|
A quick reminder on some spring maintenance tips:
- turn off your humidifier and valve off the water supply
- check your mailbox for winter damage
- change batteries in smoke and CO detectors (write the date on the new ones so you will know how old they are)
- clean and reverse ceiling fan blades (air should move down in the summer season)
- check for air gaps and leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets
- replace furnace filters; have your AC system checked; clean debris and vegetation from around outside AC unit
- drain water from the water heater to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank
- check for winter damage to paint, trim, gutters, siding
- clean out gutters; check that water is directed away from the home’s foundation
- repair any loose boards or nail pops on decks
- remove lint from dryer exhaust
Cold Weather Tips:
- To prevent damaged outdoor faucets, unhook hoses and if it's really cold install insulated faucet covers.
- Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated
or unprotected space)
- Know where the water shut-off for the house is located in case you need to quickly turn off the supply
Tips on Hiring Service Contractors:
- Ask your neighbors/co-workers/social network about who they would use (and not use) again for similar work; use
Angie's List (http://www.angieslist.com) to see who others in the area recommend
- Ask for references from the contractor
- Once you have some names, meet with them, look for chemistry or rapport between you and them and observe their
level of professionalism. Courtesy, respect, punctuality and the ability to communicate are some of the most important attributes
a contractor can have next to their basic competency. Actually, no matter how good someone is, if they don't click with you
on these points, you might continue looking.
- Get 2 or more bids if it is a significant project
- Don't pay the entire cost up front; if it is a small contractor, they may need a partial up front payment to buy
project material.
- Even for a small job, outline specifically with the contractor in writing what will be done and when it will be
done; also get an understanding of what might be hidden (rotten wood, structural issues, e.g.) that might legitimately drive
the estimate up. Be sure assumptions, if any, are clear.
- Don't work with a contractor that offers a discount to "sign up today"
Fall Maintenance Checklist:
- Pipes
Inspect visible pipes for leaks. Consider replacing washing machine hoses with braided steel hoses to prevent ruptures.
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets; dishwasher; toilets
Check under and around for leaks.
- Basement or crawl space
Check for cracks or any sign of dampness or leaks
- Kitchen exhaust fan
Remove and clean the filter. Clean accumulated grease deposits from the fan housing.
- Garage door
Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel.
- Smoke detector
Test for proper operation and replace batteries.
- Foundation
Inspect visible areas, vents, and ducts for cracks, leaks, or blockages.
- Outside faucets
Remove hoses in late Fall to prevent faucet freeze; install faucet covers if a hard winter is expected.
- Plumbing shut-off valves
Inspect for proper operation.
- Water heater
Flush out hot water to remove accumulated sediment.
- Attic
Examine for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels,
raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation.
- Weather stripping
Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary.
- Fireplace
Inspect flues. Clean if necessary. Inspect fireplace brick and mortar for cracks or damage.
- Cooling system
Remove debris from around units and clean with garden hose. Remove window air conditioner or protect with weatherproof cover.
- Heating system
Service heating system/heat pump/humidifier. Clean and replace filters if necessary.
- Chimney
Clean and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
- Roof
Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.
- Gutters and downspouts
Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage.
- Lawn and patio furniture
Clean and store or cover with weatherproof material.
Summer Home and Maintenance Tips & Reminders:
- As your home ages, your hot water heater might start leaking and it might not be discovered for a few days. To
prevent undetected water damage, consider using water alarms close to your water heater if it is located in your basement,
a crawlspace, or attic. Some units even have remote alarms that work 50 feet away from the hot water heater.
- With the hot weather, your AC has been working overtime, so you should check the condition of the filters in your
system. They may need changing or washing sooner than normal.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles; more
sources of water problems
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
- Know where the main water shut off valve is located in your home and check it frequently to make sure it is operational;
if you do have a leak, you will need to shut off the water quickly
Spring Maintenance Tips:
- turn off your humidifier and valve off the water supply
- check your mailbox for winter damage
- change batteries in smoke and CO detectors (write the date on the new ones so you will know how old they are)
- clean and reverse ceiling fan blades (air should move down in the cooling season)
- check for air gaps and leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets
- replace furnace filters; have your AC system checked
- drain water from the water heater to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank
- check for winter damage to paint, trim, gutters, siding
- remove lint from dryer exhaust
|
