Monthly Homeowner TIPS

January

• Climb up to the roof and, with a broom, brush snow off the overhang.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter. ( Filters should be replaced or cleaned at least once a month during peak heating season ).
• Clean humidifier pad on furnace.
• Check windows for condensation. If they are quite damp, increase the ventilation in your home by either by running kitchen and bathroom fans from time to time or by opening a window slightly.

February

• Brush off the snow from roof overhang.
• Clean range hood filter by soaking it in soapy water.
• Dust and vacuum baseboard heaters.
• Clean or replace furnace filter.

March

• Remove snow from roof overhang.
• Move refrigerator and dust off rear coils.
• Clean or replace furnace filter.
• Look for dripping taps replace washers if necessary.

April

• Clean eavestrough and check downspouts.
• Rake winter debris from lawns, once ground is quite dry.
• Plant deciduous trees and shrubs.
• Check roof for loose or cracked shingles.
• Inspect exterior finishes ( chipped paint etc. ).
• Check walk way and driveway for frost damage. Fix with a concrete patching material.
• Fertilize lawn.

May

• Sow new lawns with pitchfork to allow air in.
• Plant annuals ( end of month ).
• Check exterior caulking for rain penetration.
• Remove storm windows.
• Clean aluminum siding if dirty. Use a stiff bristle brush ( not wire ) and mix one liter laundry bleach with three liters water and 100 ml dishwasher detergent.

June

• Feed perennials with 7-7-7 fertilizer.
• Check wood or chain link fences for frost heave.
• Inspect air conditioning system to see if it's working properly.
• Clean outside windows.
• Fertilize lawn.
• Prune shrubs that have already blossomed.

July

• Trim evergreen hedges.
• Check bathroom and exhaust fans.
• Seal asphalt driveway if necessary.

August

• Check garage door track and grease the bearings.
• Lubricate interior and exterior door hardware.
• Seed new lawns.
• If furnace ductwork in basement is not covered over by a rec room ceiling check to see if joints need new duct tape.

September

• Get oil furnace serviced.
• Check clothes dryer vent and remove dust particles.
• Inspect the grout around tiles and bathtubs.

October

• Plant spring flowering bulbs.
• Rake leaves and clean up yard.
• Drain garden hoses.
• Wrap trunks of newly-planted trees.
• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.

November

• Plant spring flowering bulbs.
• Rake leaves and clean up yard.
• Drain garden hoses.
• Wrap trunks of newly-planted trees.
• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.

December

• Cover evergreens with burlap to prevent ice damage.
• Brush off evergreens after heavy snowfalls.
• Bring in firewood.

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