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NEWS

A key to protecting the investment you've made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you'll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home.

Here are helpful checklists for monthly and seasonal maintenance.

Monthly

• Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
• Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer's schedule.
• If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well.
• Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks.

Spring - Inside

• Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Clean or replace as necessary.
• Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys. Have each clean and serviced as needed.
• When heating season is complete, shut down and clean furnace humidifier. Close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
• Check air conditioning system and clean or replace air filters. Have system serviced as need (recommend every 2 to 3 years).
• Check and clean dehumidifier as necessary.
• Where possible, turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights.
• Ensure sump pump is operating properly. Check to be sure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.

Spring - Outside

• If applicable, have well water tested for quality.
• Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture. Repair as required.
• Check paint on outside walls and fence. Repair and paint as necessary.
• Check level of any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling. Re-level as necessary.
• Check and clean out gutters and downspouts. Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home. Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation.
• Remove any debris from drainage ditches and culverts.
• Prune and fertilize landscaping as necessary.

Summer - Inside 

• Deep clean carpets and rugs.
• Vacuum air duct grills and bathroom fan grill.
• Inspect your dryer's lint duct. Disconnect it from the dryer and vacuum out lint from the duct and areas surrounding your dryer.
• Inspect windows and doorways. Replace damaged caulking and weather stripping.
• Have a thorough termite inspection if you don't currently have a termite service. Follow up on any treatment and repair recommendations. It will save you money in the long run.
• Check pipes for condensation or dripping.
• Check the basement floor trap to be sure it contains water. Refill as necessary.

Summer - Outside

• Inspect driveway and walk ways. Make repairs as needed.
• Remove or prune any plants, shrubs or trees that penetrate the foundation, siding or brick.
• Check exterior siding and trim for signs of damage. Clean, repair and/or replace as needed.
• Check for and seal holes that could be an entry point for pests and rodents.
• Make a visual inspection of your roof (or hire a professional to do so). Note the general condition. Sagging could be a sign of structural damage and should be checked by a professional. Inspect all roof flashings, checking for signs of cracking or leakage. Replace broken or damaged shingles as needed.
• Inspect the chimney cap and caulking.
• Sweep out chimneys connected to a fireplace or wood burning appliance. Inspect the chimney for end-of-season problems.
• Test garage door to insure it is opening properly and hardware is secure.
• Lubricate garage door hardware. If you have a garage door opener, lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
  Fall

Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detector

• Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
• Change the batteries in both. This should be done twice a year.

Furnace / Heating System

• Have your system serviced by a qualified service company.
• If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum them to remove dust.
• Remove the grills on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
• If you use a portable humidifier, it's time to clean it.

Water Heater

• Extend its life expectancy by draining a gallon or two of water from your hot water heater at least twice a year.
  
  Windows and Doors
  [ ] Put up storm windows.
  [ ] Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass.
  [ ] Ensure windows and skylights close tightly.
  [ ] Make sure all doors to the outside shut tightly. Renew weather stripping as required.

Outside

• Check your chimney for obstructions, such as bird's nests.
• Clean gutters and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.
• Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall. Remove mulch from the foundation wall as well. This helps prevent water damage.
• Drain and store outdoor hoses. Prepare your outdoor faucets for winter freezes.
• Protect young trees and bushes for winter and winterize gardens.
• Trim shrubs and trees so that they clear the foundation, exterior walls, and roof of the house.
• Store outdoor furniture.