Sure, February is typically known as a time to recognize your true love and honor American presidents, but it’s also a great opportunity to give your home a little tender loving care. We’d like to share a home maintenance check list with you each month to help you keep your environment comfortable and healthy, so here are our top tips for February.
February Home Maintenance checklist
Make sure you replace your air filter if necessary, and schedule a maintenance call if you haven’t had your heating system serviced regularly. Being ahead of the game is never a bad thing. We recommend the monthly filters, one they are cheaper and this ensures that if you were able to leave doors and windows open because of the temperatures you will ensure that the filters are always free of dust and debris.
Remove and clean your drain traps underneath sinks, (this is a big one that nearly no one does) and clean pop-up drain plugs. Inspect the linkage for pop-up drains (what helps move the stopper) to make sure they are properly set. If you need to adjust the linkage, locate the finger-operated pressure lock and squeeze to release. If necessary, slide it up or down. There is a clip under the sink that connects the stopper and arm and they can break and you would never even know it.
Inspect caulk and grout around sinks, tubs and showers. Replace any missing or cracked grout. Clean any discolored, mildewed or stained caulk with household cleaners. This will prevent unseen water leaks that when they do show could be very costly to repair.
Touch up or refinish furniture in a heated work-space or garage (make sure you have proper ventilation). If possible, use water-based strippers, paints, stains and varnishes especially formulated for low odors. Mostly for your outdoor (patio) furniture getting it ready for the spring.
Inspect your water valves to see if any are sticking or leaking. This includes outdoor faucets and valves along with toilets, laundry room fixtures, and all household sinks.
Staying on top of home maintenance is difficult, but just by doing a few things every month, it won’t seem so overwhelming to you. As owning a home sometimes can seem like a job in itself. The good thing is that you are not putting the money in someone else’s pocket.
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