More Best Practices
A few weeks ago, GBA Senior Editor Kiley Jacques approached me with the idea for this article. I immediately agreed but realized that writing it would require me to admit my own shortcomings. If you struggle with filter changes, gutter cleaning, and fresh batteries for your smoke alarms, please know that you are not alone.
Before diving into the list, I’d like to think about what keeps us—people passionate about our buildings and our environment—from doing the maintenance tasks required to care for both. These barriers can include:
Lack of awareness. It’s sometimes said that every home should come with an owner’s manual, a single resource that lists key tasks, explains why they’re important, and how (and how often) to do them. Ideally, the manual would be transferred to new owners when the house changes hands. When equipment is added or replaced, installers would educate occupants and update the manual. In practice, this rarely happens, and occupants are left to track maintenance tasks on their own.
Task aversion. Some tasks are unpleasant, like changing a furnace filter in a musty basement. Others are physically strenuous, like setting up an extension ladder to clean gutters. And any task involving ladders, fuel, or electricity comes with safety considerations.
Lack of confidence. Another obstacle is fear that we won’t be able to accomplish the task. Who hasn’t started an “easy” home project that took several hours (and a couple trips to the store) more than expected? Perfectionism can also be a barrier. I’ll sometimes put off a cleaning or repair task if I don’t think I can do an A+ job.
Limited time, energy, and attention. Work, family, and routine chores can leave us exhausted, and maintenance tasks compete with much-needed downtime. I…
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9 Comments
Jon,
I'm going to undo much the good work you have put into motivating owners by adding a huge number of things to your list.
I reward myself for doing them by praising my progress out-loud as I finish tasks - something that my wife finds funny, and may well land me in a home prematurely if people other than her hear me.
- Hot water tanks. Drain annually, check the anode, and test the elements. Inspect and periodically switch out the supply hoses
- Chimneys should be checked for blockages or build-up, as well as deterioration
- Roof inspection. Get up there is you can, otherwise use binoculars. Check boots, vents, and anything that relies on sealant to stay waterproof
- If you have an attic, go up there and poke around. Look at the sheathing, exposed wiring, check for signs of leaks.
- Pest infestations or damage. From foundation to roof. Make sure insects and rodents haven't gained a foothold
- Test all Breakers and GFIs
- Check all the plumbing shut-offs work, especially your main one. If it is hard to access, consider relocating it Turn off outside taps which don't have freeze-proof valves. Drain outside hoses and flush your pressure washer
- If your perimeter drains or downspouts exit to daylight, check the outlet is clear.
- Make sure that the dampers on your duct terminations aren't stuck open or closed
- Move paints and other coatings into heated storage.
- Lubricate all locks.
- Check your fire extinguishers
That should drive most readers to an early Friday afternoon drink.
Thanks Malcolm, these are great. My list just got a little longer! Checking fire extinguishers is especially important and easily overlooked.
Jon,
My work with our fire department lead me to supplement our extinguishers with two fire blankets. They are particularly useful in kitchen fires.
Owners Manual for a House! Awesome!
mikesmcp,
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/anyone-know-of-a-good-resource-to-find-an-example-of-a-homeowners-manual-for-nahbs-green-building-program
This inspired me to finally take the little midea u shaped AC out of my guest bedroom window. In North Carolina I've always seen them left in year round, and with the insulation around it I wasn't sure how much difference it would make to take it out. As soon as I took it out and closed the window the relatively quiet hum of the heat pump outside fell mostly silent, and I noticed a bit of mildew had begun to form on the windowsill from the ~5 months the AC had been in place. Now the sill is wiped clean and looks much better. I wonder how it would have looked in a few years had I left the AC in place. Given that it's mostly for use during extended power outages when on generator power I may keep it stowed away until I need it.
Yesterday I undertook a far messier task, cleaning ash out of the fireplace that had built up for years with the prior owners. I'd tried using my hepa shop vac but for some reason was rewarded with a plume of ash in my living room. Next time I'll try it outside first to make sure the filter and bag are doing their job. I swept up several pounds of ash before I could even see the ash chute in the back for sweeping it directly to a bin outside. I'm not sure why the prior owners continued to build fires but didn't use the ash chute. The mess helps reinforce me keeping the chimney plugged up with a balloon for now, while I contemplate removing the whole thing.
I've found it helpful to buy filters in enough quantities that I'll always have new ones when needed. It can also save a little money. My HRV filters are pricey enough ($25 each and it takes two, twice a year). So ordering ten at a time cuts the shipping cost. When I get down to two, I order more. Particulate water filters come in a box of 24 and are much cheaper online than getting them one at a time at the hardware store. Same with filters for the fridge water/ice cube maker. I keep all my filters in the same place.
-If you have HRV/ERV's check the intake screens and make sure they are clean. Mine will clog up solid in 18 months if I don’t keep on top of them.
-Clean internal filter on the HRV/ERV
-If your forced air system has a humidifier check that the lever for it is switched to the correct season, Summer or Winter.
-Check the water pad in the humidifier, in my experience they are good for 2-3 years at most.
-If you have a condensing boiler or furnace, check the acid neutralizing cartridge for the condensate drain.
I would caution against a blanket recommendation for gutter guards to reduce maintenance. There are pros and cons besides the expense. Water won't flow into the gutters as well, some can create icicle issues, some cleaning may be needed, and some are difficult to remove if you do need to clean something in a gutter. I found it simpler and more effective to install larger-sized gutters and downspouts in a few choice locations and clean the gutters once a year.
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