March maintenance for a subarctic climate
Extreme cold and long dark winters; heating reliability is a safety system.
6 tasks this month. The median typical first freeze across the region’s counties is Sep 1 and the last is Jun 3; your county can differ by weeks.
March6 tasks
- This monthPress 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.
- This monthTest 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.
- This monthDrain 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.
- This monthTest 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.
- This monthKeep 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.
- WatchDegrease 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.