| 1. |
|
Roof:
Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks.
Repair as necessary. |
| 2. |
|
Attic:
(Fall) Close vents to conserve heat. (Spring) Open vents to ensure
proper ventilation. |
| 3. |
|
Gutters:
Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be
sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas)
Drain outside faucets. |
| 4. |
|
Fireplace:
Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or
missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure
damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved
ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned |
| 5. |
|
Filters:
Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed.
Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room
fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture
and draperies. |
| 6. |
|
Safety
Equipment: Ensure that
all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire
extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in
appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year. |
| 7. |
|
Air
Conditioner: (Fall: In
cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put
weatherproof covers on them. |
| 8. |
|
Refrigerator:
Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by
closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out
easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to
be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator,
vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will
run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full
refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one. |
| 9. |
|
Faucets:
Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace
washers as necessary. |
| 10. |
|
Windows
and Doors: Seal drafty
doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where
heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as
having a window open. Replace seals as needed. |
| 11. |
|
Storm
Windows and Screens:
(Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with
storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if
removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put
screens up (if removable type). |
| 12. |
|
Siding
and Paint: Look for
cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if
necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old
caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both
directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift
out the old caulk bead intact. |
| 13. |
|
Basement:
Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean
dehumidifier regularly, if you have one. |
| 14. |
|
Heating
System: (Fall) Have
heating system serviced. Change filters. |
| 15. |
|
Hot
Water Heater: (Fall)
Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the
tank. |
