Seasonal Maintenance Suggestions

Monthly

Clean and test smoke alarms
Test and reset breakers for ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
Change or clean furnace filter
Drain sediment from water heater per manufacturer's instructions (local water quality determines needed frequency)

Check and operate air conditioning system
Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies
Make certain the air-conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris
Turn the humidifier off
Test exterior faucets
Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed and lubricated springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
Clean gutters and confirm that downspouts or splash blocks drain away from the house
Check exterior caulking and touch up
Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors) and refinish as needed
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up
Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes and lubricate tracks
Inspect for shrinkage damage such as minor drywall cracks and separation of wood trim. Repair as needed.

Regularly check sprinkler head adjustments
Check interior caulking and touch up
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up
Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in this drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house

Operate (test) the heating system
Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies
Clean the humidifier per manufacturer's instructions
Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed
Check the fit of exterior doors at their thresholds. Many designs are adjustable. Use a quarter turn to the large screws along he top edge
Drain the sprinkler system
Remove hoses from exterior faucets. Even "freeze proof" faucets end up with a broken water line if the water in the hose freezes and expands into the pipe
Inspect chimney for nests
Review safe fireplace operation. Chimneys for fireplaces and wood burning stoves need professional cleaning at regular intervals
Check overhead door of garage, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
Clean gutters, check downspouts and confirm that splash blocks drain away form the house.
Check foundation, concrete slabs, and yard for settling of backfill soils, fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage
Check exterior caulking and touch up
Wash windows and screens; lubricated tracks.

Follow all instruction for safe operation of any fireplace or wood burning stove
Brush snow off gutters and away from downspouts
Remove ice and snow from concrete surfaces as soon as possible
Avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts
Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in the drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.
On pleasant days open windows to allow the house to breaths
Decorate safely for the holidays. Do no overload circuits or use worn extension cords.