"Spring Maintenance Checklist" a checklist from Housemaster

SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
GROUNDS
Check condition of driveways and walks.
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for blockage.
Check fencing conditions and gate operation.
Check retaining walls for cracks, bulges and leaning.
Check all landscaping; trim all bushes and trees.
Check all out-buildings, porches and patios.
Check for proper grading and drainage throughout property.
Check lawn sprinkler system operation.
Check all equipment in preparation of pool opening.
Check (during rainstorm) for drainage away from foundation. SIDING AND CHIMNEYS
Check all surfaces for damage or deterioration.
Check caulking at all joints.
Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components.
Check condition of masonry chimneys and vents.
Check foundation for settlement, cracks and spalling. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Check for damaged screens or broken glass.
Check weatherstripping, caulking, and window putty.
Check for frame decay or damage.
Clean and install screens. ROOFS
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check fascia and soffit for signs of leaks/moisture build-up.
Check all flashings for fit and seals.
Check television antenna or satellite dish mounting.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
Clean fungi or algae from roof surfaces. PORCH AND PATIO
Check all wooden supports and railing components.
Check flooring for wear or damage.
Apply preservative to wood decking and components.
Seal patios at foundation. INSECT INFESTATION
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity.
Check for insect damage.
Arrange for treatment or repair. INTERIOR AREAS
Check attic, ceilings and walls for evidence of leaks.
Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage.
Check condition of all painted or finished walls and trim.
Check carpet and flooring for wear or damage.
Check condition of all stairs and railings.
Check condition and operation of all windows and doors.
Test smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. SLAB/FOUNDATION
Check for cracks or breaks in wall.
Check for evidence of water infiltration or dampness.
Check for decaying sills and window frames.
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity
Check for changes in framing conditions.
Check crawlspace ventilation, insulation, and vapor retarders.
Test, clean and lubricate sump pump. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Assess power distribution for overloads issues.
Check condition of incoming service wire and supports.
Test circuit breakers and label all circuits at panel.
Test arc-fault and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (regularly).
Check circuits for over-fusing.
Check all receptacles and switches.
Check operation of vent and/or attic fans. HEATING/COOLNG SYSTEMS
Follow manufacturer instructions for HVAC systems.
Inspect and install room air conditioners.
Clean all serviceable elements of heating system.
Change or clean heating system filter (regularly).
Check venting systems for corrosion and leaks.
Clean and de-energize humidifier.
Check and lubricate attic fan. PLUMBING SYSTEM
De-winterize and check exterior faucets.
Check well and components.
Check septic tanks and systems.
Check water and waste piping for leaks.
Check hot water supply temperature.
Follow manufacturer instructions for water heater. KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
Check condition and operation of all appliances.
Clean and change range fan filters.
Check all toilet flush mechanisms.
Check and repair all leaking faucets and valves.
Caulk and grout tile at tubs and showers.
Clean aerators and showerhead.


Copyright © HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

17 ways to save on energy

17 ways to save on energy
By Bankrate.com


Get a home energy audit every couple of years with your power company to find ways to cut costs.
Check with your utility company for rebates whenever you install energy-saving equipment.

Add more energy-efficient insulation to your attic, with the appropriate R-value, or resistance to heat flow, for your climate and the type of heating in your house..
Turn down your home thermostat two degrees and save 24 kilowatt hours a month. It might not sound like much, but it adds up.
Buy a programmable thermostat, especially if your home is vacant most of the day. Set it to turn on a half hour before anyone arrives home.
Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and wait. Turning your thermostat up or down dramatically wastes energy and increases your heating costs.
Lower your hot water thermostat 10 degrees, but no lower than 120 degrees. You'll still get all the hot water you need and save 25 kilowatt hours a month.
Fix leaky faucets -- one drip a second is 20 kilowatts a month.
Invest in weather-stripping kits if you've got drafty doors.
Trade your standard candescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more energy-efficient, last for years instead of months, consume little power and generate little heat.
Turn off your computer when not in use, or use the energy-saving "sleep" mode.
Seal energy leaks. Caulk over cracks and small holes around windows and exterior walls. Look carefully around plumbing pipes, telephone wires, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains and under countertops.
Participate in your power company's special energy-saving program. Some programs shut down electric appliances for short bursts of time during peak hours. You hardly notice the difference -- except in your bill.
Buy major appliances that sport the "Energy Star" sticker. That shows the appliance meets or exceeds standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Consider a front-loading washing machine. They use 50 percent less energy and one-third less water. Plus, they remove far more water in the rinse cycle, and that translates into big savings in dryer time.
When building a home or replacing a roof, select a roof based more on energy efficiency than on how it looks. Light-colored roofs, such as white, galvanized metal or cement tile, do the best job of reflecting the sun, and cool quickly at night.
Landscaping with the right mix of trees and shrubs can lower your energy bills by blocking winter winds or the summer sun.