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THINGS TO DO ON THE DAY YOU PAY THE MORTGAGE

Following these tips may allow you to make repairs while they are simple and could avoid costly problems later.

HVAC:

Check the furnace filter. Clean or replace as necessary. Have professional HVAC service, test and clean the heating and cooling systems at least once a year. The best time to request both to be done in one trip is late spring or early fall. Regular HVAC service will save in utility costs.

Plumbing:

Check the hot water tank for leaks.

Check the bathrooms. Run all faucets and check for leaks or drips at the handles. Do any of the toilets phantom flush?

Check the outside wall hydrants for leaks or drips at the handles. Don't forget to remove the hoses from the hydrants for the winter.

Electrical:

Test the GFCI outlets in the bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outside, and/or basement. Did the reset button pop out? Can you reset the button?

Replace burnt out light bulbs in ceiling fixtures and on the exterior of the house.

Check all light switches in each room. Do light flicker when the switch is activated? Are switches loose or hard to use?

Check for broken or worn electrical receptacles.

Miscellaneous:

Run a full tray of ice cubes through the garbage disposal for 15 seconds without water running to clean and eliminate odors. Then run cold water for several minutes.

Open all bedroom windows. Be sure they will stay open by themselves for safety egress in case of fire or other emergencies.

Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they will sound. Use the crevasse tool of the vacuum to dust the alarms, removing lint and dust that may hinder their operation. Install new batteries with the time changes, spring and fall.

Expect the unexpected by establishing a savings fund which plans for scheduled replacement of aging equipment before it breaks down and allows you to take advantage of sales. Replacing the air conditioning on the 4th of July or repairing the oven the day before Thanksgiving will be costly and is sure to happen to all of us at least once unless we plan ahead.