WINTER MAINTENANCE TIPS:
- Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
- Clean out gutters and downspouts
- Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
- Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
- Check the attic for adequate ventilation
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
- Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Replace your furnace filter
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
- Check your electrical system
- Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
- Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage
- Review your fire escape plan with your family
- Consider installing a lightning protection system on your home
- Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning
- Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
- Check for damage to your roof
- Run through a severe-weather drill with your family
- Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
- Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
- Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
- Check your water heater
- Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
- Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
- Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
SUMMER MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips
- Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration
- Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
- Check exterior siding
- Check all window and door locks for proper operation
- Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Check your home for water leaks
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
- Check your water heater
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
- Socialize your dog to help reduce potential dog bites
FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Check all window and door locks for proper operation
- Check your home for water leaks
- Review your fire escape plan with your family
- Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
- Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
- Protect your home from frozen pipes
- Replace your furnace filter
- Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
- Test your emergency generator
- Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper
- Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
- Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring