Keeping track of home maintenance tasks can seem overwhelming, but if you know what to do and how often, you can easily keep your home running smoothly and safely.
Below is a list of items that should be done at certain intervals, or during a particular season. If you use a calendar, you can simply transfer this information over and schedule one or two tasks per weekend.
Every month:
1. Test ground fault circuits. You should have ground fault circuits installed anywhere the outlet might be exposed to water. Test these by pushing the test button and verifying that its internal circuit breaker trips. If you don't have these types of outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms, now is a good time to install them.
2. Clean and/or replace all filters. Depending on the season, check furnace, air conditioner, range hood, humidifiers, etc.
3. Perform a routine safety check by walking through your home and examining carpet, rails, stairs and electrical outlets. Also verify that all cleaning supplies, paints, and other potentially harmful substances are stored safely. If you have small children, you might want to perform this check by crawling to get a better idea of their perspective
4. Vacuum smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Dust can keep these from working optimally.
5. Go over fire-escape safety plans, especially if you have small children. Review other safety information, such as using the fire extinguisher, turning off gas or power, etc. Make sure emergency phone numbers are up-to-date and posted somewhere prominent.
Twice a year:
1. Test well water quality.
2. Vacuum bathroom fan grille.
3. Change batteries in smoke detectors. At the same time, also check any others, such as carbon monoxide detectors, and change their batteries as well. If you live in an affected area, also perform a radon test.
4. Test your security system.
5. Vacuum grilles on backs of refrigerators and freezers. Empty drip pans. Defrost freezers. This is also a good time to use or throw away any frozen foods that are coming to the end of their shelf life.
6. Vacuum behind the dryer. Check that the vent hose isn't obstructed. Replace it if needed.
7. Check behind the washer for any evidence of small water leaks. Vacuum any stray dryer lint from behind it as well.
8. Check fire extinguishers.
9. Test plumbing shut off valves. Make sure everyone in your family knows where they are and how to use them.
10. Check that all windows open and close easily. Ideally, check in both hot and cold weather to account for shrinking and expansion.
11. Check caulking around tubs and sinks and replace if there's any sign of damage. Also check outdoor caulking around windows and replace if it appears damaged.
12. Drain sediment from bottom of hot water tank by draining some water from the unit's drain valve. Attach a hose to the valve and have some towels ready to wipe up small leaks. If your water heater already has a lot of sediment, remove the element following manufacturer directions and scoop some of the sediment out. If this is a problem in your area, do every few months, or even every month.
Every autumn:
1. Have furnace checked by a technician. Many companies will do this at very low cost.
2. Vacuum heater vents. This is particularly important for baseboard heaters.
3. Remove screens and put in storm windows. Check both for any signs of damage or wear.
4. Check sump pump.
5. Check door weather stripping and replace if it shows signs of wear.
6. Cover outside of window air conditioners. Seal them tightly to prevent drafts.
7. Clean gutters once or twice, depending on the number of leaves in your area.
8. Have chimney checked for obstructions and damage by a qualified repairman.
9. Put away hoses and drain hose connector pipe. Put away any outside furniture, grills, etc.
Every spring:
1. Remove storm windows and put in screens. Replace any torn or worn screens.
2. Have chimney cleaned by a qualified person.
3. Check the air conditioner or have it checked by a service technician. You should have your air conditioner checked at least every two or three years. Many companies will do this at a nominal charge.
4. Check the roof for signs of damaged or missing shingles. Either get on the roof or use a pair of binoculars to inspect it. If you don't feel comfortable with either, have a qualified professional examine the roof for damage.
Holiday season:
1. Check all holiday lights to make sure the cords are intact. Check plugs to make sure they aren't hot to the touch. Replace any lights with evidence of wear.
2. If you have small children, make sure they cannot get tangled in the cords, pull over the tree, etc.
3. Poinsettias can be poisonous to small children and pets. If you have them, be sure they're well out of reach. Also keep their leaves and buds from falling where children and pets can reach them.
Before vacation:
1. Be sure you've arranged for mail, papers, packages, etc. to be held or picked up by someone. This will help ensure that it's not obvious that you're away.
2. Use or give away any perishables.
3. Unplug all unnecessary appliances (except refrigerator, freezers, heating, air conditioning, etc.)
4. Have someone check the home regularly. Leave a list of items to examine and include making sure the freezer and refrigerator are running. If you have a basement, have them check it for leaks, flooding, etc.
5. Turn off the hot water heater before you leave.
6. Leave your contact information in case of emergency. Also leave a list of local contacts (repairmen, relatives, friends, etc.) who can help in case of emergency.
With a little planning, you'll never be faced with a problem or emergency because you forgot to perform some routine maintenance. Many of these tasks can be done in a few minutes, and they can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
