Home Maintence Check List

Springtime

Open inside hose valves

Check gutters, downspouts, roof and attic for leaks

Inspect and replace (if needed) weather stripping around doors and windows

Inspect and repair (if needed) window and door screens while installing for the season

Inspect and repair (if needed) window glazing compound

Examine septic system drain field for flooding, odor; have tank pumped yearly

Check and replace exterior caulk to keep out bugs

Check all access hole to the house to make sure they are sealed up

Summer preparation

Insulate garage and garage door to reduce heat gain to the summer

Weather strip attic access cover

If your windows do not have low E, tint them with a heat reflecting film. The tint doesn't have to be dark to work. The windows facing south or west are the most important

Shade air conditioning compressor with fencing or bushes if it is on the south or west side. This will allow it to work more efficiently

Make sure attic vents and sofits are clean and clear. A well-vented attic will keep the heat from coming in to the house.

Yard

Pick up branches and other debris

Rake up dead leaves

Fertilize lawn with fertilizer that has pre-emergent crabgrass preventer

Keep pets and children from playing on the lawn until the first rain/irrigation after fertilizing

Adjust mower, for the first cut, to a lower height to remove dead tops and promote greening. Adjust it back later. A good cutting height is 2.5" - 3" for the spring and higher in the summer

Patch bald areas of the yard form a pre-made patching mix or use seed with a small amount of starter fertilizer and mulch

Prune trees and bushes before they bud if possible

Trim any trees or shrubs that touch house

Trim bushes below window line for security

Remember to water if it does not rain enough

Spring cleaning

Clean and seal tile grout

Inspect plumbing shutoff valves

Inspect toilets for stability

Vacuum smoke alarms

Vacuum heating registers, vents, ducts, radiators

Hose off house exterior

Scrub mildewed areas of house exterior and treat for mildew and fungus on decks

Clean gaps between deck boards above joists

Clean around air conditioner compressor

Clean out under decks and porches

Clean out gutters and downspout elbows

Clean out basement window wells

Make sure attic vents and sofits are clean and clear

Rake debris away from side of house and other structures

Monthly

Inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads

Clean frost-free refrigerator drain pan

Clean dust and debris from refrigerator coils

Inspect dishwasher for leaks

Clean kitchen exhaust fan filters

Grind ice cubes in disposer

Check and replace (if needed) heating system air filter

Maintain drains with baking soda or hot water, not with chemical drain openers

Pour water down unused drains

Inspect visible foundation areas, pipes, vents and ducts

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