| January/February |
- Clean or replace furnace filter
- Check/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace filter
- Ensure that air intakes, exhausts and meters are clear of snow
- Clean humidifier
- Clean range hood filter
- Check and fill basement floor drain
|
| March/April |
- Clean or replace furnace filter
- Check/clean HRV; wash or replace filter
- Clean humidifier and turn it off
- Check sump pump
- Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed
- Inspect air conditioning; service as needed (usually every two or three years)
- Inspect basement or crawl space for signs of seepage/leakage
- Open vents to outdoor crawlspaces
- Ensure that ground slopes away from foundation wall
|
| May/June |
- Open outside hose connection
- Clean windows, screens and hardware; install screens
- Check that air intake and exhausts are clear of debris, nests, etc.
- Clean range hood filter
- You can turn off your HRV if your windows are mostly open in the summer; if you have air conditioning and keep your windows mostly closed you can keep it running
- Undertake spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees
|
| July/August |
- Use dehumidifier in damp basements
- For central air conditioning; clean filter in air handling unit
- Check exterior finishes
- Check exterior wood for deterioration
- Check caulking and weather-stripping around windows, including around entry door from garage and home
- Check basement floor drainage trap; replenish with water if needed
- Have furnace/heating system serviced (every two years for an electric furnace)
|
| September/October |
- Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed
- Clean range hood filter
- Clean leaves out of eavesthroughs
- Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage
- Close outside hose connection
- Close windows, skylights
- Clean and reactivate HRV, if it was turned off
- Winterize landscaping
|
| November/December |
- Clean or replace furnace filter
- Check/clean heat recovery ventilator; wash or replace filter
- Clean humidifier and turn it on (if needed)
- Check exhaust fans
- Ensure gas valve is clear of ice and snow
- Test space heating system
- Close vents to crawl spaces
- Check and clean furnace
|
| Annually |
- Dust or vacuum electric baseboards
- Vacuum ducts behind warm air and return air grilles
- Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working
- Test pressure relief valve on hot water tank; drain water from tank
- Do safety checks: smoke alarm, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, door and window locks
- Check and, if needed, oil door hinges
- L ubricate garage door motor, chain, etc.
- Check attic for signs of moisture in summer or fall
- Check septic system; clean if needed (usually about every three years)
|
| Every 2-5 Years |
- Check and repair driveway cracks
- Check and repair the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and chimney, recaulk as necessary
- Refinish wood surfaces, including window frames and doors
|