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Proper upkeep of your home is essential to its
longevity. Maintenance also prevents premature deterioration of materials.
We've compiled the following checklist of projects that you should do
annually.
Shutoff Valves
Review the location
of all of the shutoff valves with all your family members so you'll be prepared
for emergencies.
Gas Shut Off Valves
Identify
location and show family how to shut off.
Electrical Panel/Breaker Box
Identify location and show entire family how to shut off main breaker in an
emergency, or flip any circuits back on after an overload. (If it happens
often, consider hiring an electrician to upgrade your panel or wiring.)
Gas-Fired, Forced-Air Central Heating
Systems
Hire a pro to inspect the thermostat, electrical components and
controls, check the heat exchanger, flue, ducts, air flow and air fuel mixture,
adjust the burner and oil the motor and circulating fan.
Heat Pump
Schedule an annual service call to have a certified professional to inspect the
wiring, check belts and replace if needed, and oil the moving parts.
Oil-Fired Boilers
Hire a
professional for annual maintenance including flue cleaning, a fuel- filter
change, cleaning and adjustment of the jets.
Arrange for service calls before the start
of heating and cooling season to get better attention and have more flexibility
when scheduling appointments.
Fireplaces and Chimneys
Have your
wood burning fireplaces and stoves inspected annually, cleaned and repaired as
required to prevent chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and mortar and
flashing failure. Water leaks can also cause your mortar to deteriorate
prematurely. Consider installing a chimney cap to protect your chimney from
water, debris, and critters.
Clean Carpeting, Upholstery And
Draperies
Have your carpets, upholstery and draperies cleaned
regularly, once every 12 to 18 months, to remove the dirt and grit that can
wear them out prematurely. You should also have carpets cleaned after any event
such as remodeling or holiday parties and eliminate stains as quickly as
possible.
Appliances
Inspect appliance hoses
and ventilation according to owners' manuals. Hire a service professional if it
is necessary to replace them. Vacuum the coils behind your refrigerator and
freezer (found behind or under) to increase energy efficiency.
Garage Doors
Clean and lubricate
hinges, rollers, and tracks; tighten screws. If any more serious repairs are
required, contact a garage door pro.
Fire Alarms
Make sure you check and
test your fire alarms. You might find that they need new batteries.
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