September maintenance for a mixed-dry climate

September7 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
   Seal drafts around windows, doors, the attic hatch and the rim joist before heating season.

   Air leaks drive heating bills and, in cold climates, the warm attic air that causes ice dams.

   How

   Weatherstrip doors, caulk window trim, and seal the attic hatch with foam tape; spray foam gaps at the rim joist.

   YearlyMixed-dry climate region
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
7. Watch
   Walk the house for new stucco cracks after the summer heat.

   Hairline stucco cracks are normal, but wider or growing ones let water behind the wall in winter rains.

   How

   Mark the ends of cracks with a pencil and date; seal small ones with an elastomeric patch.

   YearlyMixed-dry climate region