MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS BY AREA
SouthEastern Area
Provided by Hall Engineering Inspections
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Kitchen
Appliances
Dishwasher – expected lifespan of 18-20 years
Ø Monthly
o Clean your dishwasher filter (if you have one).
Ø Yearly
o Place a small container filled with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar in both the dish rack (lower) and the cup rack (upper); the dishwasher will disperse the vinegar during the wash cycle.
o Replace broken or rusted dishwasher racks
o Clean your dishwasher spray arms.
Range and Oven – expected lifespan of 18-20 years
Ø Bi-Monthly
o Clean with a non-abrasive cleanser – oven panel – stovetop – knobs
o Check interior light bulbs
o Clean drip pans
o Clean oven interior with steel wool soap pads.
o Clean range hood exhaust fan filter (metal filters can be placed in dishwasher.
Garbage Disposal – expected lifespan of 10 years
Ø Monthly
o Purge drain line by filling the sink with two or three inches of cold water. Turn on the disposer and all this water to run through with no wastes added.
o Clean blades by grinding ice cubes.
o Freshen up by grinding up lemon wedges.
Trash Compactor – expected lifespan of 12-15 years
Ø Monthly
o Replace air freshener as required
Microwave – expected lifespan of 15 years
Ø As Required
o Clean inside and outside(Do not spray any fluids on control panel)
Refrigerator/Freezer – expected lifespan of 18-20 years
Ø Monthly
o Wash with a solution of 1-2 tablespoons baking soda in 1/2 quart of warm water. Rinse and wipe dry.
Ø Yearly
o Clean and vacuum cooling fan and the condenser coils.
o Clean and check door seals/gaskets (replace if necessary).
o Replace water/ice maker filter.
o Clean the drip pan underneath the refrigerator that collects water.
Utility & Laundry Rooms
Washer – expected lifespan of 15 years
Ø Yearly
o Apply cleaner to sponge to wipe interior
o Check washer water fill hoses for cracks, blisters, corroded fittings, and leaks.
Ø Every 5 years
o Replace washer water fill hoses regardless of appearance.
Dryer – expected lifespan of 20 years
Ø By Usage
o Clean lint filter with each use.
Ø Yearly
o Apply cleaner to sponge to wipe interior
o Check exhaust duct system for trapped lint (this includes exterior exhaust outlet)
Ø When buying a new dryer, always replace plug.
Air Conditioners/Heaters – life expectancy of 15 years
Ø Every 2-3 Months
o Vacuum all return air vents
o Clean/change air filter
Ø Yearly
o Inspect condensate drain line for proper draining of condensate.
o Call a HVAC repair person for proper yearly maintenance.
o Inspect furnace fire box and vent area for debris.
o Inspect furnace flue for separations.
o Remove limbs and debris from around condenser unit.
Ø Every 5 years
o Clean condenser and evaporator coils with a strong industrial cleaner.
Fireplaces
Ø Yearly
o Remove ash as required during the Winter.
o Check firebox for damaged brick and mortar.
o Check damper system for cracks and rusting.
o Check flue liner for damage.
o Inspect for creosote deposits – a black or brown residue of combustion that collects on surfaces of the flue. Build up of more than 1/8 inch requires the flue to be cleaned.
o Clean glass or metal
o Apply a coat of wax to screen glass doors for smooth operation.
o Clean fireplace tools.
Hot tubs
Ø Monthly
o Replace all water
o Clean filter
Ø Yearly
o Replace filter
o Inspect for any leaks
o Inspect cover for water intrusion and separations.
Electrical
Ø Outlets - yearly
o Test GFCI outlets by pushing the test button. If reset button pops out, push it back in; it is operational.
Ø Cords - yearly
o Inspect all cords over 5 years old for cracking, damage, or exposed conductor.
o Replace all burned out light bulbs with recommended bulb and wattage
Interior
Fans – Vacuum blades very 3 months
Smoke Detectors – Replace batteries yearly
Fire Extinguishers – Check yearly for charge
Exterior
Ø Monthly
o Pest Control
Ø Bi-yearly
o Clean Gutters
o Trees/Shrubs – Trim away from house
Ø Yearly
o Foundation – Check for cracks, water penetration, and settlement
o Wood – Inspect for insect/termite damage
o Roof – Asphalt shingle life expectancy of 15 years
§ Inspect for warping, aging, moss, cracking.
o Door/window weather stripping
o Garage doors – Life expectancy of 15 years
§ Oil moving parts
§ Tighten bolts and nuts
o Sliding doors – Lubricate
o Retaining walls – Inspect condition
o Brick walls – fill all mortar cracks to prevent water intrusion
Lawn
Ø Monthly
o Clean lawn mower air filter
Ø Yearly
o Winterize engine powered machines by:
§ Removing spark plugs and drop some oil in the cylinders
§ Drain all gasoline from tank and lines
§ Change oil
o Replace air filter in Spring
o Replace spark plug in Spring
This material is ONLY for reference and may required deviations or additions based on each situation.
