MONTHLY Replace furnace filters or clean electric filters. Test sump pump (by putting water through it). Check to be sure exterior pipe end remains open. Check water in sump pump battery back-up and test alarm. Check toilets, sinks and showers in unused bathrooms. Test GFI receptacles throughout interior and exterior of your home. EVERY THREE MONTHS Test smoke detectors. Check dryer vents to make sure flaps are closed. (This will prevent bees and mice from having easy access.) Keep gutters and roof valleys clean. (Do this at least monthly if you have trees nearby.) Check exterior door weatherstrips. Adjust exterior door thresholds. (You will have to adjust these based on the season of the year and weather conditions.) Wax threshold. Inspect grading slope to ensure rainwater is not running toward home. Make sure sewer vents are free and clear of debris. Inspect laundry hoses to be sure they are properly attached and that washer hose does not leak. Operate unused windows and keep window track liners “clean.” EVERY SPRING AND FALL Replace smoke detector batteries and test. Garage: Release overhead garage doors manually and then reconnect. Oil rollers. Check to be sure overhead doors fully close. (This will prevent mice from having easy access.) Test safety reverse on each overhead door. Adjust air returns with HVAC change (top closed/bottom open during heat use, top open/bottom closed during air conditioning use. Check exterior caulking (at TCS areas, windows, any openings that lead from exterior to interior of home, etc.) and replace as needed. Check bathroom caulk and grout and replace as needed. In tile showers with fiberglass drain pan, check to be sure shower drain holes at sides of shower drain pan remain unclogged. EVERY FALL Repaint or revarnish exterior surface areas as needed (i.e. front door). Professionally service HVAC units. Repair “drying out” cracks (drywall, trim, etc.) Professionally service gas fireplace. Have chimney cleaned (for wood-burning fireplaces). Flush hot water heater. MISCELLANEOUS HELPFUL HINTS INTERIOR Oven: when cleaning oven, be sure to remove everything, including oven shelves, before turning on the clean cycle. Dishwasher: turn hot water faucet at kitchen sink on until water is hot before turning dishwasher on. This will ensure that dishes have hot water immediately when the dishwasher is turned on. Always use cold water with your garbage disposal and run it at least 15 additional seconds after food is through the unit. Please follow all operation, cleaning and maintenance procedures with your whirlpool tub. Polish fiberglass showers, tubs and acrylic vanity tops occasionally to ensure a quality shine and to make them easier to clean. If you have ceramic tile flooring in your home, you may want to seal the grout. Be aware of the possibility for frozen pipes during periods of extremely low, sustained temperatures. If a pipe does freeze, leave the faucet OPEN or ON. This will reduce the chances of a broken pipe. Call for professional help if you are not experienced at thawing pipes. EXTERIOR Properly water your lawn and plants, especially during the first several months after planting. It is suggested that you apply appropriate fertilizers to the lawn for faster and fuller growth which will help prevent “washouts.” Driveways: Do not allow moving vans or any other heavy than normal vehicle/truck onto the driveway within the first 12 months. (Driveways need time to “cure”.) Do not use calcium or salt-based products on concrete walkways or patios or on your driveway for de-icing purposes. The top surface of the concrete or asphalt (driveway) can chip away because of the chemical reaction that can be caused by those products. Use sand instead. Properly treating your pressure-treated deck will add years to its life. Keep furnace and water heater vents clear of ice and drifting snow. These systems will shut down if they cannot “breathe”.