JANUARY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Organize and review warranties and product manuals for recommended maintenance. Mark your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service. Fix squeaks in floors and stairs. Do a room-by-room inventory of everything in your house for insurance claim purposes (photograph or videotape this, if possible). Inspect insulation around all exterior water pipes to avoid air infiltration. Change or clean furnace filter. Change water filters and service water softeners. Push the test button on bath and kitchen electrical outlets (GFCI), then push reset button.
FEBRUARY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Remove and clean drain traps under sinks. Inspect and clean pop-out drain plugs. Inspect grout and caulk around tubs, sinks and showers. Fix cracked or missing grout. Clean stained or mildewed caulk with trisodium phosphate. Reduce or eliminate musty closet odors by washing walls with diluted solution of chlorine bleach. If mustiness is the result of moisture, find the source and correct it. Maintain drawers and doors. Clean, adjust and lubricate glides, latches and hinges. Check security and home automation systems, back-up batteries and replace as needed. Arrange to seal concrete driveways, walks and patios in the spring.
MARCH MAINTENANCE TIPS
Daylight Savings Time begins the second Sunday in March. Set clocks forward one hour. Clean the garage. Dispose of paint thinners, household cleaners and pesticides properly. Clean the refrigerator, inside and out, with mild detergent. Remove all trays and shelves and wash, and dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Test sump pump for reliable operation before the spring rains. After heavy rains, inspect your basement walls for signs of moisture. Service lawn equipment: change oil, sharpen blades, etc. Clean gutters and downspouts for debris-free drainage. Clean outside window wells and basement stairs for clear drainage.
APRIL MAINTENANCE TIPS
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and garage door openers. Clean windows, door and vent screens and repair screen tears and bent frames. Inspect and clean gas grills to prepare for the outdoor cooking season. Inspect garden hoses for leaks. Keep outdoor spigots disconnected until frost passes. Caulk air gaps around windows and doors. Check air-conditioning system and change filters. Inspect clothes washing machine and water supply hoses and replace as needed. Recharge fire extinguishers with expired dates. Clean garbage disposal. Change water filters and service water softeners. Begin lawn, plant and shrub fertilizing, seeding and mulching. During prolonged and heavy rain, avoid ponding by exterior walls that can end up in your basement.
MAY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This lets the air blow on you, creating a cooling effect. Dust ceiling fan blades and bath fan grills. Check and lubricate overhead garage doors, and change batteries in remote keypad. Wash windows, inside and out. Service central air-conditioning unit. Maintain and clean condenser fins. Remove mineral deposits from faucet aerators and shower heads by soaking parts in white vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush. Inspect and clean swimming pools, liners and filters. Service fountains and lawn irrigation systems. Check roof, flashing, and chimney caps for leaks. Coat metal patio furniture with auto polish before placing outdoors. Trim trees and shrubs after blooming.
JUNE MAINTENANCE TIPS
Clean and seal wood decks. Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean chimneys. Wash exterior siding, brick, gutters, driveways and walks. Seal patios and drive as recommended. Check windows and storm windows for proper operation. Caulk gaps around window and doors. Clean lint from the clothes dryer vent system from dryer to exhaust vent. Check operation of attic fans and roof-mounted turbine vents. Prune trees and shrubs away from exterior siding and roof. Set thermostats and ductwork dampers for summer.
JULY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Check exterior walls for peeling and cracked paint. Inspect masonry for cracks or missing mortar. Check siding for air gaps. Maintain automatic light timers and motion-detector systems, especially prior to vacation. Change or clean furnace filters. Change water filters and service water softeners. Inspect foundation walls for signs of termites. If you suspect termites, contact a professional exterminator. Plan interior remodeling projects and information. Plan for the work to start in the fall.
AUGUST MAINTENANCE TIPS
Clean condenser coil fins on the back or under the refrigerator. Check faucets for leaks and replace washer or repair the faucet as needed. Check water heater for signs of leaks. Flush sediment out of the water heater per manufacturer's instructions. Clean kitchen range hood. Clean or replace range hood filters. Inspect driveway and walks for holes and cracks. Patch or repair as needed. Repair minor brick and mortar cracks. Seal wood decks and concrete driveways, walks and patios.
SEPTEMBER MAINTENANCE TIPS
Paint interior rooms and shampoo carpets while it's still warm enough to leave windows open. Service your furnace, heater, water heater and gas fireplace. Change or clean furnace filter. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. Winterize swimming pools, fountains and lawn irrigation systems. Inspect storm windows for any signs of deterioration and make necessary repairs. Clean chimney flues, wood stove and barbecues. Change water filters and service water softeners. Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
OCTOBER MAINTENANCE TIPS
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries. Disconnect hoses from outside spigots. Remove all paints, caulks, and liquid materials from garage or garden sheds. Winterize lawn, plants and shrubs. Inspect weather-stripping around doors and windows, and repair or replace as needed. Set thermostats and ductwork dampers for winter. Clean gutters and downspouts during and after falling leaf season. Clean outside window wells and basement stairs for clear drainage. Maintain your emergency power generator.
NOVEMBER MAINTENANCE TIPS
Daylight Savings Time ends. Set clocks back 1 hour on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise rotation to move warm air though out the house. Replenish fire wood and check flues. Prepare snow shovels, snow blower and winter-care tools. Winterize automobiles. Service and lubricate overhead garage doors and all operating parts. Clean dishwasher, trash compactor and countertop appliances. Recharge or replace fire extinguishers with expired dates. Maintain outdoor lighting, inspecting fixtures and outlets for damage and replacing bulbs.
DECEMBER MAINTENANCE TIPS
Maintain supply of calcium chloride for ice melting. Avoid salt on concrete. Check inside bathroom vanities and kitchen sink cabinets for moisture and leaks. Inspect pipes for condensation or slow drips. Repair plumbing as needed. Unpack and test all electrical holiday decorations. Repair or discard any that malfunction. Maintain steps and handrails in good shape during snow and ice season. Maintain and insulate pipes that are susceptible to freezing.