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Time Change, Time to Change
The time change is a great reminder of some essential household maintenance chores. Here’s a list of twelve items:
1 – Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While you are at it, test these and push the button to make they are all working. These have an estimated life of about 10 years. If it does not test easily or sound a piercing shriek, it’s time to change the alarm unit itself.
2 – Replace the batteries in your moisture alarms. Some folks have these installed at the base of their hot water tanks or near the washing machines. Touch the metal conductors to see if it chirps.
3 – Test your GFCI outlet receptacles. Simply push the test buttons on each of these. They are supposed to be located in bathrooms, kitchen, garages and outside. In newer construction a reset button is located in the main panel. For less than $10 you can buy a little tester that will help with this. If you happen to have a fridge/freezer or other critical appliances plugged into your garage outlets be sure these are properly reset after testing.
4 – Replace furnace filter. These will improve the air quality in the home, reduce wear on your furnace heating and cooling system, and reduce power bills. If you have a condensate pump for your furnace, usually present with heat pumps and high-efficiency systems, gently lift the float and listen if the pump turns on.
5 – Clean out your drain p-traps under your bathroom and kitchen sinks. It would be helpful to clean out the drain of your tub and shower too. This is never a pleasant task but will improve water flow, reduce soap scum buildup and reduce likelihood of backups and leaks.
6 – Visit your attic and crawlspace. Any new signs of rodent activity or moisture puddles? Are any of the ductwork trunks disconnected or lying on the ground? Anything else that looks suspicious or unusual?
7- Check your crawlspace sump pump. While you are in your crawlspace lift the float and see if the pump properly engages. If it does not turn on make sure the outlet is energized. It could be an issue that you need to get resolved.
8 – Remove lint that has collected in your dryer ductwork or at the outside vent cover. This will improve air flow, reduce the risk of fire, and cut the dry time and operating costs!
9 – Find and replace all those burned out light bulbs. It’s finally time to get to that light bulb that has been out over your stairs or in the corner of your dining room the past several months.
10 – Vacuum out your floor registers. This is where dirt, dust and other treasures collect all year long. Pull up the metal cover and carefully vacuum this area. Use your vacuum hose to reach the items collected in the ductwork. Be careful, sharp edges of sheet metal and occasionally shards of broken glass can cause injury in these areas.
NOTE: If you have base board or electric forced air heating units, turn these circuit breakers off, remove the covers and vacuum out the dust collecting in here.
11 – Clean the vent screen covers. Pull the covers from your overhead bathroom ventilation fans and the screens from your kitchen fume hood. Thoroughly clean these to improve air flow. A kitchen dish brush and some warm soapy water can help. Soak your fume hood screens and then run them through the dishwasher on a heavy wash cycle.
12 – Confirm the settings on your whole house fan timer. Is it still turning on for 2-4 hours a day? This provides a valuable aid in air circulation.
BONUS:
Contact that helpful home inspector you met with that lingering home maintenance question! Feel free to call, text or email (below).
