Home Care Tips
Miscellaneous Home Care tips
- Maintain window weep holes from dust and dirt to prevent window leaks
- Always use cold water when using garbage disposal. Hot water will shorten the life span of the disposal with grease deposits
- If you own a Jacuzzi, every 6 months add a 1/2 cap of bleach to lukewarm water just above the jets and run for 30 minutes. This will keep the jet waterlines free from built up residue and also rinse out the filters.
- Fireplace chimneys must be periodically cleaned – but this can be minimized by buying a 12x12 chimney cap to prevent birds from nesting
- If you have crawl space vents, make sure they are closed in the winter
- Garage doors – the moving parts of garage doors should be greased every 3 months with a substance designed for garage doors. Screws that fasten the hardware should be tightened every year because as the wood shrinks – they may loosen.
- Wood doors - can warp because of humidity and this can it prevent closing after some time. To help keep doors from warping, close them at night or during the day every day. The jamb will help keep them straight.
- Solid Hardwood floors need to be waxed with spirit wax periodically based on amount of traffic and use. It is recommended that all furniture on the hardwood flooring be equipped with a pad to prevent scratching.
Annual Maintenance is important to ensure the value and comfort of your home for years to come. Below are suggestions for seasonal maintenance.
Spring
- Check condition of exterior caulk around windows. Re-caulk as necessary to avoid air leaks.
- Inspect roof and gutter systems for snow and ice damage. Repair as necessary.
- Feed and seed lawn, re-work any topsoil erosion, plant annuals and perennials. Consult local nursery or horticulturist on a plan to fit your particular lawn and landscaping needs.
- Repair any driveway damage.
- Test smoke detectors and change batteries. Test carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check and repair any screen damage.
Summer
- Apply weed killer to lawn.
- Have air conditioning system cleaned and checked by professional contractor.
- Complete interior caulking grout, paint touch up, or redecorating.
- Check hot water heater for mineral build-up; drain and refill.
- Clean faucet aerators.
- Seal coat asphalt driveway and approach.
Fall
- Remove hoses from frost free hose bibs and store hose to prevent freezing.
- Mulch landscaping that needs winter protection.
- Have heating system cleaned and checked by professional contractor.
- Check fireplace operation and inspect flue or chimney for possible cleaning by professional contractor.
Winter
- To reduce condensation on your windows, use a dehumidifier during the heating season and raise blinds daily for air circulation
- Asphalt or concrete driveways can last longer by immediate removal of snow and ice. Also, use of salt on driveways and concrete walks is not recommended as it can cause premature cracks or problems with the drive, which will require resurfacing. Salt can also damage your carpeting inside if tracked in and can kill your landscaping and grass. It is best to use an ice-melt product that does not contain sodium chloride (salt). Kitty litter or sand can be used for traction, but they create a messy clean up. A brush and clean mat on the outside of the home and a carpet mat on the inside of exterior doors can help prevent any of these products from ruining your carpeting inside.
- Never leave the home unheated during cold months. The pipes can freeze and break.
- Make sure all entrances to crawl spaces are closed during cold weather.
- Change furnace filter once a month and twice a month during heating season
- Clean and check sump pump and pit. Also would advise periodic check of sump pump to ensure proper working order.
- Keep fireplace damper and glass doors closed when not in use, it prevents cold air entry and heat loss.
Hartz has provided these tips as guidelines only. Homeowners are to check their builder and manufacturer warranties and manuals for additional information and guidelines for care and operation.
