October Home Maintenance Checklist

October Home Maintenance Checklist


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october home maintenanceLast month, we gave you a home maintenance checklist for September. However, home maintenance is not something you do once a year. In fact, those that follow a maintenance schedule reap many benefits including lower utility bills, higher home valuation, and less expensive major repairs. Take a look at what we suggest for the October home maintenance checklist.

Safety

  • Batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be replaced every six months. Don’t just check the batteries. Replace them even if they are still working. Doing so could you’re your life.
  • Another safety check is your electrical system. The easiest way to test outlets is to take a small lamp to plug into each outlet. If something is not working, there is a problem. Call an electrician to determine if the issue is serious. Never try to fix electrical issues on your own unless you have the proper training.

Exterior

  • Gutters in Florida are used a lot. The rainy season and summer rains fill gutters to the brim. However, if they gutters are full of leaves and debris, then the water cannot flow. Standing water can cause leaks in the roof or cracks in the foundation. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year.
  • While you are at it, look at your foundations. Has water been washing away dirt so that too much foundation shows? Find where the water is coming from and fix the issue. Additionally, look for debris that might attract termites. Remove anything wooden from the base of the house.
  • The weather is a bit cooler, so you might want to open the windows. However, you don’t want to do that if the screens have holes. Now is a great time to replace or repair window screens with damage.
  • Although Florida doesn’t get frigid, nights during the winter can be chilly. Don’t let the chilly air into your home due to torn, loose, or cracked weather stripping. This is easy and inexpensive to replace and will keep your utility bills lower both summer and winter.
  • Look for cracks in your driveway and sidewalks. Reseal these cracks before the cold weather sets in. If the area gets a freeze, ice in the cracks will expand and cause more damage.

Filters

  • HEPA filters and high-efficiency pleated filters need replacing two times a year. If you change them when you change the batteries in your fire detectors, it will be easier to remember.
  • While you are at it, change your refrigerator’s water line filter. You’d be surprised how many people think they are drinking filtered water but never think to change the filter.

Furnace

  • Once again, Florida doesn’t get cold like the Northern states. Nonetheless, you are likely to have to run your furnace a few times before spring comes again. That is why you should have your furnace serviced. This will make sure it is functioning properly before you need it during a cold snap. This service should also clean the coils and fans. This allows greater airflow throughout the system.
  • You should also clean the contacts and heat sensor on your thermostat. If your thermostat does seem to work properly, they are inexpensive to replace.

Appliances

  • The holidays are fast approaching. Wouldn’t it be terrible if you turned on the oven only to find it didn’t work? Don’t wait until the holidays to find out what works and what doesn’t. Turn on all your appliances to be sure they function properly.
  • Don’t neglect your hot water heater. In Florida, the hot water heater is the second highest energy user in the home. During the winter months, especially over the holidays with guests, the hot water heater works overtime. Have it serviced to be sure it is working correctly.

**Not every item on the list applies to your home. Feel free to add items that are specific to your home.

As with the September list, the October home maintenance checklist contains many maintenance items you can perform on your own, even if you aren’t particularly handy. However, if you find something on the list you cannot do or have the need for a professional repair, give us a call. We’d be happy to provide you a list of our local preferred service providers.

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