Condo Seasonal Maintenance

Monthly:

Clean and test smoke alarms
Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), breakers
Change and clean furnace filter
Drain sediment from water heater per manufacturers instructions (local water quality determines frequency)

Turn humidifier off
Change furnace filter
Adjust telepost if necessary
Check and adjust sump-pump float level
Test exterior faucets for broken pipes
Flush out basement floor drain
Install exterior sump-pump hose
Clean gutters and confirm down spouts or splashblocks drain away from the house
Clean out window wells
Check and operate air conditioning system
Adjust registers and confirm that the cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies
Make certain the air conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris and that drainage is flowing away from foundation walls
Check and adjust door sweeps to be watertight
Check overhead garage door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals
Check exterior caulking and touch up
Check exterior paint and stain surfaces - refinish as needed
Look for settling of backfill soils and fill in where needed
Check foundation, concrete slabs and yard for settling of backfill soils; fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up
Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes and lubricate tracks

Regularly check sprinkler head adjustments.
Check interior caulking and touch up.
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.
Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in this drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.

Operate the heating system.
Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
Clean the humidifier per manufacturer's instructions.
Adjust or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors as needed.
Check the fit of exterior doors at their thresholds. Many designs are adjustable.
Use a quarter to turn the large screws along the top edge.
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.
Drain your sprinkler system.
Operate fireplace to burn off dust, open windows as required.
Remove hoses from exterior faucets. Even A freeze-proof faucet can end up with a broken water line if the water in the hose freezes, and expands into the pipe.
Inspect chimney for nests.
Review safe fireplace operation. Professional chimney cleaning is appropriate at regular intervals for fireplaces and woodburning stoves.
Check overhead garage door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
Clean gutters, check downspouts, and confirm that splashblocks drain away from the house.
Check foundation, concrete slabs, and yard for settling of backfill soils; fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage.
Check exterior caulking and touch up.
Wash windows and screens; lubricate tracks.
Turn off exterior lawn service valves in the basement and open the bleeder valve to prevent pipes from bursting.
Remove exterior sump pump hose.

Follow all instructions for safe operation of any fireplace or woodburning stove.
Brush snow off gutters and away from downspouts.
Remove ice and snow from concrete surfaces as soon as possible.
Avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts.
Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in this drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.
On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to breathe.
Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.
Set humidistat to 30%-35%.
Remove window screens