Tip	Why	How	Timing
Check fire extinguisher(s)	To comply with local codes (type, number, location) To comply with insurance company requirements To ensure they are working in the event of a fire	Review local codes to see what is required Review insurance policy requirements Confirm that extinguisher(s) meets requirements Ensure fire extinguisher(s) is accessible Check safety seals to make sure they are intact Confirm pressure gauge is within normal parameters Inspect extinguisher(s) for damage (e.g. corrosion, dents, leakage) Document inspection on extinguisher(s) Replace if necessary	Every 12 Months
Test sump pump	To avoid flooding in the basement To avoid potential damage to the foundation To help prevent high humidity levels in home	Clean any debris out of sump crock Pour water into the sump crock and confirm that system is working Clean or replace discharge pipe if required Repair or replace pump if required	Every 6 Months
Clean window wells	To avoid window breakage To avoid water damage to basement or crawlspace	Remove visible debris by hand Vacuum using shop vacuum Ensure proper drainage Consider buying and installing window well covers	Every 12 Months
Change smoke detector batteries	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs	Replace the battery Hold the test button down for 15-20 seconds after changing to ensure battery and detector are working	Every 6 Months
Replace smoke detectors	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs	Determine what type of smoke alarm you currently have: Hardwired or battery only Interconnected (wired or wireless) or standalone Procure appropriate number and type of new dual sensor photoelectric/ionization interconnected detectors Replace old and test new detectors	Every 10 Months
Add smoke detectors	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs	Ensure alarms are in every sleep room, in areas outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home Determine what type of smoke alarm you will need if additional alarms are needed have: Hardwired or battery only Wired or wireless interconnected or standalone (if necessary) Procure appropriate number and type of new dual sensor photoelectric/ionization interconnected detectors Install and test new detectors>	Once when moving into home and after any additions or major changes are made to the home
Change carbon monoxide detector batteries	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high	Replace the battery Hold the test button down for 15-20 seconds after changing to ensure battery and detector are working	Every 6 months
Replace carbon monoxide detectors	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high	Determine what type of carbon monoxide alarm you currently have: Hardwired or battery only Interconnected (wired or wireless) or standalone Procure appropriate number and type of interconnected detectors Replace old and test new detectors	Every 5 Years
Add carbon monoxide detectors	To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high	Make sure you have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, including the basement Locate carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms Mount detectors on the wall a couple feet below the ceiling or lower Keep them out of direct sunlight, away from heat and humidity Locate them away from anything that could block normal air flow Locate a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of the garage door Determine what type of detector you will need if additional detectorsare needed: Hardwired or battery only Wired or wireless interconnected or standalone (if necessary) Procure appropriate number and type of new detectors Install and test new detectors	Once when moving into home and after any additions or major changes are made to the home
Clean wood burning fireplace chimneys	Reduce creosote buildup that can cause fires Remove any obstacles that could cause a fire	This is not typically a DIY job, most people should hire a chimney sweep	Every 12 months
Clean refrigerator coils	To ensure refrigerator is running efficiently and reduce the possibility of a breakdown	Find the coils, either behind a metal plate at the back, or behind the fridge under a grill lower down Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to gently work the grime away Use a cloth to gently wipe down the coils and to pick up anything the vacuum missed	Every 12 Months
Bleed your radiators	To ensure heat is being distributed efficiently	Release the valve ensuring that there is a rag underneath to catch any drips When the sound of air being released stops, tighten the valve up	Every 12 Months
Inspect chimneys	Remove any obstacles that could cause a fire Reduce chance of condensation in chimney causing liner, mortar, and brickwork issues Reduce chance of carbon monoxide entering the home	This is not typically a DIY job, most people should hire a chimney sweep	Every 12 months
Clean gutters and downspouts	Reduce the possibility of water damage from water backing up in gutters or collecting along foundation	Begin cleaning the gutter near a downspout Remove the large debris with a trowel and dump it in a bucket To clean out finer materials, flush the gutter lengths with a hose starting at the end opposite the downspout	Every 12 Months
Clean range hood filter	Ensure fan works effectively	Remove filter(s) from hood Fill sink or bucket with boiling water Put de-greasing dish soap and a 1/4 cup of baking soda in water Put greasy filter(s) in water Allow the filter(s) to soak for at least 10 minutes Scrub and rinse filter(s) Let filter(s) dry Reinstall filters in hood	Every Month
Flush seldom used water fixtures	Ensure water flows smoothly Reduce potential of future clogging	Turn on shower, tub, sink and allow to run for a few minutes Flush toilet	Every 3 Months
Inspect and replace HVAC Filters	Help reduce utility bills Ensure air quality Ensure appropriate air movement in home	Turn HVAC unit off Remove access panel to get to the filter Pull out and inspect it Replace (paper filter) if it is dirty or older than HVAC manufacturer's recommendation Clean filter if it is a washable filter Close access panel and turn HVAC unit back on	Every 3 Months
HVAC tune up	Prevent unexpected failure	Contact professional Ensure that the following is performed: Test refrigerant levels Water wash condenser coil for efficiency Inspect contactor for proper electrical connectivity Inspect capacitor for leakage and wear Inspect/lubricate condenser fan motor Record amperage draw of compressor Inspect and tighten electrical connections Inspect service valve for leakage Inspect indoor evaporator coil Inspect blower assembly Calibrate thermostat Flush condensate drain Evaluate air filters	Every 12 Months
Garbage disposal maintenance	Prevent clogs or failure	Run Disposal with cold water for 1 minute and add dish soap Toss a lemon or orange into disposal once or twice a month as it helps break up any buildups of grease To get rid of a bad smell pour 4 tablespoons of Borax down the drain and let it sit for one hour before rinsing with hot water	Every Month
Proper garbage disposal use	Prevent clogs or failure	Every time you run the disposal, turn on the water while the food is being chopped up After you hear the grinding of the motor turn into a soft whir, turn off the device and let the water continue to run for about 10 to 20 seconds Use cold water to avoid grease build up on the blades Avoid grinding hard or fibrous foods which can cause the blades to jam (onion skins, egg shells, celery stalks, corn husks, etc.)	Ongoing
Check toilet flapper for leaks	Avoid wasting water	Remove the lid on the tank Drip 10 drops of food coloring into the tank Replace the lid After 15 minutes, look in the bowl, if it is food colored you have a leak and need to replace the flapper or fill valve	Every 6 Months
Replace toilet flapper	Avoid wasting water	Turn off the water supply by turning the valve located behind the toilet Remove the lid and flush Remove the chain from the lever Remover the flapper Install new flapper Re-hook chain, ensuring that the amount of slack is the about the same as it was with the old flapper Turn on water and test flush Restore lid	When Required
Check for faulty toilet fill valve	Avoid wasting water	Flapper leaks are the most common, however if your toilet exhibits these signs after you replace the flapper the fill valve is likely faulty: Toilet runs constantly Toilet won't flush or the flush is weak It takes a long time for the tank to refill It is recommended that if you have these issues after replacing the flapper that the fill valve and flush valve both be replaced	When Required
Clean Ceiling Fan	Prevent dust from covering your house	Spread an old sheet under the fan to catch the dirt and dust Spray an old pillowcase with a mixture of water and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar Wrap each blade with the pillowcase, slide off the grime then wipe the blade with a dry cloth	Every 6 Months
Flush Water Heater	Reduce running costs and reduce the risk of a breakdown	Turn water heater off Turn off the cold water valve to the water heater Turn on the hot water flow from a faucet in the home Attach a hose to the water heater's drain valve Run the hose into a bucket Open the drain valve and fill the bucket Repeat filling the bucket until the water is clear, not cloudy Close drain valve Turn on the cold water valve to the water heater Turn on / start the water heater Turn off the hot water flow from the faucet	Once Every 12 Months
Winterize outdoor faucets	Prevent water damage to home from freezing pipes	Disconnect all hoses from faucets Turn off the water supply from inside the house Drain excess water from all faucets by turning them on (ensuring water stops running) Install outside faucet covers	Late Fall Before First Freeze
Clean dryer vents	Reduce the chance of fire Maintain the efficiency of dryer	Signs dryer vent needs cleaning: Clothes take longer to dry or don't dry fully Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle Outside of dryer gets very hot Outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much Laundry room becomes more humid than usual Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room How to clean: Vacuum the inside of the lint trap Pull dryer away from wall and disconnect ductwork Use a dryer vent cleaning brush with an extendable handle to clean the inside of the pipe	Every 12 Months
Fix minor garbage disposal not working problem	Get disposal working	Check to see if the reset button at the bottom of the disposal has tripped Press it back down and see if the disposal starts working again Hand-crank the disposal to break up jams Stick an allen wrench in the slot at the bottom of the disposal and manually crank the blades to free them up	When Required
Check for termites	Reduce risk of expensive damage to wooden portions of home	Termites can't survive sunlight, so the most likely places you'll find them is in your basement Go to basement and use a spray can of insulating foam to plug any gaps where termites could get in Use a flashlight and screwdriver to inspect the wood for signs of damage If the wood is flaky or rotting, you might already have a problem that needs professional attention	Once Every 12 Months
Clean refrigerator coils	Maintain the efficiency of the refrigerator Prevent overheating	Locate the coils on your refrigerator, typically behind a grill in the front or behind a metal plate on the back of the refrigerator Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to gently clean the coils Wipe the coils down with a cloth to catch anything the vacuum missed	Once Every 12 Months
Test GFCI outlet	Ensure GFCI is working properly GFCI outlets manufactured after mid-2006 typically indicate failure by shutting off power GFCI outlets manufactured prior to this need to be tested	GFCI outlet manufactured prior to mid-2006: Procure a GFCI tester Plug tester into GFCI outlet and push its test button If the power goes off, the GFCI is working, press the reset button to restore power If the power doesn't go off, replace the GFCI outlet GFCI outlet manufactured after mid-2006 Outlet stops delivering power or indicates it has failed, replace the GFCI outlet	Every 12 Months or When GFCI Outlet Fails

Check fire extinguisher(s)

To comply with local codes (type, number, location)
To comply with insurance company requirements
To ensure they are working in the event of a fire

Review local codes to see what is required
Review insurance policy requirements
Confirm that extinguisher(s) meets requirements
Ensure fire extinguisher(s) is accessible
Check safety seals to make sure they are intact
Confirm pressure gauge is within normal parameters
Inspect extinguisher(s) for damage (e.g. corrosion, dents, leakage)
Document inspection on extinguisher(s)
Replace if necessary

Every 12 Months

Test sump pump

To avoid flooding in the basement
To avoid potential damage to the foundation
To help prevent high humidity levels in home

Clean any debris out of sump crock
Pour water into the sump crock and confirm that system is working
Clean or replace discharge pipe if required
Repair or replace pump if required

Every 6 Months

Clean window wells

To avoid window breakage
To avoid water damage to basement or crawlspace

Remove visible debris by hand
Vacuum using shop vacuum
Ensure proper drainage
Consider buying and installing window well covers

Every 12 Months

Change smoke detector batteries

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs

Replace the battery
Hold the test button down for 15-20 seconds after changing to ensure battery and detector are working

Every 6 Months

Replace smoke detectors

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs

Determine what type of smoke alarm you currently have:
- Hardwired or battery only
- Interconnected (wired or wireless) or standalone
Procure appropriate number and type of new dual sensor photoelectric/ionization interconnected detectors
Replace old and test new detectors

Every 10 Months

Add smoke detectors

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if a fire occurs

Ensure alarms are in every sleep room, in areas outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home
Determine what type of smoke alarm you will need if additional alarms are needed have:
- Hardwired or battery only
- Wired or wireless interconnected or standalone (if necessary)
Procure appropriate number and type of new dual sensor photoelectric/ionization interconnected detectors
Install and test new detectors>

Once when moving into home and after any additions or major changes are made to the home

Change carbon monoxide detector batteries

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high

Replace the battery
Hold the test button down for 15-20 seconds after changing to ensure battery and detector are working

Every 6 months

Replace carbon monoxide detectors

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high

Determine what type of carbon monoxide alarm you currently have:
- Hardwired or battery only
- Interconnected (wired or wireless) or standalone
Procure appropriate number and type of interconnected detectors
Replace old and test new detectors

Every 5 Years

Add carbon monoxide detectors

To reduce the possibility of detector failure if carbon monoxide levels get too high

Make sure you have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, including the basement
Locate carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms
Mount detectors on the wall a couple feet below the ceiling or lower
Keep them out of direct sunlight, away from heat and humidity
Locate them away from anything that could block normal air flow
Locate a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of the garage door
Determine what type of detector you will need if additional detectorsare needed:
- Hardwired or battery only
- Wired or wireless interconnected or standalone (if necessary)
Procure appropriate number and type of new detectors
Install and test new detectors

Once when moving into home and after any additions or major changes are made to the home

Clean wood burning fireplace chimneys

Reduce creosote buildup that can cause fires
Remove any obstacles that could cause a fire

This is not typically a DIY job, most people should hire a chimney sweep

Every 12 months

Clean refrigerator coils

To ensure refrigerator is running efficiently and reduce the possibility of a breakdown

Find the coils, either behind a metal plate at the back, or behind the fridge under a grill lower down
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to gently work the grime away
Use a cloth to gently wipe down the coils and to pick up anything the vacuum missed

Every 12 Months

Bleed your radiators

To ensure heat is being distributed efficiently

Release the valve ensuring that there is a rag underneath to catch any drips
When the sound of air being released stops, tighten the valve up

Every 12 Months

Inspect chimneys

Remove any obstacles that could cause a fire
Reduce chance of condensation in chimney causing liner, mortar, and brickwork issues
Reduce chance of carbon monoxide entering the home

This is not typically a DIY job, most people should hire a chimney sweep

Every 12 months

Clean gutters and downspouts

Reduce the possibility of water damage from water backing up in gutters or collecting along foundation

Begin cleaning the gutter near a downspout
Remove the large debris with a trowel and dump it in a bucket
To clean out finer materials, flush the gutter lengths with a hose starting at the end opposite the downspout

Every 12 Months

Clean range hood filter

Ensure fan works effectively

Remove filter(s) from hood
Fill sink or bucket with boiling water
Put de-greasing dish soap and a 1/4 cup of baking soda in water
Put greasy filter(s) in water
Allow the filter(s) to soak for at least 10 minutes
Scrub and rinse filter(s)
Let filter(s) dry
Reinstall filters in hood

Every Month

Flush seldom used water fixtures

Ensure water flows smoothly
Reduce potential of future clogging

Turn on shower, tub, sink and allow to run for a few minutes
Flush toilet

Every 3 Months

Inspect and replace HVAC Filters

Help reduce utility bills
Ensure air quality
Ensure appropriate air movement in home

Turn HVAC unit off
Remove access panel to get to the filter
Pull out and inspect it
Replace (paper filter) if it is dirty or older than HVAC manufacturer's recommendation
Clean filter if it is a washable filter
Close access panel and turn HVAC unit back on

Every 3 Months

HVAC tune up

Prevent unexpected failure

Contact professional
Ensure that the following is performed:
- Test refrigerant levels
- Water wash condenser coil for efficiency
- Inspect contactor for proper electrical connectivity
- Inspect capacitor for leakage and wear
- Inspect/lubricate condenser fan motor
- Record amperage draw of compressor
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Inspect service valve for leakage
- Inspect indoor evaporator coil
- Inspect blower assembly
- Calibrate thermostat
- Flush condensate drain
- Evaluate air filters

Every 12 Months

Garbage disposal maintenance

Prevent clogs or failure

Run Disposal with cold water for 1 minute and add dish soap
Toss a lemon or orange into disposal once or twice a month as it helps break up any buildups of grease
To get rid of a bad smell pour 4 tablespoons of Borax down the drain and let it sit for one hour before rinsing with hot water

Every Month

Proper garbage disposal use

Prevent clogs or failure

Every time you run the disposal, turn on the water while the food is being chopped up
After you hear the grinding of the motor turn into a soft whir, turn off the device and let the water continue to run for about 10 to 20 seconds
Use cold water to avoid grease build up on the blades
Avoid grinding hard or fibrous foods which can cause the blades to jam (onion skins, egg shells, celery stalks, corn husks, etc.)

Ongoing

Check toilet flapper for leaks

Avoid wasting water

Remove the lid on the tank
Drip 10 drops of food coloring into the tank
Replace the lid
After 15 minutes, look in the bowl, if it is food colored you have a leak and need to replace the flapper or fill valve

Every 6 Months

Replace toilet flapper

Avoid wasting water

Turn off the water supply by turning the valve located behind the toilet
Remove the lid and flush
Remove the chain from the lever
Remover the flapper
Install new flapper
Re-hook chain, ensuring that the amount of slack is the about the same as it was with the old flapper
Turn on water and test flush
Restore lid

When Required

Check for faulty toilet fill valve

Avoid wasting water

Flapper leaks are the most common, however if your toilet exhibits these signs after you replace the flapper the fill valve is likely faulty:
- Toilet runs constantly
- Toilet won't flush or the flush is weak
- It takes a long time for the tank to refill
It is recommended that if you have these issues after replacing the flapper that the fill valve and flush valve both be replaced

When Required

Clean Ceiling Fan

Prevent dust from covering your house

Spread an old sheet under the fan to catch the dirt and dust
Spray an old pillowcase with a mixture of water and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar
Wrap each blade with the pillowcase, slide off the grime then wipe the blade with a dry cloth

Every 6 Months

Flush Water Heater

Reduce running costs and reduce the risk of a breakdown

Turn water heater off
Turn off the cold water valve to the water heater
Turn on the hot water flow from a faucet in the home
Attach a hose to the water heater's drain valve
Run the hose into a bucket
Open the drain valve and fill the bucket
Repeat filling the bucket until the water is clear, not cloudy
Close drain valve
Turn on the cold water valve to the water heater
Turn on / start the water heater
Turn off the hot water flow from the faucet

Once Every 12 Months

Winterize outdoor faucets

Prevent water damage to home from freezing pipes

Disconnect all hoses from faucets
Turn off the water supply from inside the house
Drain excess water from all faucets by turning them on (ensuring water stops running)
Install outside faucet covers

Late Fall Before First Freeze

Clean dryer vents

Reduce the chance of fire
Maintain the efficiency of dryer

Signs dryer vent needs cleaning:
- Clothes take longer to dry or don't dry fully
- Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle
- Outside of dryer gets very hot
- Outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much
- Laundry room becomes more humid than usual
- Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room
How to clean:
- Vacuum the inside of the lint trap
- Pull dryer away from wall and disconnect ductwork
- Use a dryer vent cleaning brush with an extendable handle to clean the inside of the pipe

Every 12 Months

Fix minor garbage disposal not working problem

Get disposal working

Check to see if the reset button at the bottom of the disposal has tripped
Press it back down and see if the disposal starts working again
Hand-crank the disposal to break up jams
Stick an allen wrench in the slot at the bottom of the disposal and manually crank the blades to free them up

When Required

Check for termites

Reduce risk of expensive damage to wooden portions of home

Termites can't survive sunlight, so the most likely places you'll find them is in your basement
Go to basement and use a spray can of insulating foam to plug any gaps where termites could get in
Use a flashlight and screwdriver to inspect the wood for signs of damage
If the wood is flaky or rotting, you might already have a problem that needs professional attention

Once Every 12 Months

Clean refrigerator coils

Maintain the efficiency of the refrigerator
Prevent overheating

Locate the coils on your refrigerator, typically behind a grill in the front or behind a metal plate on the back of the refrigerator
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to gently clean the coils
Wipe the coils down with a cloth to catch anything the vacuum missed

Once Every 12 Months

Test GFCI outlet

Ensure GFCI is working properly
GFCI outlets manufactured after mid-2006 typically indicate failure by shutting off power
GFCI outlets manufactured prior to this need to be tested

GFCI outlet manufactured prior to mid-2006:
- Procure a GFCI tester
- Plug tester into GFCI outlet and push its test button
- If the power goes off, the GFCI is working, press the reset button to restore power
- If the power doesn't go off, replace the GFCI outlet
GFCI outlet manufactured after mid-2006
- Outlet stops delivering power or indicates it has failed, replace the GFCI outlet

Every 12 Months or When GFCI Outlet Fails