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HHI-Pedia Entry

Preventive Maintenance

By HousekeepingChannel.com

A preventive, systematic approach to health, safety and comfort is a homeowner’s best defense against poor air quality, unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.

 

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So, where does one start? Health House, a program sponsored by the American Lung Association to promote healthier indoor environments, has compiled the following helpful checklists that can be consulted at regular intervals:

Once a Month

[ ]   Test the function of all ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI) electrical outlets. Press “Test” buttons on all GFI-equipped outlets, and then press the “Reset” button. GFIs are functioning normally if resetting restores power to protected outlets.

[ ]   Press test buttons on all smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. The alarm should sound within a few seconds, which indicates proper function. If so equipped, check CO alarms for peak levels detected during the past month.

[ ]   Look at fire-extinguisher gauges to verify proper pressure; replace any extinguisher showing insufficient pressure or which is past its expiration date.

[ ]   Inspect plumbing fittings and connections for leaks. Pay close attention to hot and cold supply pipes, which are under constant water pressure.

[ ]   Check salt level in water-softening systems, adding salt if necessary.

[ ]   Inspect specialty water filters and replace as necessary.

During Each Season (Four Times a Year)

[ ]   Clean or replace the filter in a heating/air conditioning air handler; do this more often if it’s recommended by the manufacturer.

[ ]   Clean or replace ventilation system filters. (This service should be performed monthly during peak months of the heating and cooling seasons.)

[ ]   Clean exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Vacuum dust out of bathroom exhausts; grease may be cleaned from certain range-hood filters by washing the filter in an automatic dishwasher.

[ ]   Inspect rain gutters, downspouts and gutter fascia boards for proper function or damage. Clean or repair gutters as necessary.

Annually

[ ]   Hire a certified HVAC professional to inspect and clean heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

[ ]   Inspect all outside ventilation hoods and clear away debris or blockage as necessary. Some examples include furnace/water heater combustion-air inlets; dryer vents; ventilation-system intakes; and central-vacuum exhaust ports.

[ ]   Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

[ ]   Round up paints, cleaners, chemicals, batteries, used auto fluids and other hazardous materials in basements, garages and storage sheds for proper disposal. Some local governments sponsor regular hazardous-waste collections that will accept these materials; others may sponsor annual collection events. Check with local officials for dates and times.

[ ]   Inspect caulking around windows, doors and trim. Remove cracked caulk and replace as necessary.

[ ]   Inspect roof, flashing and shingles for damage or missing components.

[ ]   Inspect interior and exterior surfaces for signs of possible moisture intrusion. Hire a qualified contractor to look into moisture problems if you can’t track down the source or don’t know how to correct the situation.

Every Spring

[ ]   Clean and inspect dehumidifiers to prepare for summer use.

[ ]   Remove window screens and wash them outdoors. Repair torn or broken screens as necessary.

[ ]   Open the outdoor spigot supply valve, usually located in the basement. (Homes equipped with “frost-free” spigots don’t have a secondary valve.)

[ ]   Remove the cover, if applicable, from the outdoor central air-conditioning compressor; clean the unit if necessary.

Every Summer

[ ]   Clean the moisture pad in the central humidifier; replace the pad if necessary. Inspect the central humidifier for mildew, and clean it if needed. Change the unit’s damper position to the “off” or “summer” position.

[ ]   Use a dehumidifier to keep interior relative humidity under 50 percent. Adjust the humidistat control on the unit to maintain this level throughout the summer.

[ ]   Check for “positive” soil slope around the foundation; a 5-percent slope allows for proper drainage of rainwater away from the home. Bring in additional soil or fill to correct any soil settlement problems noted.

Every Fall

[ ]   Have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect wood and natural-gas log fireplaces, flues and chimneys for safe operation.

[ ]   Remove debris from, and clean, the grill of an outdoor air-conditioning compressor; securely cover unit for the winter.

[ ]   Inspect and clean the central-air condenser’s drain line and drain pan (if equipped) to remove any built-up mildew. Condensers are mounted near furnaces.

[ ]   Inspect weather stripping on doors and windows. Check the garage door, too, if the garage is attached to your home.

[ ]   Close the valve to the outside spigot, usually located in the basement. (Homes equipped with “frost-free” spigots don’t have a secondary valve.) Detach all hoses from outdoor spigots.

 

 

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Preventive Maintenance:  Created on June 4th, 2009.  Last Modified on November 5th, 2009

 

References listed above credit sources The Healthy House Institute consulted for background or additional information.

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