for homeowners
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Fall Checklist
Outside:
• Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Replace or repair as needed.
• Check for cracks and holes in siding; fill with caulking as necessary.
• Take down screens (if removable). Clean and store.
• Check storms windows and doors; clean and repair as needed. Put back up (if removable).
• Drain outside faucets.
• Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them.
• Check roof for leaks; repair as necessary.
• Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks
• Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar.
• Check chimney flue; clean obstructions. Make sure damper closes tightly.
Inside:
• Check insulation wherever possible. Replace or add as necessary.
• Have heating system and heat pump serviced; have humidifier checked.
• Change or clean filters on furnace.
• Drain hot water heater and remove sediment from bottom of tank; clean burner surface; adjust burners.
• Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary.
• Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean refrigerator coils.
Spring Checklist
Outside:
• Check all stripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially if you have air conditioners
• Check outside house for cracked or peeling paint. Caulk and repaint as necessary.
• Remove, clean and store storm windows (if removable).
• Check all door and window screens; patch or replace as needed. Put screens up (if removable).
Inside:
• Replace filters on air conditioners.
• Check dryer vent, stove hood and room fans; clean them. Change or clean filters on furnace.
• Check seals on refrigerator and freezer; clean refrigerator coils, clean burner surface; adjust burners.
• Check basement walls and floors for dampness; if too moist, remedy as appropriate.
• Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer’s instruction.
• Check leaky faucets and replace washers as necessary.
• Check attic for proper ventilation; open vents.
• Clean drapes and blinds; repair as needed.
Fall Checklist
Outside:
• Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Replace or repair as needed.
• Check for cracks and holes in siding; fill with caulking as necessary.
• Take down screens (if removable). Clean and store.
• Check storms windows and doors; clean and repair as needed. Put back up (if removable).
• Drain outside faucets.
• Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them.
• Check roof for leaks; repair as necessary.
• Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks
• Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar.
• Check chimney flue; clean obstructions. Make sure damper closes tightly.
Inside:
• Check insulation wherever possible. Replace or add as necessary.
• Have heating system and heat pump serviced; have humidifier checked.
• Change or clean filters on furnace.
• Drain hot water heater and remove sediment from bottom of tank; clean burner surface; adjust burners.
• Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary.
• Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean refrigerator coils.
Spring Checklist
Outside:
• Check all stripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially if you have air conditioners
• Check outside house for cracked or peeling paint. Caulk and repaint as necessary.
• Remove, clean and store storm windows (if removable).
• Check all door and window screens; patch or replace as needed. Put screens up (if removable).
Inside:
• Replace filters on air conditioners.
• Check dryer vent, stove hood and room fans; clean them. Change or clean filters on furnace.
• Check seals on refrigerator and freezer; clean refrigerator coils, clean burner surface; adjust burners.
• Check basement walls and floors for dampness; if too moist, remedy as appropriate.
• Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer’s instruction.
• Check leaky faucets and replace washers as necessary.
• Check attic for proper ventilation; open vents.
• Clean drapes and blinds; repair as needed.
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