Page 4 - Home Maintenance

HOME SET- UP AND MAINTENAN

Fall

Gutters – clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry

Heating system – service before turning on to protect the equipment
Gas fireplace – service with other gas appliances; include fireplace in service plan
Outdoor hose bibs – shut off unless they are frost free to prevent freezing damage to pipes
Hot water heating systems – bleed radiators to remove air so the radiators will keep the house
warm
Hot water heating systems – lubricate the circulating pump as needed to extend its life

Humidifier connected to furnace – turn on and open the water supply so that the humidifier will
work in the heating season

Humidifiers and central air conditioners – open the damper on the humidifier bypass to allow the
humidifier to work in the heating season
Electric baseboard heaters – vacuum to remove dust to increase the efficiency and reduce the risk
of fire

Well water – have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink (More frequent testing may be
appropriate.)

Sump pump – test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding
Catch basins – test and clean out debris if needed – to make sure they will carry water away
Exterior vents – ensure vent flaps close properly to reduce heat loss and prevent pest entry

Winter

Foundation Vents – Close foundation vents if temperatures drop into the 20’s or lower. Use foam blocks
for extra protection.
Exterior Faucets – Disconnect hoses.

Gutters and Downspouts – Look for signs of damage. Drains and gutters should be cleared of debris. You
can test them by pouring a bucket of water down each downspout to ensure free flow.

Sprinkler System – Shut off in ground sprinklers and have the system blown out to purge system of
water.

Furnace Vents / Filter – Clean and vacuum heating vents and ducts to minimize dust. Change the furnace
filter every 90 days or as needed.

Chimney – Chimney flues should be inspected yearly and swept as necessary. Test all fireplace flues for
tight seals
Window and Door Seals - Inspect all windows for tight seals and air leakage; caulk or apply weather
stripping if necessary. Inspect all doors for tight seals and air leakage; apply weather stripping or door
guards if necessary.

Ceiling Fans – Clean the blades and reverse the air flow direction.
In freezing temperatures let faucets run slowly and open vanity cabinet doors.

When going on vacation or leaving the house vacant shut off the water and turn the hot water heater to
vacation mode.
During freezing temperatures thermostats should be set no lower than 65 degrees.

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