Maintenance Tips

Monthly Home Safety Check-Up

You should review your entire home for critical safety problems once a month with this checklist. To ensure that all aspects of these systems are properly set check:

That all heaters and heat sources are set away from flammables like curtains.
The pressure and expiration date of fire extinguishers.
That all pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, gasoline, motor oil, medications, and hygiene supplies are securely stored in locked cabinets.
The fittings and connections for any gas lines and appliances.
The test button feature on all carbon monoxide (CO) sensors and smoke alarms.
That all pilot lights are either on, or the gas flow to them is shut off.
The memory readout on all CO sensors to check peak levels are within acceptable limits.
The water filters on both your water lines and drinking jugs are replaced.
The salt levels in the water softener.

Once A Season Home Safety Check-Up

Once a season, preferably on the first day of the season for mnemonics, be sure to check:All electrical cords and outlets for damage.

The pressure and expiration date of fire extinguishers.
The creosote levels on the sides of your fireplace flues.
The exhaust vents and fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
That your actual electrical draw does not exceed the maximum in your panel.
That there are no areas around your property where standing water can promote the breeding of mosquitoes.
That any dry brush around your property is trimmed back to avoid spreading fires.
That the security system is fully tested and active.
The water plumbing fittings and connections for leakage.

Make sure to conduct a careful external examination of your property to review for any weather or decay damage that could lead to a dangerous situation.

Annual Home Safety Check-Up

Each and every year on the same date you should conduct a thorough review of your home checking:

That there has been no moisture penetration causing mould within walls.
That all locks on doors and windows are in proper working order.
That there is no concentration of radon in your home.
That all HVAC systems are fully inspected.
That all batteries in all CO sensors and smoke alarms are changed twice a year.

It is also advisable to have a full training session with children and the elderly on how to react to emergency situations such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and other disasters; establish a meeting point; and confirm that the first aid kit is fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Heating / Cooling & Hot Water Systems

It is strongly suggested that the maintenance on your heating / cooling and hot water systems be conducted twice a year. The best times are in early autumn before the heating season begins, and in late spring before the cooling season begins.

Conduct a careful general furnace inspection and look for:

Proper clean burning flame color
Lack of excessive smoke
Any rusted surfaces
Scaling on the heat exchanger units
Damage to venting and / or flue
Any unusual smells or sounds

It is important to test for correct drafting at the furnace and / or the diverter on the water heater; check the pressure-temperature relief valve for any leaks; check the hot water level and pressure; drain the hot water heater expansion tank, and bleed any radiators your home may have.

Emergency Items

All responsible adults in your home should be aware of the location of these items and how to shut them off in case of an emergency:

Main electrical switch at the service panel, or fuse / breaker box
Main water shutoff
Heating fuel primary shutoff valve
Fire Extinguishers
Main drain cleanout

It is recommended that all the valves and switches should be turned on and off on a regular basis to ensure they don't get stuck. Keep a wrench near the fuel valves as they can be hard to turn.

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