Home Maintenance Checklist

Periodic Exterior Maintenance
  • [ ] Rake debris away from side of house and other structures.
  • [ ] Clean out gutters.
  • [ ] Check and repair all caulking around exterior, especially windows.
  • [ ] Clean leaves from around air conditioner.
  • [ ] Inspect and replace weather stripping, if needed.
  • [ ] Clean out under decks and porches if applicable.
  • [ ] Inspect and repair glazing compound, if needed.
  • [ ] Clean out basement window wells, if applicable.

Heating, Cooling and Hot Water

Most HVAC systems maintenance should be done twice a year, once before the heating season and once before the cooling season.

  • [ ] General furnace inspection. Look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, proper color flame. Note odd sounds or smells. Check condition of venting.
  • [ ] Test for proper draft at furnace and/or water heater diverter, examine flue for leaks, rust, damage.
  • [ ] Examine pressure-temperature relief valve for leaking, and test, if desired.
  • [ ] Arrange for appropriate regular servicing and cleaning.

Periodic Safety Tests
  • [ ] Automatic garage door opener.
  • [ ] GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers.
  • [ ] Smoke alarms.
  • [ ] General inspection of heating unit and water heater.
  • [ ] Test pressure-temperature relief valve located on top, or on the side of, hot water heater(s).

Annual Interior Maintenance
  • [ ] Clean and seal tile grout.
  • [ ] Inspect plumbing shutoff valves and replace any leaking washers.
  • [ ] Inspect toilets for stability, do not overtighten flange bolts.
  • [ ] "Exercise" circuit breakers. (Be careful!!!)
  • [ ] Vacuum smoke alarms.
  • [ ] Vacuum refrigerator coils.
  • [ ] Inspect fireplace flue for glossy build up of creosote and have it cleaned regularly.
  • [ ] Inspect fireplace firebrick and mortar of cracks and deterioration.

Periodic Interior Maintenance
  • [ ] Inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
  • [ ] Clean frost-free refrigerator drain pan.
  • [ ] Inspect dishwasher for leaks.
  • [ ] Clean kitchen exhaust fan filters.
  • [ ] Check and replace, if needed, heating system air filter.
  • [ ] Drain 1 to 2 gallons of water from water heater. (Be careful, this water is hot!!!)
  • [ ] Maintain drains with baking soda or hot water, not with chemical drain openers.
  • [ ] Pour water down unused drains.
  • [ ] Inspect foundation, pipes, vents and ducts visible from inside.
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