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“Tis The Season for Maintenance Musts
“Tis The Season for Maintenance Musts
By Tim Burch
With a chill in the air and Thanksgiving in our rear view mirror, there’s plenty to remind us that it’s almost beyond time to complete our late fall home maintenance lists. A regular schedule of maintenance throughout the year is critical to keeping your home healthy and family safe. These baseline preventative steps are a good start.
Gutters, Downspouts and Low-Slope Roof Maintenance
Inspect these items and carefully remove any accumulated debris. This check should be completed four times per year to ensure effective draining and avoid damage caused by trapped and accumulated water.
Surface and Underground Drains
It’s important to check and clear surface and underground drains at least four times per year to ensure proper water flow. Underground drains may be located at downspouts, under a driveway or in other areas where you need to redirect water. Surface drains may be at exterior basement stairs, patios, pool decks, etc. Clogged drains can cause water to back up in other areas and cause significant damage. It’s also important to monitor these during heavy rains and clear debris as needed.
Hose Bibs & Irrigation Systems
To avoid bursting pipes, turn off exterior hose faucets and irrigation systems before freezing weather sets in. All hose bibs, including those that are “frost free,” should be fully drained and irrigation systems should be blown out to avoid freezing over the winter.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
HVAC systems should be serviced twice per year, spring and fall, to ensure they’re operating at their most efficient levels. The system inspection should include changing the filter, adjusting dampers to favor northern rooms, clearing leaves and debris from outside units, checking AC refrigerant, and cleaning the AC condenser. Some systems require filter changes more or less frequently, so be sure to consult your manual.
Humidifiers
This system requires an annual check, and the fall is the best time. During their visit, your HVAC service company should perform a thorough inspection and replace the pad/cartridge, which can collect deposits from the water source, clog and cause leaks.
Other Important Items
• Change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Latch windows shut to square them up, seal the weatherstrip and stop drafts.
• Inspect all bathroom caulking and touch up as necessary. Repeat again in the spring.
• Drain 10-15 gallons from the bottom of your water heater once per year to remove sediment.
• Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected inside and out at least once per year for soundness, deposits and clearance. Have the chimney cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Clean screens in shower heads and faucets annually to ensure optimal water flow.
For appliances, consult your manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, which should include steps such as, cleaning screens on range hood vents, vacuuming refrigerator coils, replacing water filers, and more.
Your septic system should be inspected and the tank cleaned out once per two to three years.
Tim Burch is a vice president and owner of BOWA, an award-winning design and construction firm specializing in luxury renovations ranging from kitchens and primary suites to whole-house remodels, equestrian facilities, and custom-crafted homes. For more information, visit bowa.com or call 540-687-6771.
