Home Maintenance Tips
Winter Checklist
Plumbing
- Locate water shut off for emergencies
- Disconnect hoses from hose bibs, drain hoses
- Check hot water heater pilot, pop off drain line
- Water heater should be drained and refilled once a year
- Anode rod (in water heater) should be checked occasionally – this will prolong the tank life
- Insulate exposed plumbing pipes
- Check under sinks for leaks
HVAC
- Change filters frequently in winter (these are located in ceiling vents or at furnace)
- Ducts should be cleaned every 2 years and checked by a professional
- Reprogram thermostats
- Check condensate drains on high efficient furnaces (these can freeze up in cold weather and shut down furnace and cause leaks)
- Check filters in cook top hoods
- Remove all flammable materials from around furnace
- Make sure all insulation is in place around ducting (while you are at in look at floors and stemwall insulation)
- Cover AC units
- Check vapor barrier under house
Electrical
- Test all GFI plugs (kitchen & baths)
- Check breakers in service panel for tripped breakers
- Test smoke detectors and CO-2 detectors – replace batteries, if detectors are more than 10 years old they may need replacing
- Buy a fire extinguisher
Fireplace / Woodstove (wood burning)
- Check for debris in flue / creosote buildup
- Make sure vent closes properly
- Have flue professionally cleaned
Windows / Doors / Exterior
- Check window operation
- Make sure windows are sealed properly
- Replace caulk as necessary
- Check doors for air leaks, adjust weatherstrip of replace
- Check siding or stucco for cracks – seal with appropriate filler
- Check foundation for cracks
- Close foundation vents
Roof / Gutters / Downspouts
- Check roof thoroughly for broken or missing shingles or tile
- Remove debris from gutters
- Check downspout flow, make sure water flows away from house
- Make sure there are no areas where water can puddle next to foundation
Landscape
- Cut and prune trees and shrubs
- Mulch sensitive plants and shrubs
- Shut down irrigation, open drains, cover vacuum breaker
- Seal concrete driveways and walkways
- Move sensitive potted plants indoors
General
- Drain gas from seasonal yard tools (I let them run till they are out of gas)
- Stock up on ice melt
- Spray WD 40 on shovels
- Fire up snow blower and check
- Prepare an emergency kit: lantern, flashlights, matches, phone #’s of utility companies, bottled water, freeze dried food, first aid kit, (etc)
Home Maintenance Tips Reno NV
