| Air Conditioner |
- (Fall) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
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| Attic |
- If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
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| Basement or Crawl Space |
- Check basement/crawl space walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
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| Deck |
- Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house.
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| Electrical |
- Trip circuit breaker every six (6) months and ground fault interrupters monthly to ensure proper function.
- Learn location of electrical service panels and label each circuit.
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| Faucets |
- Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s).
- Replace washers as necessary.
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| Filters |
- Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed.
- Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans.
- Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
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| Fireplace |
- Clean fireplace of ashes.
- (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned.
- Make sure damper closes tightly.
- (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
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| Foundation |
- Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
- Check chimneys for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar.
- Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls.
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| Gutters |
- Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
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| Heating System |
- (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
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| Refrigerator |
- Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced.
- In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils.
- Stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
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| Roof |
- Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks.
- Examine the siding under roof eaves, and the ceilings in the rooms below, for water or discoloration, indications that ice dams might have created leaks along the roof edge.
- Check for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
- Repair as necessary.
- Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
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| Safety Equipment |
- Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order.
- Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
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| Siding & Paint |
- Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint.
- Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
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| Tile/Bath |
- Check all tile joints for adequate grout.
- Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilet base.
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| Water Heater |
- Drain water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
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| Well/Septic |
- Have the septic tank cleaned every two years.
- Periodically have well water checked for safety.
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| Windows & Doors |
- Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open.
- Check weather stripping.
- Replace seals as needed.
- (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm window.
- (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows. Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up.
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