Upon taking ownership of a house:
- Change locks on all exterior doors and check security of all windows.
- Check all smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide testers.
If these detectors are not present, you need to install them. You
should have a minimum of one smoke detector per floor and at least
one carbon monoxide per house.
- Plan a fire escape and tornado safety plan and practice them.
- Review your home inspection report and prioritize the items that need
attention.
- Locate your main shut-offs for plumbing, electrical, and gas.
Annually:
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
- Clean and service heating and cooling systems and the water heater.
- Replace smoke detector, fire alarm, and carbon monoxide tester
batteries.
Spring:
- Examine weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows, etc.
Replace if needed. This helps to keep bugs out and reduces drafts.
- Examine exterior door and window locks for security.
- Lubricate all locks, hinges, and latches.
- Clean dryer vent duct of any lint, etc.
- Lubricate garage door rollers and tighten bolts.
- Examine the exterior paint and repaint as needed.
- Clean debris from the gutters.
- Examine A/C unit. If it is dirty, call an HVAC technician and have them
service your cooling unit.
- Examine the roof and repair any damaged or missing roofing
material. Check caulking around vents,chimney, etc.
- Check around the foundation for signs of ground settling. Add fill dirt
to low areas to keep water running away from the house.
- Practice your fire escape and tornado safety plans that you made
when you moved in. If you haven't made these plans, do it now!
Fall:
- Replace furnace filter(s).
- Turn on and run the furnace so you know it is working before you
need it. Call an HVAC technician if the furnace needs cleaning and/or
adjustment.
- Turn off all valves for exterior water faucets.
- Examine weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows, etc.
Replace if needed. This helps to keep bugs out and reduces drafts.
- Check around the foundation for signs of ground settling. Add fill dirt
to low areas to keep water running away from the house.
- Clean debris from the gutters.
- Have the chimney inspected and cleaned.
- Test smoke detector, fire alarm, and carbon monoxide tester
batteries. Replace batteries as needed.
- Review and practice your fire escape plan.
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