Summer

¨ Regularly check sprinkler head adjustments.

¨ Check interior caulking and touch up.

¨ Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.

¨ Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in this drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.

 Fall

¨ Operate the heating system.

¨ Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.

¨ Clean the humidifier per manufacturer's instructions.

¨ Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed.

¨ Check the fit of exterior doors at their thresholds.  Many designs are adjustable; use a quarter to turn the large screws along the top edge.

¨ Drain your sprinkler system.

¨ Remove hoses from exterior faucets.  Even "freeze-proof" faucets end up with a broken water line if the water in the hose freezes and expands into the pipe.

¨ Inspect chimney for nests.

¨ Review safe fireplace operation.  Professional chimney cleaning is appropriate at yearly intervals for fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

¨ Inspect and replace weather stripping on all exterior doors.

¨ Check overhead garage door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil.  Have other repairs done by professionals.

¨ Clean gutters, check downspouts and confirm that splash blocks drain away from the house.

¨ Check foundation, concrete slabs, and yard for settling of backfill soils; fill in as needed to maintain drainage.

¨ Check exterior caulking and touch up.

¨ Wash windows and screens; lubricate tracks.

¨ Check septic tank drain field for flooding and odor: have tank pumped, if needed.