10 Feb Home Maintenance Tips
Hints for Home Maintenance – build an annual checklist
Automatic Garage Door opener – Check the auto reverse safety feature.
Well Water – Have it tested for bacteria, etc.
Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.
Check your sump pump – You probably did not get much water in it this winter. Take a large bucket into the basement and see if it kicks on.
Check your water softener – Is your salt restocked?
Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
Check your washing machine hose connection
Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one
Clean your windows – Spring is beautiful – flowers, trees, etc. Clean your windows so you can really see what is out there!!!!!
Sharpen your mower blades – Dull blades will rip the grass and not cut it. Ripped grass is more damaging to grass than grass that has been cut.
Test your GFI’s – There is a little button on the GFI that says test. Push it in and see if your appliance works
Vents – For your bath fans and dryers
- Animals often times build nests in these things
- Get up in your attic to make sure the vent pipes from your bath fan, your dryer, or your range hood are connected. Sometimes these become disconnected and blow into the attic
- Make sure your dryer is vented to the OUTSIDE of your home
Safety Equipment
- Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order.
- Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
- Do you have any safety ladders for getting out of second floor bedrooms in case of a fire?