November Maintenance Checklist

☐ Checking for disconnected or crushed ductwork & repair as needed
☐ Clean around air conditioning units & cover until spring
☐ Examine the forced air furnace fan belt for wear, looseness or noise; clean fan blades of any dirt buildup
☐ General furnace inspection: look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, proper flame color, note odd sounds or smells and check condition of venting
☐ Hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect your home's heating systems for proper functioning prior to the season of use
☐ Turn ON gas furnace pilot light
☐ Check screws on door lock sets and hardware, tighten up if needed
☐ Check the caulking for exterior windows and doors
☐ Deep clean carpets and rugs
☐ 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
☐ Winterize landscaping, for example, store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter
☐ Check roof for damaged or missing shingles or problems with flashing
☐ Examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof edges
☐ Call a professional chimney sweep if necessary
☐ Check chimneys for obstructions such as nests
☐ Check fireplace damper to enaure it operates smoothly
☐ Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and the chimney
☐ Inspect fireplace firebrick and mortar for cracks and deterioration & patch small cracks
☐ Inspect fireplace flues for "glassy" creosote buildup and have flues cleaned regularly
☐ Remove and store window screens
☐ Check your snow removal equipment and have a shovel ready
☐ Store or cover your patio furniture
☐ Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaksTrim any trees or shrubs that touch house & prune others
☐ Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass