Home-Care Tips
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January Home-Care Tips
Check attic for birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.
Pour 1 gallon of water down unused drains.
Clean frost free refrigerator drain pan.
Inspect dishwasher for leaks.
Check operation of water pump and sump pump.
Have air ducts cleaned.
Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
February Home-Care Tips
Examine thermostat. Clean heat sensor, contact points and contacts; check accuracy and replace if necessary.
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries.
Know the location of all gas shut-off valves.
Clean the clothes dryer vent duct; (#2 cause of house fires).
Clean coils in rear of refrigerator unit.
Check fire extinguishers. Refill or replace as needed.
March Home-Care Tips
Tune up lawn mower.
Maintain exterior foundation grading/slope to ensure water drains away from the home.
Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves and soffit; repair if necessary.
Examine repair and replace caulk and grout around tub and shower.
Check window and door screens. Replace or patch as needed.
Vacuum bathroom vent covers.
April Home-Care Tips
Asphalt driveways should be resealed when water begins to soak into surface.
Clean debris from gutters and ensure downspouts are free of obstruction.
Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment .
Check basement for dampness/leaks following the next rainstorm.
Check antennae for satellite dish supports for possible leaks.
Service air conditioning units and condensors.
Replace or clean furnace filters.
May Home-Care Tips
Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
Know where the plumbing shut –off vales are located. Ensure that they shut off and on freely.
Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests and squirrels.
Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
Inspect exterior siding for mildew. Scrub off as necessary.
Check septic system drain field for flooding.
June Home-Care Tips and Ideas
Check foundations, walls, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration.
Check all wood surface for weathering and paint failure.
Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
Clean or lubricate garage door tracks.
July Home-Care Tips
Trim shrubbery around walls.
Remove dead or overgrown tree limbs as needed.
Check siding for damage, warping or rot.
Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles.
Check chimneys for deteriorating bricks or mortar.
Check window and door screens; replace or patch if needed.
Check driveway, patios and walkways for cracks or deterioration and reseal or repair as needed.
August Home-Care Tips
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries.
Drain approximately 2 gallons of water from water heater to eliminate sediment.
Clean dryer vent duct.
Vacuum bathroom vent covers.
Clean out basement window wells.
Clean around air conditioning compressor.
Clean coils in rear of refrigerator.
September Home-Care Tips
Clean gaps between deck boards, especially above joists.
Check caulking and weather strips around windows and doors.
Clean fire extinguisher, refill or replace as needed.
Pour 1 gallon of water down unused drains.
Trim or remove plantings around foundation. Leave a minimum of one foot of clear space between plantings and foundation.
Scrub mildewed areas of house and others structure’s siding.
Service kitchen’s disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
Examine repair and replace caulk and grout around tub and shower.
October Home-Care Tips
Clean filters for kitchen exhaust fan.
Drain outside faucets and winterize sprinkler system.
Check siding for damage, warping or rot.
Clean septic system drain field for flooding.
Pass a lit candle around doors and windows to check for drafts, weather-strip as necessary
November Home-Care Tips
Inspect and clean storm window weep holes.
Clean debris from gutters and ensure down spouts are free of obstruction.
Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
Check for repair cracks in foundation, brick or stucco.
Review emergency procedures and practice fire drill.
Examine chimney. Clean flue; repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
December Home-Care Tips
Replace or clean furnace filter.
Service heating system.
Clean faucet aerators and shower head.
Reseal grout on counters, walls and floors to prevent staining.
Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) receptacles and (GFCI) circuit breakers.