Home Maintenance of your new home.

Here is some very good information about maintaining your new Nilson Home.  

Monthly Maintenance 

As a homeowner, you have normal maintenance responsibilities for your new home.  Home maintenance includes regular, seasonal and one-time tasks.  The following suggested maintenance schedule identifies some of the more common maintenance tasks that may be performed on a weekly, monthly or on a semi-annual basis.  Tailor it to fit your own situation, adding or deleting items as required.

The following is suggested monthly maintenance:

Smoke Detectors-Check operation by pushing test button.  Check and   replace battery if necessary.

Check fire extinguishers for proper charge.  Never buy units without a pressure gauge.  Be sure that you have an adequate number, located in kitchen, garage and basement.  Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to insure proper protection.

Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding ice cubes and citrus fruit rinds.

Clean or replace dirty filter in range hood.

Check for evidence of leaks around toilets, under sinks and around dishwasher.

Clean and freshen sink drains by flushing with hot water and baking soda.

Inspect furnace and air-conditioning filters, humidifier and electronic air cleaners.  Replace as required, usually every three months.

Clean aerators on faucets regularly, depending upon water hardness.  You may need to use a rust or scale remover to return them to normal condition, or have them replaced.  Check water filters and softeners regularly.  The life of filters is dependent upon water usage and water characteristics.  Retailers can help with this analysis.

Monitor and maintain floor coverings on an as required basis.  Regular vacuuming will reduce wear of carpets and other floor coverings.  Repair tears and remove stains as soon as possible.

Check the Temperature Pressure Release (TPR) valve on the water heater.  Water heater should also be drained periodically.  In areas with hard water, drain at least 5 gallons of water from the drain valve every six months to prevent sediment build up.

Twice-A-Year Maintenance

Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.

Inspect doors and windows to verify proper operation, security and weather-resistance.  Clean tracks of windows and sliding glass doors before applying silicone lubricant.  

Complete seasonal maintenance on heating and air conditioning by licensed HVAC contractor.

Inspect and replace as needed caulking and grout around tubs, showers and sinks.

Have carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.

Annual Maintenance

Examine caulking around windows, doors, tubs and wet areas and other areas following instructions in this manual.

If applicable, check condition of septic tank and leech field.  Consult with septic tank pumping service.

Visually survey wood trim following suggestions in this manual.  Clean all woodwork and wax.

Complete annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor.