Tips for the maintenance of your home….

June 7th, 2010

Home MaintenanceA 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 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.

Inside

Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Clean or replace as necessary.

Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys. Have each clean and serviced as needed.

When heating season is complete, shut down and clean furnace humidifier. Close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.

Check air conditioning system and clean or replace air filters. Have system serviced as need (recommend every 2 to 3 years).

Check and clean dehumidifier as necessary.

Where possible, turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights.


Basement

Ensure sump pump is operating properly. Check to be sure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.


Outside

If applicable, have well water tested for quality.

Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture. Repair as required.

Check paint on outside walls and fence. Repair and paint as necessary.

Check level of any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling. Re-level as necessary.

Check and clean out gutters and downspouts. Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home. Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation.

Remove any debris from drainage ditches and culverts.

Prune and fertilize landscaping as necessary.