• Conduct annual maintenance of your air conditioner. Call in a pro to clean out and check your A/C before the hot weather arrives. Annual servicing will dramatically improve your energy bills and prevent breakdowns in the future. It really is time and money well spent.
• Conduct refrigerator maintenance. The most important refrigerator maintenance task is to clean the condenser coils at least every 3-6 months (more often if you have pets). When coils are dirty or dusty, the fridge has to work harder to keep cold, which means higher power bills and shorter life expectancy. If your refrigerator/freezer has a water dispenser or ice maker, you should replace the water filter every 6 months or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure to also clean the drip pan and check the door seals. Also make sure your water line for your ice maker is the up-graded flex tubing.
• Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding up some small ice cubes.
• Check the circuits in your electrical system every 3 months by turning them off and then back on.
• Check for drips and other leaks from plumbing fixtures by inspecting areas around and below all faucets and shower heads.
• Check weatherproofing around windows, doors and the roof for any leaks or cracks. This is especially important to do when the weather changes from season to season. Be sure to check the caulking and weather stripping. Broken or cracked panes of glass should be replaced. The finishes should be checked for paint deterioration and rot (particularly sills). It is also a good idea to clean the window wells.
• Check the toilets. Make sure toilets are properly secured to the floor and listen for leaks or continuous running. Toilets that run can use up huge amounts of water – up to 200 gallons a day!
• Test sump pumps to ensure they are working properly.
• Test the water heater using the test lever on the pressure relief valve. This lever should be tested every 3 months or so to ensure that the pressure relief valve is not seized.
• Clean the gutters. Make sure all leaves, branches, and any other debris are out and water can flow freely through the gutters.
• Check the gutters, attic and roof for damage or cracks. Patch any holes or damage immediately.
• Clean exhaust fan filters, fan housing and outlet.
• Clean ovens and ranges (as needed).