Your home has many things that need regular maintenance to keep you comfy and safe, including your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Some maintenance items are covered in maintenance plans offered by Kalos or other contractors, but there are plenty of home maintenance tasks you can do yourself.
We’ve made a quick and easy checklist of regular home maintenance items for you. Feel free to save or print this checklist and keep it on hand so that you can set your home maintenance schedule and put these items on the agenda:
Monthly Maintenance
HVAC
- Change your HVAC filter(s) if you have standard 1” thick filters
- Pour a cup of white vinegar down the A/C drain
- Keep tabs on your indoor relative humidity (RH), making sure it stays below 60% and that there is no condensation or dampness on vents or walls
Plumbing & Water
- Watch your water bill for any significant jumps in usage
- Remove any empty containers that could contain standing water outdoors
- Use an LED flashlight to check pipes, fixtures, and your water heater for leaks
Bi-Annual Maintenance (Every 6 Months)
HVAC
- Remove branches or dirt that could be obstructing your outdoor A/C unit
- Clean your HVAC drain and test the float switch (getting a professional is recommended)
- Clean out the dryer vent connection
- Clean kitchen exhaust filters
Electrical
- Test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices
- Test all electrical switches and receptacles
Plumbing
- Run water through any sinks or tubs that aren’t regularly used
- Remove faucet aerators and soak them in Calcium, Lime, Rust (CLR) or vinegar
General Home Maintenance
- Check for broken or damaged siding, soffits, and facia board—replace any damaged areas to prevent pests from entering the home
- Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean out any gutters outside your home
Annual Maintenance
HVAC
- Clean bathroom vent covers with a damp rag or vacuum brush
- Clean HVAC return vents with a damp rag or vacuum brush (system off)
Plumbing
- Exercise all plumbing valves—turn them off and back on
- Visually inspect your water heater’s drain pan and make sure the drain is plumbed correctly
Electrical
- Thoroughly inspect your home’s wiring SAFELY (or call an electrician to do it)
- Check the condition of your electrical panel and call an electrician if it shows signs of damage or excessive wear
- Make sure your electrical panel isn’t from an outdated or unsafe brand (like Zinsco, Sylvania, or Federal Pacific as of Nov 2024), and call an electrician if it is
General Home Maintenance
- Trim trees or shrubs to protect your roof and siding
Following Severe Storms
General Home Maintenance
- Check for standing water around the house and remedy the problem with gutters, drainage, etc.
- Monitor the relative humidity (RH) in your home and crawlspace to prevent mold and water damage
- Examine exterior walls for signs of water damage, including staining, molding, warping, or rotting
Since we have quite a few items on that list, here is an easy timetable to help you remember when to take care of your home maintenance tasks:
- Check off your annual maintenance items at the start of the new year
- Complete bi-annual items when Daylight Savings Time starts and ends
- Carry out monthly inspections and tasks each time you get your power bill
Some of the HVAC-related items are included in our maintenance plans, which typically come with bi-annual cleaning and maintenance. While we don’t do residential electrical service, you can contact a local electrician to inspect your wiring and panel to make sure your house is safe and up to code.
Taking care of all these items will keep your home safe and healthy, or they’ll let you know when to call a contractor for help. Kalos is here to help with your HVAC and plumbing needs, and you can call or text us anytime at (352)-243-7099 to speak with a customer service representative who can let you know more about what we offer or set up an appointment for a service call.
