The Ultimate Preventive Guide For Every Home, Every System, Every Season.

Whoever coined the phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” must have been a preventive maintenance expert. A consistent and solid regimen of preventive maintenance activities around the house ensures operational availability and can actually extend the service life of appliances and systems - sometimes beyond their normal life expectancy.

Case in point, an air conditioning system in a Florida summer has its work cut out for it, especially for those who gravitate towards the chillier side of comfort. Keeping that system in tip-top shape is as easy and affordable as a regular preventive maintenance program. The alternative can be both costly and uncomfortable.

The Big Ticket Items

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning are essential to indoor comfort in Florida. It’s no wonder that Florida was the birthplace of air conditioning. And keeping your system in place with a consistent preventive maintenance program is a simple and cost-effective way to stay cool and get the most life out of your system. 

Most AC service companies offer twice-a-year service, which typically includes refrigerant checks, compressor inspection, filter change, and a condensation line cleanout. Techs also recommend pouring a cup of vinegar down the condensation line each month to prevent mold growth that can clog lines. 

Looking for an AC service company recommendation? See our Resources page for referrals. 

Refrigerator

It’s not just about staying cool. It’s about keeping your food and beverages cold or frozen, too. Aside from changing out your refrigerator air freshener on a regular basis, you should also pull the unit out of its home and vacuum behind it as well as remove the cover plate and vacuum the coils. Dust buildup in the coils degrades efficiency, making your refrigerator work harder than it has to. 

Dryer

Aside from cleaning the lint filter out, have your vent hose and exhaust pipe cleaned out. It can be done professionally (see our Dryer Vent Clean Out listing on our Resources page), or you can purchase a clean-out kit from your local hardware store. 

Roof

Depending on your type of roof, a periodic inspection is recommended to ensure seals are still good and there is no chance of water intrusion. If your roof is tile, pressure washing and sealing are recommended. Talk to a licensed roofer for care tips suited to your type of roof, found on our Resources page. 

Water Treatment

Water filtration is extremely popular in Florida, especially for those who draw their water from a well. Whether you have charcoal filtration or reverse osmosis, an annual servicing of your filtration system is imperative. 

Water Heater

Two types of water heaters are typically found here: Tank and tankless. Both types operate on electricity or natural gas. Tank systems should be emptied at least once a year to drain sediment. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper care procedures. Tankless systems should be flushed using the manufacturer’s recommended chemical solution. Tankless flushing requires some special pump equipment and a good set of instructions. Most plumbing companies offer flushing services, as well.

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The ‘Littles’ Make a Big Difference

Here is a simple tips checklist from Better Homes & Gardens to help you save time and money:

• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
• Clean faucet aerators and shower heads to remove mineral deposits.
• Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• Inspect electrical cords for wear.
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.

Here are their seasonal home maintenance checklist improvement recommendations for fall:

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
• Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues.
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
• Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.
• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
• Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
• Repair or replace siding.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• Clean the carpets.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
• Check for frayed cords and wires.
• Check the water heater for leaks.
• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.
• Remove lint from dryer vents.
• Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
• Check the dishwasher for leaks.
• Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower head washers if needed.
• Seal tile grout.
• Prune trees and shrubs.

Learn From The Pros!

We asked Seth von Marschall of Appliance Specialists, LLC, what are the most overlooked Pro Tips around the house. 

“We recommend keeping up with monthly dishwasher and washing machine cleanings. I use Affresh cleaner that you can get at the supermarket or Amazon. Our seasonal customers should change their refrigerator water filter upon returning so it's fresh while they're here.

Running a few cups of ice cubes through your garbage disposal is a good idea to keep the motor working and keep it smelling fresh.”

Got your own Pro Tip? Share it in an email. We’d love to post more ideas.