Regular Home Maintenance

• Your home is like a car in that it requires periodic checkups and maintenance. Unfortunately, there is no odometer on your home to remind you when this maintenance is due. Therefore, it is up to you to make a calendar to remind you when these things need to be done.

Here's some specific examples of items to be included:

• Remember to replace the batteries in smoke detectors twice a year. An easy way to remember this is to change the batteries when the time changes. It's also a good idea to vacuum out the smoke detectors (figure A) when you change the batteries so that they stay clean and operate at peak efficiency.
  
  
• Make sure your fire extinguisher (figure B) is fully charged.
  
  
• Check the flapper (figure C) on your toilets at least once a year. If it is an older one, you will want to replace it. Otherwise, it may allow water through and waste it.
  
  
• Remove and wipe out the inside of all faucet handles so that the screws holding them on do not corrode prematurely. If there is any rust present, use a rust remover to clean it out of the handle.
  
  
• Insulate for winter. On a windy day, feel around the edges of doors, windows and fireplaces for any air leaks. Look for dust piles as clues to leaks. Caulk any leaks that you find.
  
  
• Open and close all windows. Do they all open easily, yet close tightly? If not, you may want to check the weather stripping. There are a number of different types to consider.