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