Home Care Tips

  Check your attic for birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.
  Pour 1 gallon of water down unused drains.
  Clean the refrigerator drain pan.
  Inspect your dishwasher for leaks.
  Check the operation of your sump pump if you have one.
  Have your air ducts cleaned.
  Service your kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.

  Check your basement windows for drafts and/or cracked panes.
  Check on supplies around the home that could will be helpful if there’s a weather related power outage or other emergency. Batteries, non perishable food items, and blankets should be available.
  Replace the filter on your furnace to keep it operating as efficiently as possible.
  Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
  Reseal grout on counters, walls, and floors to prevent staining.
  Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
  Make sure any decorative lights you put up for the holidays are working properly before hanging them. Anything with a frayed or damaged cord should be discarded.

  Clean the Carpets.
  Remove Lint from Dryer Exhaust Vent.
  Check Exhaust Ducts Are Clear of Debris.
  Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
  Check Fire Extinguisher.
  Clean Kitchen Exhaust Hood and Filter.
  Clean Garbage Disposal.

  Replace or clean your furnace filter.
  Clean filters for kitchen exhaust fans.
  Drain outside faucets and winterize your sprinkler system.
  Check your driveway for cracks. Fill cracks and reseal as needed.
  Cover your air conditioner and/or remove any window units.
  Reverse your ceiling fans to help blow warm air down from the ceiling throughout the room.
  Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
  Pass a lit candle around doors and windows to check for drafts. Weather strip as necessary.

  Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries where necessary.
  Drain approximately 2 gallons from your water heater to eliminate sediment.
  Clean your clothes dryer vent duct.
  Vacuum your bathroom vent covers.
  Replace or clean your furnace filter.
  Clean out any basement window wells.
  Clean the condensation coils on your refrigerator to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
  Clean around your air conditioning compressor and make sure it has adequate airflow.

  Trim back shrubbery around walls.
  Trim tree limbs away from roof.
  Remove any yard waste or debris as needed. Keep branches or other clippings around can attract insects.
  Check your siding for damage, warping, or rot.
  Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  Check for damage, loose, or missing shingles on your roof.
  Check your chimneys for deteriorating bricks and mortar.
  Check window and door screens, replace or patch if needed.
  Check driveway, walkway, and patios for cracks or deterioration and reseal or repair as necessary.

  Check foundation walls, floors, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration.
  Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failures.
  Trim back all tree limbs and other vegetation away from your roof.
  Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
  Replace or clean your furnace filter.
  Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  Clean and lubricate garage door tracks.

  Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
  Check plumbing shut-off valves. Ensure that they turn off and on freely.
  Service your kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
  Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests and squirrels.
  Check your sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
  Inspect your home’s exterior siding for mildew. Scrub off as necessary.
  Check your air conditioning unit and have it serviced before summer temperatures arrive