To keep your home healthy, the American Lung Association recommends that you do the following maintenance activities monthly:
- Check ground fault circuit interrupter and associated circuits (GFCI test button).
- Check expiration and pressure on fire extinguishers.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarm features (test button).
- Check memory on carbon monoxide alarms for peak levels.
Yard and Exterior
- Water drains away from house
- No trip, fall, choking, sharp edge hazards
- Fence around pool intact
- Check for sings of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
- Clean window wells and check drainage
- Clean gutters and downspouts
Basement and Crawlspace
- No wet surfaces, puddles
- Sump pump and check valve working
- Floor drain working
- Vacuum basement surfaces
Exterior Roof, Walls, Windows
- Shingles in good condition
- Check chimney, valley, plumbing vent, skylight flashing
- Make sure gutters discharge water away from building
- Check attic for signs of roof leaks
- Look for peeling paint
- Look for signs of leaks where deck attaches to house
- Check below window & door that flashing intact
- Look for signs of leaks at window and door sills
- Clean dryer vent
- Check exhaust ducts are clear
HVAC Equipment – Replace Filters
- Air conditioner (central air merv 8)
- Dehumidifier
Plumbing, Fixtures, and Appliances
- Check drain and supply time for leaks
- Check bath and kitchen fans operation
Electrical Equipment
- Check for damaged chords
- Test ground fault interrupters
- Check smoke and CO alarms
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors
- Check operation of windows and doors
Appliances
- Clean dryer vents and screens
- Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens
- Clean air conditioning coils, drain pans
- Clean dehumidifier coils, check operation
Garage
- Ensure storage of fuel cans
- Proper operation of garage door safety shut-off
- Check for signs of water damage
- Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
Yard and Exterior
- No trip, fall, choking, sharp edge hazards
- Fence around pool intact
- Check for sings of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
- Drain outdoor faucets and hoses
- Clean window wells and check drainage
- Clean gutters and downspouts
Basement and Crawlspace
- No wet surfaces, puddles
- Sump pump and check valve working
- Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
Exterior Roof, Walls, Windows
- Check attic vents
- Repair broken, cracked glass
- Clean dryer vent
- Check exhaust ducts are clear
HVAC Equipment – Replace Filters
- Warm air furnace (merv 8)
- Outdoor air to return to heat recovery ventilation
Plumbing, Fixtures, and Appliances
- Check hot water heater for leaks
- Check boiler for leaks
- Check water main/meter or well pump for leaks or sweating
- Check drain and supply time for leaks
- Check bath and kitchen fans for operation
Electrical Equipment
- Check for damaged chords
- Check smoke and CO alarms
Attic
- Check for sings of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
- Check for water damage
- Ensure insulation in place
Appliances
- Clean outdoor air intakes and screens
- Clean and tune furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters
- Clean and tune ovens and ranges
Garage
- Ensure storage of fuel cans
- Proper operation of garage door safety shut-off
- Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
Check for icicles and ice dams
Plumbing, Fixtures, and Appliances
- Check washer hoses-connections
- Check dishwasher hoses for leaks
- Check toilet supply/shut-off valve
- Clean and check refrigerator drip pan- icemaker connections
- Check shower-tub surrounds for signs of damage
- Check traps and drains under sinks, tubs, showers for leaks
Attic
- Check that fans still exhaust to outdoors (check ductwork connections)
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors
- Check for sings of water damage
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors
- Lubricate and repair windows and doors
- Clean kitchen range hood screens
- Clean Septic Tank
- Test outlets for proper hot, neutral, and ground