Maintenance Tips for home owners

It’s important to keep up with home maintenance because it will help protect one the biggest investments you will make, your home. By following the checklist of maintenance tips, these practices will extend the life expediencies and will reduce overall costs of your home.

Monthly

Smoke detectors: make sure these are working in case of the unexpected event of a fire.

Carbon monoxide detectors: make sure these are working in case of an appliance malfunction.

Ground fault circuit interrupters: test to make certain these work in the event of an electrical problem.

Filters/air cleaners on heating/air conditioning: clean these for improved comfort, protection, and to cut down on heating costs.

Mechanism for garage door openers: for safety reasons, make sure these are safe so nobody gets injured.

Range hood filters: cleaning these will reduce energy costs, maintain efficiency, and minimize the risk of fires.

Central vacuum system: empty and clean filter so system will work properly.

Quarterly

Bathroom fan: clean grill to ensure proper air flow.

Sliding doors and windows: clean tracks and make sure the drain holes are open to prevent risk of water damage.

Heat recovery ventilator: clean and/or replace filter for optimal savings and efficiency.

Floor drains: check for water in traps to prevent sewer odours.

Spring

Gutters: clean to extend gutter life.

Air-conditioning systems: to protect the equipment, have it serviced (before turning it on).

Furnace humidifier: turn and keep off the water to prevent humidity in the summer.

Humidifiers and central air: close the damper on humidifier to avoid short-circuiting the air-conditioning system.

Well water: to ensure water is potable, get it tested by a laboratory.

Sump pump: to avoid flooding, test to make sure it works.

Chimneys: inspect and sweep to reduce risk of chimney fire.

Fall

Gutters: clean to extend gutter life.

Heating system: service before turning on to protect the system.

Gas fireplace: service with other gas appliances.

Outdoor hose bibs: shut off to prevent freezing damage to pipes.

Hot water heating systems: bleed radiators to remove air, to ensure a warm house. Lubricate the circulating pump to extend life of system.

Humidifier connected to furnace: turn on and open the water supply to ensure the humidifier will work in the winter.

Humidifiers and central air-conditioners:  open the damper on the humidifier bypass, to ensure system will work in the colder months.

Electric baseboard heaters: vacuum dust to increase efficiency and prevent fires.

Well water: have tested by lab to make sure water is potable.

Sump pump: test to make sure if will operate properly and to avoid flooding.

Catch basins: clean and test to make sure system is working properly.

Exterior vents: ensure vents close properly to reduce loss of heat. Also to prevent insect/pest entry.

 

Annual

Trees and bushes: trim back at least 3 ft from air-conditioning to allow a/c to work to greatest potential. Trim back from roof and walls to prevent branch damage and for pest/insect control.

Vines: cut away from wood components of home

Roofing: perform inspection and maintenance to maximize the life of your roof.

Bathtub and shower enclosures: to prevent water damage, check caulking and grout.

Attic: check for water damage and pest invasion.

Exterior: inspect for weather tightness at siding, trim, doors, windows, etc to prevent water damage.

Exterior paint/stain: check around wood areas for rot. Pay close attention to wood lower to the ground.

Exterior grade: make sure it slopes down away from the home to drain water away, rather than towards the foundation.

Refrigerators/freezers: vacuum coils to improve efficiency and to reduce costs.

Fire extinguisher: check gauges to make sure they are operational.

Garage door hardware: lubricate to ensure door moves freely.

Garage door operator: make sure system is lubricated to minimize load on electric motor.

Semi-Annual

Exterior air intakes: make sure intakes are clean and clear from debris. If not properly taken care of, debris can block air from entering mechanical equipment.

Ongoing maintenance

Septic systems: regular maintenance and inspection is recommended from your service provider. Tanks are usually pumped out every 3 years.

 

contact Dallas today for a free quote on your next home inspection