/ˈmānt(ə)nəns/
noun
1.
the process of maintaining or preserving someone or something, or the state of being maintained:
"crucial conditions for the maintenance of democratic government"
synonyms
preservation, conservation, continuation, continuance, continuity, ... more
antonyms
Your Home works hard to take care of you. Take care of your home to keep all of it's systems protected and functioning properly.
Check HVAC system filters. Some filters are reusable, while others are disposable and must be replaced. Clean or replace filters when they get dirty, which might be anywhere from 30 days to a few months.
Look for leaks around toilets and sinks. Any sign of water where it shouldn't be is reason to investigate further. Even a tiny leak could cost hundreds of dollars each year, as illustrated by this chart from the City of New York.
Inspect grout and caulking. Touch up any voids or cracks in tubs and showers. This keeps them looking nice while helping to avoid seeping water damage.
Check kitchen vent hood filter. Clean or replace if needed. Consider looking at the vent hood filter more often if you have an avid chef in the household.
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. In addition to a monthly test, Consumer Reports explains why you should change batteries every six months. Make a habit of changing the batteries when you change your clocks during Daylight Savings Time.
Stroll around outside. You're probably outside your home on a regular basis, but how often do you really look it over? Walk around the house and any outbuildings, looking for problems with the foundation, vents, gutters and drainpipes.
Clean clothes dryer exhaust. Lint buildup can affect the dryer's efficiency and may create a fire hazard. In fact, about 15,500 house fires are caused by clothes dryers each year. The National Park Service offers some interesting ideas on what to do with all the lint.
Lubricate garage door springs. Whether you have an opener or not, greasing your garage door springs can make it much easier to operate.
Drain hot water heater. Sediment that collects in the bottom of the heater can affect its longevity. How to drain a hot water tank.
Look for signs of termites. A swarm of termites can lead to huge expenses. Check out this guide on inspecting for termites.
Clean septic tank. If your sewage collects in a tank, it should be inspected annually and emptied as needed. The average household needs a septic tank cleaning every two or three years.
Clean Gutters of Debris. Leaves and plant debris can collect in gutters can put extra stress on the gutter and fascia boards and lead to clogged downspouts.
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Especially in wintertime. Cracked or worn caulk/ sealant around windows can lead to air leakage and extra energy costs.
