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Year-Round Maintenance The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” may be a cliché, but it’s useful advice. Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your home in good repair. Often, such maintenance routinely carried out will ward off major repairs further down the road.
Below is a list of the most common maintenance work you should do around the home. The list is merely a guide; if you notice a problem developing, take care of it immediately.
CAUTION: Before inspecting or working on the electrical system or on any device connected to it, shut off the power, and check that the circuit is dead with a circuit tester, or unplug the device. For maintenance of or repairs to plumbing fixtures or water-using appliances, you may need to shut off the water.
EVERY MONTH (when in use)
- Fire Extinguisher—Check that it is fully charged and recharge if necessary.
- Smoke Detector—Test Batteries an replace if necessary, test unit with a lit cigarette or incense
- Sink and Tub Stoppers—clean out debris
- Garbage Disposer—Flush with hot water and baking soda
- Steam heating system—Check safety valve and steam pressure gauge and replace if necessary; check water level gauge and add water if needed; drain water until clear of sediment.
- Hot Water Heating System—Test relief valve and replace if necessary; check pressure gauge and drain expansion tank if necessary.
- Forced Warm-Air Heating System—Clean or replace air filter; vacuum register.
- Evaporative Air Conditioner—Check blankets and replace if necessary; check air flow; clean or repair unit if necessary.
- Heat Pump—Clean or replace air filter; clean condenser or evaporator coils and condensate drain; remove snow and/or debris from outdoor portion of unit.
- Refrigerated air conditioner—Clean or replace filter; clean condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain.
EVERY TWO MONTHS (when in use)
- Oil Burner (pressure type)—Inspect and clean
- Wall Furnace—Clean grills
- Range Hood Fan—Clean grease filter
EVERY THREE MONTHS
- Faucet—Clean aerator
- Tub Drain Assembly—Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if necessary
- Floor Drain Strainer—Clean our debris and scrub strainer
- Dishwasher—Clean strainer, spray arm and air gap
EVERY SIX MONTHS
- Basement and foundation—Check for cracks and moisture and repair if necessary
- Toilet—Check for leaks and repair if necessary
- Interior Caulking—Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace if deteriorating
- Water Heater—Drain water until clear of sediment; inspect flue assembly (gas heater)
- Garbage Disposer—Tighten drain connections and fasteners
- Clothes Washer—Vacuum inlet filters; check hoses and replace if leaking
- Clothes Dryer—Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas
- Refrigerator—Clean drain hole and pan (more often in warm weather); wash door gasket; vacuum condenser coils
- Wiring—Check for frayed cords and wires; repair if necessary
- Exhaust Fan—Clean grill and fan blades
- Range Hood Fan—Wash fan blades and housing
EVERY SPRING
- Roof—Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if necessary
- Gutters and Downspouts—Clean out (more frequently if necessary); inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage and repair if necessary
- Siding—inspect and clean siding and repair if necessary
- Exterior Caulking—Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating
- Window Sills, Door Sills and Thresholds—Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if necessary
- Window and Door Screens—Clean screening and repair or replace if necessary; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers
- Drain Waste and Vent System—Flush out System
- Hot Water Heating System—Lubricate circulating pump and motor
- Evaporative Air Conditioner—Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt
- Heat Pump—Lubricate blower motor
- Refrigerated Air Conditioner—Lubricate blower motor
- Whole House or Attic Fan—Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belt; tighten screws and bolts; lubricate motor bearings
EVERY AUTUMN
- Roof—Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; Repair if necessary
- Gutters and Downspouts— Clean out (more frequently if necessary); inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage and repair if necessary
- Chimney/Stovepipe—Clean flue (more frequently if necessary); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar
- Siding—inspect and clean siding and repair if necessary
- Exterior Caulking—Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating
- Storm Windows and Doors—Replace any cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair and loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers
- Window and Door Weatherstripping—Inspect and repair or replace if necessary
- Drain-waste and Vent System—Flush our System
- Hot-water Heating System—Lubricate pump and motor; bleed air from radiators or convectors
- Forced Warm-Air Heating—Vacuum heat exchanger surfaces; clean and lubricate blower blades and motor; check fan belt tension and adjust if necessary; replace cracked or worn belts; check fo rleaks and repair if necessary
- Gas Burner—Clean burners and ports
- Oil Burner—Have professionally serviced
- Thermostat—Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace if necessary
- Garage Doors—Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks; tighten screws
ANNUALLY
- Septic Tank—Have a professional check tank (watch for back-up throughout the year)
- Water Heater—Test temperature-pressure relief valve and replace if necessary; clean burner and ports (gas heater)
- Refrigerator—Test door seal (replace gasket about every six years); check temperature and adjust if necessary
- Recirculating Fan (range hood)—Replace pellets in charcoal filter
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