Preventative Tips for Maintaining Your Home

Uncategorized

We are currently in the hottest of our Summer months and as we approach Fall we will begin to experience drastic swings in evening and day time temperatures.  The hot days and cool evenings cause expansion and contraction of the soil and ours houses in general.  These extremes can cause failures in plumbing, the HVAC, caulking, weather proofing etc.   Monthly or yearly inspections of your house can help to minimize damages.
Below is a basic check list of items to look for.  To do a more thorough detailed inspection you should hire a qualified professional.  We recommend that a professional perform any repairs.  Contact your Management Company for a list of qualified approved vendors.
Plumbing:

  • Inspect the valves and drain lines feeding your sinks and toilets. Inspect the caulking around the base of your toilet.
  • Inspect your water heater.  Look for signs of mineral build up, water damage, water staining, cracks or rust.
  • Check the caulking on counter tops and shower enclosures for cracked or missing areas.
  • Check the handles on your countertop to make sure they are sealed and secure.

HVAC:

  • When not at home set your air conditioning to 78 – 80 degrees
  • Replace the filters every 3 – 6 months.  Remove the register to the furnace plenum and inspect for signs of water damage.  While the register is removed vacuum the plenum to remove house hold dirt and debris.
  • Never store items in your furnace closet. This is a fire hazard and extremely dangerous.
  • Your HVAC should be checked and serviced by an HVAC technician a minimum of once per year.

Appliances:

  • Inspect for any suspect issues.  Inspect for water staining or puddles.  Check the fittings and lines for cracks or wear.
  • Have the dryer exhaust vent cleaned once per year.

Interior:

  • Vacuum your house once a week to prevent dust and dirt build up.  If you have allergies you may need to do this more often.
  • Open the windows to vent your home.
  • Check your bathroom exhaust fans.  Are they working efficiently.  If you do not have a bathroom exhaust fan, make sure you air out the bathroom after taking a shower.  Water build up from the steam of a shower can cause damage over long periods of time.
  • Look for water staining on the baseboards and ceilings.

Exterior:

  • Have the rain gutters cleaned every fall.
  • Inspect the exterior of your house for wear.  Look for cracks or damage to the stucco.
  • Inspect the windows for damage or weathered seals.

During these inspections if your encounter mold growth use precaution and contact your management company immediately.