September maintenance for a hot-humid climate

September6 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
   Look at the indoor AC coil area and drain pan for mildew and standing water.

   After the longest cooling season, a slow drain or dirty coil shows up as musty air and water stains.

   How

   With the system off, open the air-handler access panel if it is designed to open; check the pan is dry and the drain is clear. Leave coil cleaning to a technician.

   YearlyBecause of a system you told us about
4. 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
5. Watch
   Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks; redo any that is cracked.

   Failed caulk lets water behind tile and into the subfloor.

   How

   Cut out cracked or moldy caulk, clean and dry the joint, and apply a bead of kitchen-and-bath silicone.

   YearlyEvery home
6. Watch
   Clear leaves, weeds and debris from around the outdoor AC or heat-pump unit.

   The outdoor coil needs open airflow; blocked fins make it run hotter and longer.

   How

   Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect, clear 2 feet around it, and gently hose the fins from inside out if the maker allows.

   Twice a yearBecause of a system you told us aboutENERGY STAR: HVAC maintenance checklist