Last week we offered the first part of this list of maintenance recommendations for your house now that the weather is becoming more and more mild. Below are our remaining tips that you should consider doing to make your home safer and ready for the new season:
- Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
Maintenance should include:
- Calibrating the thermostat and cleaning the evaporator coil;
- Lubricating fans/motors and tightening or changing the belts;
- Checking the condensate drain and the drain pan for leaks;
- Testing the capacitors and the crankcase heater;
- Visually checking electrical safeties and the wiring for potential short circuits.
These steps can help decrease the chance of fire, save money by making the system run more efficiently, and help prevent breakdowns.
The following are additional recommended maintenance items:
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- Check the condensate hose to be sure it is not blocked with algae;
- Clean the outside condensing unit screen of leaves;
- Listen for unusual noises.
- Check for damage to your roof
Signs include missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles. Pooling or ponds of water that fall to your drain from flat roofs may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage.
- Repair all cracked, broken, or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
This will help prevent guests and family members from slipping, tripping, or falling.
- Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
Read more at: Wet Basements Recommendations.
- Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
These areas can become weathered and worn and may lead to potential water damage.
- Check your water heater
If you have a gas-fired water heater, check to make sure it is venting properly. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out—DON’T BLOW IT OUT! See if the smoke is pulled up into the vent. If it isn’t, have a professional inspect and repair it—otherwise, carbon monoxide and other combustibles can build up in your home.
Also check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found—the water heater should be replaced.
- Check the shutoff valves on each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
Know the location of all valves and what equipment and water lines they serve. Teach all family members how to find and use them.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and can potentially cause fires.
- Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn, or damaged
Exposed wires may cause arcing, which will produce heat and can start fires. Care should also be taken to keep appliances and their power cords away from water or a heat source because this will damage the cords’ insulation.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
From handyman services to equipment maintenance, we take the worry out of home ownership. Home Evolutions’ Home Maintenance Program will help you protect your most significant investment—your home. Call 412.766.3625 today to schedule an appointment. Your home will never look more beautiful or operate better than when maintained by Home Evolutions.
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