As the chill of winter approaches you can take a few key steps to ensure your home keeps you warm and comfy during the winter season.

Exterior

• Flush drain lines with garden hose to clean out debris
• Remove debris from downspouts and splash blocks with a garden hose and confirm that water drains away from the house
• Adjust sprinkler timer for season
• Maintain drainage swales for positive drainage of surface water away from house, in from fence and out to the street
• Caulk and paint exterior painted surfaces as needed
• Touch up caulking around doors and windows as necessary
• Inspect weather stripping on doors and repair or replace as necessary
• Check operation and tighten bolts on roll-up garage doors monthly
• Inspect and clean the fireplace per manufacturer's instructions

Interior

• Change return air filters monthly
• Inspect plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair immediately
• Inspect all tile surfaces, re-grout or re-caulk as needed
• Test smoke detectors and replace batteries annually
• Test and reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (G.F.C.I.) breakers monthly
• Weather permitting, open windows to allow cross ventilation
• Decorate safely for the holidays, do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords

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Spring is approaching and that means a fresh start inside and out for your house with a few tasks to keep it in good shape.

Exterior

• Maintain drainage swales for positive flow of surface water to keep standing water away from the home & fence and flowing out to the street
• Remove debris from gutters, downspouts and splash blocks & flush with a hose
• Adjust sprinkler timer for the season
• Inspect sprinkler heads to assure they spray away from the house
• Prune back tree branches and shrubs that are too close to the house
• Check and replace rubber washers on exterior faucets
• Inspect exterior paint. Repaint if necessary, using the same color. If your home has a wood exterior, expect to repaint every two to four years. (You'll need to repaint more frequently if the walls receive direct sunlight in the morning and mid-afternoon.)
• Check the shut-off valves at all plumbing fixtures to make sure they function properly
• Maintain monthly insect control

Interior

• Remove lint from dryer vent
• Test smoke detectors and replace batteries annually
• Test and reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) monthly
• Hire a licensed professional to service the air conditioning unit to ensure proper operation, early check of the system may prevent inconvenience in peak season
• Replace air return filters monthly
• Weather permitting, open windows to allow cross ventilation
• Inspect and repair immediately water leaks at plumbing fixtures
• Check & repair or replace, as needed, caulking at sinks, tubs, showers, toilet areas and plumbing fixtures (we can't say this enough)
• Inspect, re-grout or re-caulk, as necessary, tile counters and floors
• Clean windows & remove condensation & debris from sills, tracks, weep holes and screens on a monthly basis to allow for smooth operations & to prevent water penetration
• Review your fire escape plan with your family

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As summer approaches here are a few hot tips to help keep your home in tip top condition.

Exterior

• Adjust sprinkler timer for season
• Check and repair as needed sprinkler heads for proper operation.
• Maintain drainage swales for positive drainage of surface water away from house, in from fence and out to the street
• Check operation, tighten bolts and lubricate the wheels and chain as needed on garage doors
• Monitor air conditioning condensation lines regularly to ensure water is draining from the primary line and not the secondary, call a licensed professional to repair if draining from the secondary line
• Maintain monthly insect control
• Drain your water heater to remove sediment
• Oil hinges and locks on exterior doors. Touch up paint on exterior doors that are cracked or peeling.
• Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
• Fertilize lawn as necessary.

Interior

• Change return air filters monthly
• Inspect and repair immediately plumbing fixtures for leaks
• Inspect and re-caulk, as needed, sinks, tubs, showers, plumbing fixtures and toilet areas (we can't say this enough)
• Test smoke detectors and replace batteries annually
• Test and reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (G.F.C.I.) breakers monthly
• Weather permitting, open windows to allow cross ventilation
• Check water hoses on clothes washer, refrigerator, icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles and replace if necessary.

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As the autumn leaves fall you can prepare for the changes in the seasons by tending to these simple tasks, as consistent homeowner maintenance will keep your home in tip top condition.

Exterior

• Fences and gates take a beating during the summer months. Inspect yours for weather or insect damage. Replace or repair any damaged parts. Repaint or refinish as needed. And lubricate the hardware to protect from rust.
• Hot summer sun may have damaged exterior caulking. Check and replace as needed.
• Maintain drainage swales for positive flow of surface water to keep standing water away from the home & fence and flowing out to the street.
• Clean out debris in drain lines under concrete by flushing with a hose
• Remove debris from gutters, downspouts and splash blocks & flush with a hose
• Adjust sprinkler timer for the season
• Inspect sprinkler heads to assure they are spraying away from the house
• Hire a licensed professional to inspect the roof and roof vents and to make any necessary repairs
• Plant new lawn and fertilize as needed
• Inspect and repair or replace weather stripping as necessary

Interior

• Remove lint from dryer vent
• Hire a licensed professional to service heating unit to ensure proper operation, early check of the system may prevent inconvenience in peak season
• Replace air return filters monthly
• Replace batteries in thermostats as necessary
• Weather permitting, open windows to allow cross ventilation
• Clean aerators on faucets and shower heads
• Inspect and repair immediately water leaks at plumbing fixtures
• Check & repair or replace, as needed, caulking at sinks, tubs, showers, toilet areas and plumbing fixtures (we can't say this enough)
• Lubricate squeaky hinges and tighten loose knobs on doors and cabinets
• Inspect and re-grout or re-caulk tile counters and floors as needed
• Clean windows & remove condensation & debris from sills, tracks, weep holes and screens on a monthly basis to allow for smooth operations & to prevent water penetration

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* For your convenience, additional homeowner maintenance tips can be found in your Homeowner’s Manual or please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service department at (559) 256-7000.