rust, and damage.
• Seek professional maintenance for the furnace annually or if any of these unusual signs appear. Ask for specific maintenance or monitoring tips that are appropriate for your heating system.

 Spring   Fall   

Maintenance Tips

Vacuum refrigerator coils

• Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum dust from the condenser coils. Dust accumulations decrease the refrigerator’s efficiency.

 Spring   Fall   

Maintenance Tips

Drain and close exterior faucets in the fall. Open them in the spring.

• Drain the water from the exterior faucets before cold weather to prevent freezing and damage to pipes.

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Annual Activity

Maintenance Tips

Clean & Seal tile grout in bathrooms.

• Clean the grout between bathroom tiles and seal to maintain the waterproofing. Silicone sealing is available that can be applied annually.

Inspect plumbing shutoff valves.

• Check the shutoff valves for leaks or corrosion. The valves can be exercised (to prevent sticking).

Inspect toilets for rocking

• Check toilets for rocking indicating a loose seal. Flange bolts at the sides of the toilet can be gently tightened to improve the seal.

Exercise circuit breakers

• Exercise (open & close) circuit breakers to prevent sticking.

Vacuum smoke alarms

• Vacuum dust from smoke alarms to ensure proper operation.
• Replace the batteries on alarms that are battery-powered.

Vacuum heating registers, vents, and radiators

• Vacuum heating vents & radiators to eliminate airborne dust & improve the airflow.

Inspect fireplace chimney for creosote.

• Check creosote accumulation in the chimney. It will appear as a shiny black coating on the interior walls of the chimney or liner. Any accumulation should be removed by a chimney sweep.