October 2010

October is when all remodelers are supposed to send you a guilt-ridden list of all the home maintenance items you didn't do over the summer. So, here it is.

1. Here's one free pass: If you haven't scheduled a painter, let it go. It ain't happening this year.

2. Stink bugs are going to be the irritant this Fall. They have no predators and insecticides seem to be ineffective. They don't bite, but they do really earn their name if you smash them. It's best to vacuum the little suckers and discard them. Actions good for energy conservation will aid in your battle against the bug. Eliminate points of entry around your foundation, windows, fascia boards, attic vents and eves by screening, caulking and repair. Stink bugs tend to concentrate on the north side of light colored houses.


3. The majority of maintenance issues in your home revolve around moisture. Basically, wet is bad and dry is good!




Clogged Gutters - BAD! overflowing gutter

o Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters are BAD! AND if you haven't cleared the downspouts, you're not done.

o We've been getting lots of rain lately - walk around your house after a rain and if you see standing water against your house, that's bad. Do something about it.


4. Check the caulking you can reach - squirt a little caulk where necessary.












water heater

5. Flush your water heater - This is a simple operation that can dramatically lengthen the life of your heater. It involves:

o Turning off your water heater,













Water heater sediment - Really! water heater sediment

o Connecting a hose to the water heater drain,

o Place the other end of the hose in a drain (Einstein!),

o Open the drain valve for a couple of minutes,

o Close the drain,

o Disconnect the hose (and put the hose away, Dear!),

o Restart the water heater and you're done!












Drain that sediment

Continuing the list of home maintenance items you don't want to do:


6. Change the various filters, HVAC filters in particular.


7. It isn't a bad idea to have the furnace serviced. John Clower at BMC Clower (301- 562-9002) has maintained our HVAC system for many years. While you're at it, have the humidifier serviced and cleaned. It's surprising how many humidifiers don't work because they aren't cleaned and serviced.


8. Test the Ground Fault Interrupter Circuits. They are the ones with the "test - reset" buttons. If the "test" or the "reset" buttons don't work (i.e. click); it's time to replace them.


9. Clean:
o The range hood filters - Most can be put in the dishwasher.

o The refrigerator coils -Vacuum with extension.

o The drier vent -Really should be cleaned with every wash!

10. Change the smoke detector batteries (or at least buy the batteries).


11. Preserve the doorknobs and maybe your counters with a coat of auto wax.