posted by aj1019 on Uncategorized
Q:
My house was built in about 1946. The electrical service was upgraded to 200 amps, but many of the outlets are still the two-pin style. The wiring appears to be an older cloth-wrapped cable. I’m worried about the grounding of this wiring. Short of replacing all the wire, is there another way to upgrade this system so that I can be sure it is grounded safely? A few ground wires are connected to the cold-water supply, but I believe that they are for a 240v electrical-baseboard heater system.
Steve Shroder, via e-mail, None
A:
Clifford A. Popejoy, a licensed electrical contractor in Sacramento, California, replies: Modern circuits are grounded for safety, so your concern is well-founded. The “ground wire,” more correctly called the equipment ground, is there so that if any metal part of an appliance, tool, lamp, or the like becomes energized, the circuit breaker will trip and keep you from being electrocuted or shocked should you touch the metal part. How might the metal case of a drill become energized? The insulation on a wire inside the drill could become damaged. If that live wire touched the metal case, the tool could be energized to 120v, and that’s not good. If this happens with a grounded tool, a short circuit is created, and the breaker trips.
These days, not many tools, lamps, or appliances have three-pin plugs. That’s because tools and appliances are made with virtually no chance of an exposed metal part becoming energized. They are called “double-insulated.” There’s another insulating barrier between any wire inside the tool and the metal case or other exposed metal part.
How do you get a grounding receptacle outlet in an old system? The code allows a grounding conductor to be run along the existing wiring to the grounding bar on the panel where the circuit originates. Years ago, you could grab a ground from any metal water pipe, but when PVC pipe became common, that option disappeared because there was a real chance that the metal water pipe could be repaired with PVC, interrupting the grounding path.
There’s another approach to dealing with electricity being where it shouldn’t be, like on the metal base of a lamp. Rather than running a separate grounding conductor all the way back to the panel, you could use a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI (also referred to as a GFI). These safety devices work by detecting any imbalance in electricity flowing out via the hot wire and back via the neutral. If there’s more than a minuscule discrepancy, the GFI cuts power to the receptacle or the circuit. The idea is that if there’s a difference between what’s going out and what’s coming back in, that difference in current might just be leaking out through a person. The trigger level for a GFI is 6 milliamps for 40 milliseconds. Most people wouldn’t experience shock or electrocution if the current flowing through them is less than 6 milliamps for that short a time.
If you replace a standard circuit breaker with a combination circuit breaker/GFI, you will gain shock protection for every outlet or device on the circuit. A 15-amp circuit breaker/GFI costs around $30. The downside to GFI breakers is that they trip often, so you spend a lot of time going to the basement to reset the breaker. I prefer to replace an ungrounded receptacle with a GFI receptacle to get shock protection at that receptacle and at all the other receptacles that are downstream, or farther away from the service panel. The downside is that it’s hard to tell exactly what downstream is in a 60-year-old house. A 15-amp GFI duplex receptacle costs around $15.
I wouldn’t worry about grounding the branch circuit for grounding’s sake. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t ground every outlet, just that the cost is high and the benefit low. Some electrical appliances (such as a surge protector for a computer) should be on a circuit with an equipment ground, but most appliances are double insulated. A lot of safety already is built in.
Rewiring is the best approach, but it is much more expensive than the options I outlined above and is not essential to achieve a good degree of safety.
NOTE: Article originally published at http://www.finehomebuilding.com
posted by aj1019 on Uncategorized
TAHI SERVICES – PREFERRED CONTRACTORS AND TRADES LIST:
Below is a list of preferred trade providers that may be of assistance to our clients. Feel free to contact TAHI Services any time with additional questions or concerns. We are always available to our clients and agents.
REFERRAL INFORMATION NOTIFICATION:
The companies and tradesmen listed below are provided as a courtesy to our clients. No referral fees or compensation to TAHI Services PLLC are offered or accepted for providing this information. TAHI Services does not guarantee the workmanship or professionalism of the below listed companies. All referred companies are vetted and company research is performed prior to inclusion in this list.
STRUCTURAL REPAIR, REMODELING, AND SERVICES
Peter DeMalignon – Snapdragon Repairs and Construction
512-657-0553 [email protected]
I have not worked directly with Snapdragon, however, Peter comes highly recommended from previous clients and investors.
Anything Around the House (Full Service Remodel and Repair)
512-577-9228
Licensed, bonded with a solid reputation. Industry standard pricing.
Dan Summerlin (Carpentry/Remodel)
512-762-3606
Dan is an amazing carpenter and remodeler. I have worked with him and seen many of his projects. Very skilled, highly sought after and is typically booked weeks in advance.
Prime Wall Systems (Stucco, Interior Walls, Stone)
512-869-6509
Kevin Maxwell and his team is trusted and used by a local contractor who we work with regularly. I have not personally worked with Prime; but the company comes very well recommended and reviewed.
http://www.primewallstx.com/
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND FOUNDATION REPAIR:
Coby Osborne – Osborne Engineering (Professional Structural Engineering)
512-964-6117
Coby is a fully licensed professional engineer. I have worked with Coby on several projects. His knowledge and professionalism is impressive.
http://www.cdoengineering.com/
Enrique Comparan – Co-Owner, Centex Foundation Repair (Professional Foundation Repair)
512-444-5438
Centex is the largest foundation repair company in Central Texas. They typically offer lifetime, transferable warranties on their work and have honored those warranties on several previous projects I have been involved with (Centex uses concrete pressed pilings which occasionally do fail over time). I recommend working directly with Enrique if possible. Centex is a well known company with industry standard pricing.
welevelit.com
Superior Foundation Repair
512-320-1911
Superior only installs steel piers as opposed to pressed pilings (used by most other companies – to include Centex). Steel is the preferred method of foundation repair and has a far lower likelihood of future failure.
https://www.superiorfoundationrepair.com/
IRRIGATION, DRAINAGE, AND LANDSCAPING:
Scott Lockhart – CM+GC Landscaping, Irrigation, and General Contracting
512-914-5177
[email protected]
GMplusGC.com
Scott Lockhart is a master landscaper, general contractor, consultant, and former building inspector operating both in Texas and Hawaii. He has spent his entire career (spanning several decades) in various aspects of the construction and professional trade industries. Currently, Mr. Lockhart is available for landscape planning/implementation, consulting, and general contract projects.
Allan Seekatz – IHS Landscaping (Full Servicing, Professional Landscaping)
512-461-6730
IHS is a fully licensed and bonded landscaping company. Professional work at industry standard prices.
Austin Affordable Gutters
512-336-5592
A-Affordable has worked with several of my clients. Professional installation at competitive rates.
http://www.austinaffordablegutters.com/
Hill Country Seamless Gutters
512-736-7087
[email protected]
Hill Country is a rain gutter installation company used by my roofer. I have not worked directly with this company; but they come well recommended.
Lakeline Gutters
512-259-8264
Lakeline is a rain gutter installation company used by my roofer. I have not worked directly with this company; but they come well recommended.
www.lakelinegutters.com
ROOFING:
Jay Puckett – Jay Puckett Roofing
512-784-4992
Mr. Puckett is one of the most knowledgable roofing experts in the Central Texas area. His work is exceeds standards. Service prices are within normal industry rates.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jay-puckett-roofer-mountain-city
Victoria Toler – The Roof Lady LLC (Full Service Roofing)
512-785-7767
I have worked with Victoria and her crew several times. Great work done in a timely fashion at a fair price.
Ja-Mar Roofing (Full Service Roofing and Sheet Metal)
512-441-8437
Ja-Mar is a mid-large sized company well known in the industry for their specialization in metal, commercial, and high-end residential roofing. Ja-Mar carries an A+ rating with the BBB and has an impressive project portfolio. I have not worked directly with Ja-Mar; but have researched the company and consulted with the owner, David Philips. Ja-Mar is a fully licensed and bonded company at industry standard prices.
INSULATION:
Deruiter Insulation (Full Service Blown and Foam Experts)
512-834-0551
Kurt Deruiter, owner, is known to be the foremost expert on foam insulation in the Central Texas area. Great reputation at industry standard prices.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/deruiter-insulation-cedar-park
ELECTRICAL:
Jed Jordan – Texas Electrical Services of Austin (Full Service Electrical)
512-608-1948
Texas Electrical is a full service residential electrical company. My brother, Jed Jordan, is employed with this company. Jed has worked with the owners for many years in the commercial and residential industry. Requesting Jed is advised as I am absolutely confident in his skills and professionalism.
https://www.txelectricalservices.com/about-us/
Tim Putman – Putman Electrical (Full Service Electrician)
512-751-0340
Tim is a master electrician. Fully licensed insured and bonded. I have worked with Tim on several projects. Very good work at industry standard prices.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:
Texas Air Specialists (Full Service HVAC)
512-736-6839
Texas Air Specialists are a mid-sized HVAC company. They are very quick to respond and typically schedule a servicing within 24 hours. I have worked and several projects with Texas Air and am always impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. Fully licensed and bonded. Industry standard pricing.
http://www.txacspecialist.com/
Ruben Coronado – Tex Air (Full Service HVAC)
512-563-7505
Ruben has worked with many of my clients. I have received great feedback and personally use Ruben for my HVAC needs. Fully licensed and bonded. Competitive pricing.
PLUMBING:
Peanut Plumbing: (Full Service Plumbing)
512-924-7989
Fully licensed insured and bonded. I have worked with Peanut on various plumbing investigation projects. Professional service at fair pricing.
www.peanutplumbingtx.com
Jonathan Betak – Asics Plumbing (Full Service Plumbing)
512-228-8568
Jonathan is a master plumber. Fully licensed insured and bonded. I have worked with Jonathan on several projects. Very good work at industry standard prices.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/asics-plumbing-services-rockdale
PEST CONTROL:
TAHI Services (Termite Remediation)
512-788-1001
I am the owner of TAHI Services (parent company to The Austin Home Inspector). My remediation services cover residential treatments and inspections of termites and wood destroying insects. All treatments include a 1-Year warranty. Fully licensed and insured at industry standard prices.
POOL/SPA SERVICES:
Crystal Clear Pool Services
512-339-9304 https://www.poolrelief.com/
I have not worked directly with Crystal Clear Pools, however, they come well recommended by several real estate pros with whom I work.
posted by aj1019 on Uncategorized
Below is a month by month list of maintenance recommendations. Additional helpful links for home owners are also provided here:
-Embed Maintenance Reminders in Your Google Calendar: Click Here
-General Maintenance Advice (By System): Click Here
-General Home Maintenance Manual/Check List: Click Here
-Life Expectancy of Home Systems: Click Here
JANUARY
- Tighten Up: screws on drawers, doors, and furniture. Make a list of broken electrical face plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication, and spots that need caulking around sinks and tubs. Go to the home improvement store and buy everything you need to make all of your little repairs at once.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that’s not always necessary. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you’ll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Clean Disposal: There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around solution seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You’re welcome.
- Clean Range Filter: Use a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
- Check Your Fire Alarms/Extinguishers : Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
FEBRUARY
- Update Grout: Check and clean grout between tiles in your kitchen and bath. Regrout if necessary. Add sealer to finish.
- Check Flooring and Carpet: If it needs repair or replacement, take advantage of sales now.
- Reorganize the Pantry: Assess what you have on hand and if you haven´t been using. If you have goods that you don´t think you´ll use before their expiration dates, donate them to a food bank. Take everything out. Wash shelves and add fresh shelf liner.
- Organize the Laundry Area: Sort, toss, and organize shelves by task.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
MARCH – THE BIG SPRING PUSH BEGINS:
- Yard Work: Depending on your landscaping, do spring yard clean up. Edge beds.
- Maintain Grass: Top dress and reseed lawns. Mow when grass gets to be 4″ high. Don´t mow it too short.
- For the Green Thumbs: Fertilize almost everything.
- Organize Paper Clutter: Root out and recycle old magazines, newspapers, and assorted mementos. Build a new file system or clear out old files that are past being useful.
- Attic Check: Check your attic for leaks, vermin droppings, trails in the insulation, bird nests, odd/foul odors, pooling moisture at HVAC or mechanical equipment, staining at the sub-roofing, or anything that looks generally out of place. If you see moisture or anything of concern, call a professional to check it out.
- Test Garage Reverse Features: In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensors if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem.
- Check Plumbing Not Often Uses: This mostly applies to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don’t use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other kind of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
- Check All Available Plumbing Pipes: Open all sinks and check drain lines, supply pipes, and turn shut off valves. Check pipe connections at the water heater for signs of issues/leaks. Check commodes to ensure they are not running. Check outdoor hose bibs for leaks/issues.
- Check Water Softener, Add Salt if Needed (If Applicable): You shouldn’t need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.
- Check Exterior Drainage: Will rain water flow away from the house? Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. If water stays, or moves toward your foundation, you have a few options. First, check your gutters. It could be a bad spout or a loose connection there; they may also just need cleaning. Second, you can grade the area around your home yourself with some dirt; this has worked just fine for me in the past. Third, for pavement, you can have professionals come out and raise it so it drains away from your home.
- Clean Out Gutters: They’ve likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter snows and/or rains.
- Inspect the Exterior: Is any paint chipping? Is any siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick? Take a close look all around your house, and make any repairs as needed. Also be sure to check the foundation for any cracks. A good silicone/caulk can fix a lot of your problems.
- Service Your HVAC: Contact your HVAC service provider to give the system a once over and make any needed adjustments/maintenance updates.
- Repair/Replace Damaged Window Screens: You don’t want bugs making their way in because you missed a hole in a window screen. And no, duct tape doesn’t count. It can be a quick fix, but don’t leave it for long. It just looks bad.
- Clear dead Plants/Shrubs: This could double as a gardening tip, but if you didn’t trim trees or shrubs in the fall, do so now. Plants can weasel their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of your home, causing damage and shortened longevity. Nip that in the bud before it’s an issue. If you have decorative vines on the exterior, pay close attention.
- Check Trees for Interference With Electric Lines/Roof Contact: Have professionally trimmed if necessary.
- Inspect Roofing for Damage, Leaks, etc: Repair as needed; you may need a professional.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
APRIL:
- More Cleaning: Empty clothing closets, toy boxes, cupboards, and drawers. (If you’ve been decluttering and cleaning throughout the year, you know which ones you can ignore.) Vacuum, dust, or wash shelves, drawers, and cabinets depending on when they were last cleaned. Repaint or wallpaper a closet if you have time. Take down pictures and artwork. Clean frames and glass. Move appliances and heavy furniture. Clean underneath.
- Appliance Cleaning: Clean oven and refrigerator.
- Wall Cleaning: Dust, vacuum, or wash walls and ceilings. (Wash the kitchen ceiling unless you never cook.)
- Fan Cleaning: Dust and wash blades on ceiling fans.
- Floor Cleaning: Wash floors, then treat per manufacturer´s instructions.
- Carpet Cleaning: Clean and shampoo carpets. If you can, hire someone to do this; it will save a lot of time and free you up to do other things.
- Wood Cleaning: Wash woodwork including moldings, baseboards, and doors.
- Fixture Cleaning: Clean light fixtures and chandeliers. Put what you can in the dishwasher. Don´t do that with crystal or painted glass shades though; put crystal in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Delicate or fragile things will need to be carefully cleaned then set them out of the way where they won´t get broken if you can´t put them where they belong right away.
- Curtain Cleaning: Take down curtains and drapes. Wash or dry clean. Wash mini-blinds, blinds, or shades. If damaged, repair or replace.
- Declutter: Empty closets/drawers/garage/storage and donate, toss, or sell what you haven’t used in the last year or simply don’t need. Replace drawer liners and shelf papers.
- Declutter Office: Sort through computer clutter. Donate usable software, manuals, and equipment. Find a recycling center for dead equipment. Pitch disks and floppies that you can’t read on your current systems.
- Dump/Sale What You Don’t Need: Set aside garage sale items, drop off donations, and haul garbage to the dump or dumpster.
- Sprinkler: Check sprinkler systems. Run through each station in manual mode and check for issues.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
MAY:
- Finish: spring cleaning projects.
- Mother´s Day: Call your mom, send a card, buy flowers.
- Clean Fireplace and/or Stove. Call to schedule chimney cleaning (if needed – not likely in Texas). Have chimney repointed if needed.
- HVAC: Clean around AC compressor.
- Windows: Wash windows, then put in screens.
- Decks: Clear out debris from under decks or porches.
- Re-Check Trees: Cut back any trees or branches that are touching the siding or roof.
- Pest Control: If you need pest control, call now and schedule exterminators.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
JUNE:
- Check Gutters: Clear as Needed
- Freezer Clean: If you haven´t cleaned the freezer recently and used up what you have, now is a good time. That way you can take advantage of the huge array of seasonal produce that will be available for the next few months.
- Pool/Spa Professional Assessment: Check all recreational equipment and make sure it´s in good repair, especially swimming pools (if not on service contract).
- Check Hoses: On washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. If they show signs of deterioration, replace them.
- Wood Deck: If you have wood decks, check them for signs of wear or deterioration. Repair or replace as needed. If you have nails popping up, consider replacing them with galvanized screws instead. Clean and seal decks.
- Railing: Check exterior railings and stairs. Repair if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
- Dryer Exhaust: Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a year to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.
- Attic Check: Make sure attic vents work properly. Consider installing a whole house fan.
- Attic Check: Check your attic for leaks, vermin droppings, trails in the insulation, bird nests, odd/foul odors, pooling moisture at HVAC or mechanical equipment, staining at the sub-roofing, or anything that looks generally out of place. If you see moisture or anything of concern, call a professional to check it out.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
- Test Your Water Heater’s Pressure Relief Valve: This will prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, which safeguards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more efficiently. NOTE: This maintenance procedure should only be conducted by plumbers and/or maintenance professionals. For further info, please see the following link: CLICK HERE
- Flush Water Heater: Flushing a water heater tank will reduce mineral build up, prolong the life of the unit, and improve heating capacity. NOTE: This maintenance procedure should only be conducted by plumbers and/or maintenance professionals. For further info, please see the following link: CLICK HERE
- Replace Batteries in Smoke/Carbon Dioxide Detectors: I’d never heard this before, actually. I just assumed you changed it out when it started giving you the low battery beeping noise. This tip was in everything we researched, however. With something as important as this, you can’t be too careful, and batteries won’t break your bank. Change ‘em out every six months.
- Vacuum Refrigerator Coils: The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home’s total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Over time, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice. You can save up to $100 a year by doing this, and it’s not at all a difficult task.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
JULY:
- Check Your Project List: If you´re postponing projects, either hire someone to come in and get them done, or do them yourself. Chances are they´ll just get worse over time.
- Clean the Garage: Get rid of junk. Organize tools and garden equipment
- Get Rid of Controlled Items: Check with local government regarding waste disposal of old paint, solvents, and other toxic substances you might have. Use it up if you can, otherwise dispose of responsibly. NEVER pour toxic substances down the drain or throw them into the landfill.
- Check Fences: Repair or replace damaged portions.
- Septic: Have septic tank pumped if you have a septic system (Every 3-5 Years).
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
AUGUST:
- Windows: Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
- Garage: Perform garage door maintenance (as needed).
- Exterior Walls: Repair minor brick and mortar cracks (as needed). Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
SEPTEMBER:
- General Cleaning: Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, then rinse thoroughly.
- Tighten Handles, Knobs, Racks, etc: Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw.
- Check Locks and Deadbolts on Your Doors and Windows: If anything doesn’t work right, replace.
- Check Caulking Around Showers and Bathtubs: Repair as Needed
- Remove Showerheads and Clean Sediment: This prolongs its life and helps with water pressure as well.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
OCTOBER:
- Yard Work: Keep leaves raked to prevent smothering new grass.
- Get Heating System Ready for Winter (If Texas Has a Winter): Check for any leaks in windows or doors; these can cost an arm and a leg. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. Get furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. As with the AC, this shouldn’t be a huge expense. Don’t forget about fireplaces if you have them.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
NOVEMBER:
- Outdoors: Cut back plants that have been killed by frost.
- Outdoors: Rake leaves (if needed).
- Drainage: Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Spring Preparation: Sharpen, clean, and oil lawn mower. Clean, oil, store garden tools. Clean spray equipment before storing for season. Have automatic irrigation system serviced.
- Holiday Prep: Put Christmas lights up after Thanksgiving. Ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
DECEMBER:
- Enjoy the Holidays!!!
- Inspect/Change HVAC Filter: If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month.
- Test Fire/Smoke Alarms: Test alarms and change batteries as needed. Ensure extinguishers are easily accessed (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.