Home Tips

Crawl Spaces
The space under homes needs to be kept relatively dry. It is wise to keep any wood or paper debris or personal property out of crawl spaces, this debris can attract pests and wood boring insects that could cause serious damage to your home. Your crawl space should be inspected at least twice a year. This will help detect any water or pest problems that may arise. An occasional peek into the crawl space will let you know how the gutters and downspouts are performing as well as your sprinkler system. Faulty sprinkler systems and over watering is a common cause of water intrusion
into the crawlspace and can be eliminated by making sure all spray patterns and proper run times are adjusted through out the season. Keeping crawlspace vents open to ventilate and keep crawlspace dry is recommended unless we have an extreme cold spell. The vents on average should be open from February to December. The crawlspace vents are located on the perimeter of the concrete walls of the foundation and should be kept clear from any blockage that would allow the air to be
restricted. Vents are operable from the exterior, simply pull linkage out to close vent and
push to open vent.

Humidifiers
Water levels in humidifiers should be checked and adjusted monthly. Interior components should be replaced on an as needed basis. The pad on drum type humidifiers should be replaced annually. The water supply to humidifier should be shut off for the summer months and activated for the heating months. On systems with air conditioning or a heat pump, the damper in the humidifier ductwork should be closed during the cooling season. Over humidification can lead to mildew and possible mold, checking and making adjustments on a regular basis can eliminate such issues.

Air Conditioning Systems
Air conditioning compressor units (the outdoor portion of the system) should not be run when the outdoor air temperatures is below 65 degrees. The compressor may not get the proper lubrication that is required, causing compressor damage and possible replacement of system.

Air conditioning systems cannot work properly until the outdoor air temperatures reach the minimum of 70 degrees. For this reason, annual maintenance should not be schedule until outside air temperatures reaches a minimum of 80 degrees.

Furnace Maintenance
All forced air system filters should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced as needed. Electronic filters should be checked monthly and cleaned as needed. Care should be taken to ensure the interior components are installed in the correct orientation after cleaning. Noisy blower sections should be brought to the attention of a technician. All types of furnaces and boilers should be inspected by a qualified technician every year to ensure that all the components are operating properly and no connections are loose or burned.
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Roof valleys and Gutters
We suggest that roof valleys and gutters be cleaned seasonally. If too much debris is allowed to stand in the valleys, the shingles may let water through into the attic or living spaces. If the gutters become too full of tree debris water may leak back under the shingles along the eaves causing damage to the fascia, soffits or living spaces. Keeping the roof in good condition by cutting back tree limbs, replacing damaged shingles and sealing any areas were water can penetrate into the structure. These simple tips can save you costly repairs later.

Exterior siding
Exterior caulking will crack and deteriorate over time. If this situation is not monitored and corrected on a consistent basis, moisture can work its way behind wood trim or siding and can cause serious rotting and mold problems. Sealing all penetrations through siding and around doors and windows will help keep moisture out and prolong the structure of the home.

Slope and drainage
Its Important to maintain slope away from foundation this will help shed water away from structure and will aid from water intrusion into crawlspaces and or basements. Extending downspouts away from home and adjusting sprinklers times and spray patterns regularly will help keep water off the exterior surface of your home and will prolong the life of this material. Any holes along the foundation should be filled in with dirt and sloped away from home to prevent water from pooling against the foundation, keeping in mind not to cover any crawlspace ventilation. Keeping bushes and shrubs cut back away
from home will allow air to reach and will help manage moisture.

Basements
Make sure that basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields and are not allowing water to intrude into basement. Cracks in foundation can also allow water intrusion and should be sealed. Inspect sump pumps to ensure they work properly and having a battery backup system is recommended. The sump pump should discharge as far away from the house as possible.

Water Intrusion
If water intrusion does occur, you can minimize the damage by addressing the problem quickly and thoroughly. If water is flowing into the home from a busted pipe or damaged appliances, shut off the water supply immediately to that appliance or fixture. The main water shut off may be in the crawlspace, basement, garage or outside in front of the house near the meter. Immediately remove standing water and all moist materials, and consult with a licensed building professional who can determine the extent of the repairs necessary. Water damage left unattended can result in structural failure and\or mold growth.

Electrical
Take a few minutes to look for and correct electrical safe hazards in your home. It does not take too long to check the insulation on a cord, move an appliance away from water or check that outlet and switch covers are installed. Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) on a regular basis and installing additional GFCI were needed throughout your home could prevent an electrical shock or injury. Call an electrician if a circuit breaker trips or fuses blows frequently, be aware of overloading outlets especially at Christmas time. Investing your time could prevent an electrical safety hazard and save lives.

Bathrooms
Run exhaust fan or open a window in bathroom when taking a shower to help control moisture and steam that can cause mildew to develop. Check to make sure caulking around tub, shower and sinks are in good condition and are sealing out water. Test GFCI on a regular basis by pushing the test button and then pushing the reset button. Maintain sink drains and operate the water supply valves once a year for proper operation. Check for leaks in plumbing and repair any issues that arise before they cause damage.

Kitchen
Check to see if caulking on backsplash and sink are in good condition. Test GFCI on a regular basis by pushing the test button and then the reset button. Adjust and tighten door and drawer hardware. Maintain sink drains and operate the water supply valves once a year for proper operation. Check for leaks in plumbing and repair any issues that arise before they cause damage.

Heating ducts and registers
If you suffer from allergies or other respiratory issues having you air ducts cleaned will improve you indoor air quality as well as prolong furnace life. Washing or replacing your furnace filter every 3 months of use on average will help keep dust and particle levels down in your home. Keep floor registers clear of obstruction so air flows into room and circulates, covering them up with furniture can highly reduce there effectiveness. Occasionally check all supply registers (with furnace fan running) to ensure proper air flow is present, if no air flow is present there is a possibility that the duct could be
disconnected and needs reattached.

Decks & Fences
Replace any bad picket’s on a regular bases and repair gates to close and latch properly. Applying water treatment to fence can give it a new look and will seal out water keeping wood from rotting premature ly. Keeping deck boards screwed down and hand rails in good condition will provide a safer place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Applying water treatment or stain when needed will preserve the life and look of your deck. Inspecting balconies for wobbles or lack of security to home could eliminate any safety issues or injuries.

Vacation Checklist

• Lock all windows and doors
• Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly picked up by a trusted neighbor
• Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shut-off is located in the event of a broken pipe
• Set timers on interior lights, to deter burglars
• Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges
• Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation
• Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe deposit box
• Arrange for pet care
• Turn off water valves to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher
• Let a trusted neighbor know you will be away and have them keep an eye on your home for you. It's a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency
• Set the heating system to provide minimum heat of 55 degrees.
• Clean the refrigerator of all perishable foods and take out the garbage.

Using these tips may help protect your investment as well as keeping your home a healthy place to life. If you do not feel comfortable performing some of the home maintenance tasks listed, or have the necessary equipment, you may want to consider hiring a qualified technician or handy person to help you.