December Maintenance Checklist

☐ Examine hot water heater pressure-temperature relief valve for leaking, and test, if desired
☐ Bleed air from hot water radiators
☐ Open furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning and clean humidifier
☐ Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use
☐ Ensure windows and skylights close tightly
☐ Inspect and clean (if needed) storm window weep holes
☐ Inspect and replace (if needed) weather stripping
☐ Install storm windows and doors
☐ Remove, clean, and store summertime screens
☐ Renew door weatherstripping if required
☐ Replace window screens with storm windows
☐ Check foundation walls for cracks and repair
☐ Check your attic for proper insulation
☐ Check chimney for cracks and leaks
☐ Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water, refill with water as necessary
☐ Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes, with citrus fruit rinds and baking soda
☐ Inspect dishwasher for leaks
☐ Clean/replace kitchen range hood exhaust fan filters
☐ Clean the range-hood filter
☐ Clean your appliances
☐ Remove and clean range burners
☐ Wash and rinse the clothes-dryer lint screen
☐ Inspect, clean, and lubricate at least one major appliance per the manufacturer instructions
☐ Deep-clean laminate surfaces
☐ Clean and brighten tile and grout
☐ Deep-clean all types of flooring
☐ Test GFI receptacles and circuit breakers
☐ Check for caulking cracks and separations around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, countertops, back splashes, faucets, window sills, etc
☐ Clean and freshen your drains
☐ Inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads
☐ Pour water down unused drains and flush unused toilets
☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change if 10 years or older
☐ Test the water-heater pressure and temperature-relief valve for proper operation
☐ Clean/replace HVAC air filters
☐ Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust
☐ Check for water penetration around windows, exterior doors and ceiling
☐ Check caulking/seals around showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilet tanks to bowl connection and bases
☐ Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged
☐ Ensure all stairs and railing do not have loose steps, rails or spindles
☐ Make sure air vents indoors and outside are not blocked
☐ Inspect and seal visible foundation areas, pipes, vents and ducts
☐ Check water-purification and water-softener filters
☐ Check air intakes for insect blockages and debris
☐ Test automatic garage door opener, grease as needed, and and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted
☐ Clean your gutters and basement window wells
☐ Drain and store outdoor hoses & shut-off valve to exterior faucet, unless have frost proof hose bibs
☐ Have well water tested every 6 months for quality & bacteria
☐ If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years