May: Home Maintenance Checklist

It's usually the little things that can creap up on you & turn into big problems. So with this in mind, this year we will be offering a monthly checklist for maintaining your home. Following these simple checklists will help you tackle those little projects in a timely manner and help to prevent major issues down the road.

• Clean gutters. Inspect gutters to ensure all spikes, straps and clips are tightly fastened. Use a garden hose to flush debris from downspouts. Make sure downspouts or splash backs direct water at least three feet away from the foundation.

• Wash windows, inside and out, using a solution made from three tablespoons of non-sudsy ammonia to 1 gallon of water. Don't work in the direct sun – the solution will dry too fast and streak. To clean windows with real (not removable) grills, use a hacksaw to cut a squeegee so it fits the windowpanes exactly.

• Have central air-conditioning unit checked according to the recommendations of the unit's manufacturer. Replace the filter in the forced-air system. Clean debris from condenser or heat pump located outside.

• Remove mineral deposits from faucet aerators and shower heads by soaking parts in white vinegar and scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

• Have swimming pools cleaned. Inspect and service pool liners and filters.

• Shop for seasonal sales on air-conditioning units and window fans.

• Dust ceiling fan blades.

• Set thermostats and automatic sprinkler system to adjust for weather changes

• Before placing metal patio furniture outdoors, coat it with auto polish.