Seasonal Maintenance

Winter

• Replace your furnace filter monthly to ensure that it functions correctly throughout the season.
  
  
• Confirm that your attic is well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
  
  
• With the constant use of heat to warm your home, it is important to be aware of fire hazards. Regularly test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  
  
• Heavy ice and snowstorms can clog sewer vents on your rooftop, leading to foul odor, poor drainage of plumbing fixtures, and possible explosion of sewer gas—problems that need to be resolved immediately. To guard against these types of problems, install vent covers that resist freezing.

When clearing your drive and walkways remember that salt can and will in most cases harm the finish of the concrete. There are other materials such as calcium chloride available that state they have less of an adverse affect on the concrete finish.

Another preventive measure is to insulate the portion of the pipes that pass through the attic with fiberglass insulation. To detect sewer gas entry into your home, check all basement floor drains. When a fecal odor is present, refill drains with a few quarts of water each week. Adding a few tablespoons of vegetable or mineral oil to the water in the drain will slow the evaporation process.

It is recommended to install carbon monoxide protection units to protect the safety of your loved ones. Regular maintenance of the units is advised.

Spring

• Check for and remove debris from gutters and detach elbows to make sure they are not clogged. Make sure the downspout is properly attached to the drainpipe. Over time, the drainpipe can settle and leave space through which water can escape. Reattach gutters or downspouts that have loosened. Inspect gutter system for leaks during a moderate shower to determine whether repairs are necessary.
  
  
• If downspout and drainpipe are not properly connected, a repairman may have to dig up drainpipe and repair connection. Confirm connections for proper usage.
  
  
• Make sure water is drained away from your home’s foundation. Take note of standing water around your home as this can cause the foundation to leak and disintegrate. To remedy problems, contact a qualified inspection service such as Tru-Spec® to get information on options, such as installing new drainpipes.
  
  
• It also is an important time to check your home for insect infestation. For more information, click on our termite information worksheet.

Summer

• Consistent maintenance of your air conditioning unit can ensure that you remain cool and comfortable throughout the season. Check your filter(s) at least once per month to keep small dust particles out of the system. Many air conditioning systems include an outside component called a compressor or heat exchanger, which houses a large fan. Special precautions should be taken to ensure a long life for the compressor, including keeping all shrubs or bushes a minimum of 30 inches away from the fan in order to provide proper ventilation. Also, confirm that the dryer vent is not blowing into the compressor. Lint from the dryer vent can clog the compressor. It is recommended to have all heating and cooling systems serviced annually. Regular servicing will extend the life of the unit and lower utility bills.

Autumn

• This is the perfect time to assess the state of your home before the coldest months arrive.
  
  
• It is recommended to have a professional inspection of the major systems of your home in order to guard against costly emergency repairs and to ensure comfort. Inspections should include your gutter, roof, and chimney, as well as a serviceman for HVAC. Your inspector should have a list of factory-recalled items that can be replaced for free by the product’s manufacturer. Be sure to inspect key items yourself for peace of mind.
  
  
• Inspect your roof and replace any broken or curled shingles, and confirm that shingles are properly secured to keep rain and snow out of your roof.
  
  
• Prolong the life of your water heater by draining a few gallons of water from it every six months.
  
  
• Insulate pipes in your basement to correctly prevent freezing and rupture. If you rely on a sump pump to keep your basement free of water, be sure to test and lubricate it according to the user’s manual.
  
  
• Check to make sure windows and doorframes are properly sealed; if not, apply caulk. Ensuring that doors and windows are properly sealed can lower your energy bill by as much as 15 percent. Insulating windows with laminate kits is another good way to save energy. The extra layer of protection over the windowpane can also eliminate condensation that occurs when the warm air inside your home comes into contact with the cold glass. Elimination of excess moisture will reduce mold growth and deterioration of your window frames.