Home Maintenance Checklist: An Ounce of Prevention

1. Have your heating and cooling system checked once a year by a professional; many companies offer this service for a nominal fee and they'll even send you a postcard to remind you to schedule the checkup. This is a much more efficient and less costly approach then waiting until the furnace quits in the middle of an ice storm.

2. Check your filters regularly on your own and check the pilot light occasionally.

1. The inside dryer vent should be cleared of lint debris every time the dryer is used; in addition the outside vent and exhaust hose should be checked from time to time and cleared as necessary.

2. Check to see if the outer flaps of the dryer vent are closing properly when the dryer is not in use to keep cold air, insects and critters out of your house.

3. Washing machine hoses should be checked for cracks or leaks and repaired as needed. Hookups should be checked for leaks as well.

Photo used under Creative Commons from rmkoske.

1. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every 60 days by pressing on the test button. Change the batteries twice a year; it's generally recommended that you change them in conjunction with the seasonal time change. This is an easy way to remember to keep the batteries fresh.

2. You should also check the GFI outlets in your home periodically to make sure that they are working correctly.

1. Check the owner's manual to be sure that your appliances are located at the proper distance from the wall to avoid excessive heat buildup. It is also important to pull them away from the wall occasionally to vacuum away dust buildup, particularly on refrigerator condenser coils.

2. Periodically check the door seals on refrigerators and freezers to make sure they are sealing tightly. An occasional light application of petroleum jelly on rubber seals can keep them from drying out; but refer first to your manual for recommendations.

3. The filter on the range hood should also be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

4. Refer to owner's manuals for recommended cleaning methods and products.

1. If you have a water softener system, maintain the proper salt level and follow manufacturer's recommendations for servicing and care.

2. Filters on reverse osmosis filtration drinking water systems should also be changed as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Leaking water faucets can usually be fixed by changing the washer or rinsing out the screen.

4. Be sure that toilets are working properly; replacing a toilet kit is an easy repair that can save hundreds of dollars each year on your water bill.

5. Check the sump pump from time to time and clean the basket when necessary.

6. Also check drain traps and clean out any debris to avoid clogs and backups.

7. If you have a septic system, use a septic system additive monthly to keep good bacteria in balance and keep use of chlorine bleach to a minimum.

With the onset of cooler and freezing temperatures, the following tasks should be performed.

1. Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts or install gutter guards. Debris left in gutters over winter can cause ice backup under your shingles, resulting in leaks and the need to replace your roof.

2. Check weather stripping around exterior doors and replace if necessary.

3. Remove and drain garden hoses. If your outdoor faucets are not the 'frost free' variety, you should turn off the shut off valves to exterior faucets from inside the house, then open the outside valve to let excess water drain away.

4. Check the chimney to be sure it is free of debris and have the chimney professionally cleaned annually if you frequently use a wood burning fireplace. Also, remove ashes from the fireplace on a regular basis.

5. Check windows and doors for drafts and seal as needed. Remove screens in fall and replace storm windows.

Photo used under Creative Commons from highgrovepangolin.