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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.
- [ ] 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.
- [ ] 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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