Checklists are Your Friends

An Ounce of Maintenance is Worth A Pound of Repairs 

When was the last time you gave your house an examination?

Humans need regular health maintenance and Cars need to be serviced about every five thousand kilometers. What about your home though? Homes don’t exactly have an odometer. That’s why it’s important to put your home through a regular inspection and “Arizona home” maintenance routine. By tackling this seasonal and monthly outline of specific tasks, you can keep your household running safely and efficiently all year long.

Arizona Home Maintenance for Spring / Summer

Exterior:

• Trim trees and plants away from your home, including the roof
• Clean and remove debris from gutters and downspouts
• Examine and repair caulking of the windows, stucco, and trim
• Examine paint on siding, trim, and doors (paint is essential for protection)
• Clean shade screens
• Examine roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles/tiles
• Get your water tested by a pool company at the beginning of the season
• Have septic tank pumped
• Inspect sprinkler system operation and adjust timing as needed

Interior:

• Examine and repair caulking at the windows for weatherization and insect control
• Close the chimney damper to improve air conditioning efficiency
• Clean and wax or oil cabinets to protect the finish
• Examine weather stripping on exterior doors and windows to reduce energy costs
• Clean fireplace/chiminey
• Examine bath tile grouting to prevent moisture damage
• Lubricate and adjust locks, hinges and latches
• Examine window locks for proper operation
• Lubricate garage door roller shafts, wipe down tracks with dry cloth and tighten bolts
• Examine cabinets, drawers, and hinges for proper alignment
• Clean dryer vent duct and damper to remove any lint buildup or obstructions
• Have your a/c or heat pump, and/or evaporative cooler cleaned and serviced by a qualified technician

Arizona Home Maintenance For Fall / Winter

Exterior:

• Clean and remove debris from gutters
• Adjust sprinkeler system operation and timing as needed.
• Reseed the lawn for winter grass
• Rinse off A/C compressor/condesing unit coil
• Drain and clean evaporitive cooler
• Drain hot water heater
• Check Auto Garage door sensors for safety adjustments needed
• Consider covering your pool when not in use

Interior:

• Turn on your furnace to make sure it is in proper working order
• Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows and all interior areas
• Check the fireplace and open the damper of the chimney before first use
• Clean and wax all kitchen and bath cabinets and paneling
• Call your electric company to do an energy audit
• Check hoses on washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher for deterioration

Monthly Arizona Home Maintenance List of “To Do’s”

• Test your smoke detector by pressing the button to be sure it beeps or rings loudly. Replace batteries as needed.
• Change your heat pump and or a/c unit filters
• Check the salt level in your water softener
• Drain the holding tank for your R/O system and it to refill
• Treat home for insects as needed. This will also help mitigate scorpions
• Have a professional test your pool water