March maintenance for a cold climate

March6 tasks

1. This month
   Press the test button on every smoke and CO alarm.

   An alarm you have not heard in months may have a dead battery or sensor. NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month.

   How

   Hold the test button until it sounds. Anything silent or chirping: replace the battery, or the whole alarm if it is past its date.

   MonthlyEvery homeNFPA: Smoke alarms
2. This month
   Test the garage door’s auto-reverse.

   A door that does not reverse on contact can seriously injure a child or pet.

   How

   Lay a 2x4 flat under the door and close it. It should reverse on touching the board. Also wave something through the photo-eye beam while it closes.

   Twice a yearEvery home
3. This month
   Drain a few gallons from the water-heater tank to flush sediment.

   Sediment settles on the bottom of the tank, cuts efficiency and can cause popping noises and early failure.

   How

   Turn the heater to vacation or off, attach a hose to the drain valve, run it to a drain until the water runs clear, then refill before turning it back on.

   YearlyBecause of a system you told us about
4. This month
   Test the water heater’s temperature-and-pressure relief valve.

   This valve is the tank’s last safety device against overpressure. A stuck valve is a serious hazard.

   How

   Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and lift the lever briefly; scalding water should flow and stop when released. If it drips afterward or does not open, call a plumber.

   YearlyBecause of a system you told us about
5. This month
   Keep the furnace and water-heater intake and exhaust vents clear of snow.

   High-efficiency appliances vent through plastic pipes on the side wall. If drifting snow blocks them the appliance shuts down, or exhaust can back up.

   How

   After each storm, clear the pipes and a foot around them. Keep CO alarms working on every level.

   SeasonalCold climate regionCPSC: Carbon monoxide
6. Watch
   Degrease the range-hood filter.

   Grease-clogged hood filters stop pulling smoke and grease out of the kitchen and can feed a stovetop fire.

   How

   Pop the metal filter out and soak it in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, or run it through the dishwasher if the maker allows.

   Every 3 monthsEvery home