March maintenance for a hot-humid climate

March9 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
   Book the AC or heat-pump tune-up before the cooling season.

   In a long cooling season the AC runs for months; a tune-up checks refrigerant charge, the capacitor and the drain before the first heat wave.

   How

   Clear 2 feet around the outdoor unit first. Ask for the refrigerant pressures and the capacitor readings in writing.

   YearlyBecause of a system you told us aboutENERGY STAR: HVAC maintenance checklist
6. This month
   After the last freeze (~Mar 7): reopen outdoor faucets and check for leaks inside the wall.

   A pipe that split over winter often leaks only once the faucet is turned on, inside the wall or basement.

   How

   Open the indoor valve, run the outside faucet for a minute, then check the wall behind it and the basement ceiling for drips.

   After the last freezeTypical last freeze ~Mar 7 (NOAA 1991–2020, 50% date)
7. 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
8. Watch
   Watch for termite swarmers and check the foundation for mud tubes.

   Spring is when subterranean termites swarm. Mud tubes on the foundation are the tell-tale sign.

   How

   Walk the foundation with a flashlight, including the crawlspace and garage. Keep mulch and wood away from the siding.

   YearlyHot-humid climate region
9. Watch
   Look in the crawlspace for standing water and a torn vapor barrier.

   A wet crawlspace feeds mold and rot under the floor and draws damp air into the house.

   How

   Look with a flashlight from the access hatch; note puddles, wet insulation or sagging duct wrap.

   YearlyHot-humid climate region