Home Maintenance Schedules
Monthly
Smoke Detectors- Test to make sure they work in the event of a fire
Carbon Monoxide Detectors- Test to make sure they work in the event of an appliance malfunction
Ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters - test to make sure they work if there is an electrical problem
Filters/air cleaners on heating and air-conditioning system- clean/change to reduce heating costs, improve comfort and protect the equipment.
Automatic reverse mechanism on garage door openers- test to make sure no one will be injured by the door as it closes
Range hood filters - clean to maintain efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimize the risk of grease fires
Central vacuum system - empty canister and clean filter (if applicable) so system will work effectively (in some homes, this has to be done more frequently than monthly)
Quarterly
Sliding doors and windows - clean tracks and make sure drain holes are open to reduce the risk of water damage in the home
Floor drains - Check that there is water in the traps to prevent sewer doors getting into the home
Heat Recovery ventilator - clean or replace the filter (every two months is ideal) to ensure proper and cost effective operation
Bathroom Exhaust fan - clean grill to ensure good air flow
Spring
Gutters - clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement / crawlspace dry
Air Conditioning system - have it serviced before turning it on - to protect the equipment
Humidifier attached to furnace - turn off and shut off the water so we don’t get more humidity than we want in the summer
Humidifiers and central air conditioners - close the damper on the humidifier bypass to avoid short-circuiting the air conditioning system
Well Water - have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink (More frequent testing may be appropriate)
Sump Pump - test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding
Chimneys for fireplaces and other wood-burning appliances - have inspected and swept as necessary - to reduce risk of chimney fire
Fall
Gutters - clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry
Heating system - service before turning on to protect the equipment
Gas fireplace - service with other gas appliances; include fireplace in service plan
Outdoor hose bibs - shut off unless they are frost free to prevent freezing damage to pipes
Hot water heating systems - bleed radiators to remove air so the radiators will keep the house warm
Humidifier connected to furnace - turn on and open the water supply so that the humidifier will work in the heating season
Humidifiers and central air conditioners - open the damper on the humidifier bypass to allow the humidifier to work in the heating season
Electric baseboard heaters - vacuum to remove dust to increase the efficiency and reduce the risk of fire
Well water - have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink (More frequent testing may be appropriate)
Sump pump - test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding
Catch basins - test and clean out debris if needed - to make sure they will carry water away
Exterior vents - ensure vent flaps close properly to reduce heat loss and prevent pest entry
Annually
Trees and shrubs - trim back at least 3 feet grin air conditioning to work properly
Trees and shrubs - trim back from walls and roofs to prevent damage caused by branches rubbing against the building and to reduce the risk of pests getting into the home
Vines - trim away from wood building components
Roofing - perform annual inspection and tune-up (pay special attention to roof flashings). This helps maximize the life of roofs. (Often performed by roofer on an annual service agreement)
Bathtub and shower enclosures - check caulking and grout to prevent concealed water damage
Attic - check for evidence of pests and roof leaks to prevent infestations and water damage
Building exterior - inspect for weather tightness at siding, trim, doors, windows, wall penetrations, etc. to prevent concealed water damage
Exterior paint and stain - check and improve as needed to prevent rot in exterior wood. Pay particular attention to wood close to the ground. Wood in contact with soil is prone to rot.
Exterior grade - check that it slopes down away from the building to drain water away from, rather than toward, the foundation. This helps prevent wet basement and crawlspace problems.
Refrigerators and freezers - vacuum coils to improve efficiency and reduce cost
Fire Extinguisher - check gauges to make sure they will operate if needed
Garage door hardware - lubricate to ensure the operator works freely and minimize the load on the electric motor
Semi-Annually
Exterior air intakes - clean to ensure that it is clear from debris that can block air from entering any mechanical equipment
Ongoing
Septic systems - set up a program for regular maintenance and inspection with a local service provider. Tanks are typically pumped out every three years
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Home Set-up
Smoke Detectors
Install or replace as needed. (Usually one on every floor level near a sleeping area.). Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, and it is difficult to know how old the existing smoke detectors are. We recommend replacing them all.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Provide according to manufacturer’s recommendations, typically in every sleeping area.
Locks
Change the locks on all the doors. Deadbolts improve security and may reduce insurance costs.
Heating & Air Conditioning systems
Have these inspected and serviced. We recommend setting up a service contract to ensure the equipment is properly maintained. It makes sense to protect your investment in these expensive systems.
Main Shutoffs
Find and mark the main shutoff for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems. You need to be able shut things off fast in the event of an emergency.
Electrical Circuits
Label the circuits in the electrical panel, so you can shut off the right fuse or breaker quickly.
Wood Burning Appliances
Have the chimney inspected and swept as needed, annual inspections & yearly cleaning is recommended if used regularly.
Outdoor Air-Conditioning Unit
Make sure there is at least 3 feet clear around the air conditioner. Cut back trees and shrubs as needed.
Clothes Washing Machines
Use braided steel hoses rather than rubber hoses for connecting the washing machine to the supply piping. This reduces the risk of serious water damage due to a ruptured hose.
Clothes Dryers
Use smooth walled (not corrugated) metal exhaust ducts to vent clothes dryers outdoors. Keep the runs as short and straight as possible.
Fire Extinguishers
Provide at least one on every floor. The fire extinguisher near the kitchen should be suitable (rated) for grease fires
Fire Escape routes
Plan fire excape routes from the upper stories. Obtain rope ladders if necessary.
Safety Improvements
If your home inspector has recommended any safety improvements, these should be taken care of immediately. This often includes electrical issues and trip or fall hazards, for example.
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