Quick Tips

• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are up to date and have a charge.
• Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms: if they have batteries, they should be replaced yearly.
• Fire sprinklers – if you have them, they should be inspected regularly.
• Security alarm system: is it functioning properly? Change batteries yearly or as recommended.
• Check under sinks & laundry room for leaks. Water damage can be costly to repair.
• Washing machine hoses should be replaced every 5 years or so. If a hose burst it can flood your home.
• Change your drinking water and icemaker filters yearly or as specified by manufacturer.
• Flush your water heater tank yearly to prevent buildup of rust and minerals from getting into your homes plumbing and fixtures.
• Check the caulking around your tub & shower. A failed seal around base and sides of enclosure can allow water to go where you don’t want it.
• Vacuum clean your refrigerator coils once in a while. Your refrigerator will run colder and more efficient saving you money on electricity.
• Change your furnace filters as specified on filter. You’ll have cleaner air and your furnace will breathe better too saving you money on electricity.
• Clean your dryer screens regularly and dryer vents of buildup to help prevent fires. Your clothes also take longer to dry when the ducts are clogged or restricted.
• Install compact florescent (CFL) or LED (light emitting diode) light bulb in and outside your home to save energy. FYI: Some CFL’s and LED’s are not compatible with dimmers.
• Install or replace missing & broken door knob bumpers or hinge stops to prevent costly repairs to drywall and finished walls in your home.
• Dead outlets? Sometimes they are connected to a GFI circuit that has tripped. Try resetting any tripped GFI receptacles or breakers.
• To reset a circuit breaker: first switch it all the way off, then back on. If it won’t stay reset, you may have a problem.
• Adjust your doors and latches for a better weather tight seal. Some homes shift a little, and doors will require periodic adjustments.
• Check your door and window weather stripping and replace any that is worn out, damaged or missing.
• Adjust your gates & latches so your gates open and close freely. Some gates may need additional bracing or repairs.
• Keep your water pipes insulated. To prevent from freezing and holds heat in hot lines to cut water heating costs.
• Check your automatic watering system. Timer probably has backup batteries. Check your program schedules. Test system and repair any leaks.
• Check your exterior door & window caulking to prevent leaks and rot.
• Check your exterior paint. Paint coatings protect your home from the elements and help prevent siding and rot repairs.
• Keep your wood decks sealed properly to help prevent rot.
• Have your roof, flashings & plumbing vents inspected if you are unsure of their condition.
• If you have solar, keep your solar panels clean and making electricity to their full output.
• Check your gutters & downspouts and clean out to keep things working.