Homeowner Info & Tips

Homeowner Info & Tips

Maintenance Tips

 

Download PDF Home Maintenance Tips

Download PDF Guide to a Healthy Lawn

Download PDF Hydro Seed Information

Download PDF Windows and condensation

 

Seasonal maintenance Tips

Spring

*Check/replace furnace filters on a monthly basis.

*Keep a dehumidifier running throughout the year!

*Replace the hard PVC pipe on your house’s sump pump discharge with a black flexible hose to divert water further away from house. If your sump line was diverted into the city sewer for the winter months, remember to reroute it back to the exterior as each city sets limitations as to how late in the season you are still allowed to use the sewer for discharge.

*Check your sump pump by lifting the cover to access the float & motor. Either add a few buckets of water into the pit until the float lifts and the motor kicks on…or manually lift the float for the same effect. Listen for any abnormal sounds or any unusual heat produced by the motor.

*Check your automatic sewer backflow valve for any toiletries that could be blocking (thereby compromising) the seal.

*Check your exterior door thresholds and adjust as needed.

*Spring cleaning! Remember to clean interior tracks of your windows. Mold can grow on excessive amounts of dust when there is high humidity in the house.

Summer

*Check/replace furnace filters on a monthly basis.

*Keep your dehumidifier running throughout the year!

*Check your exterior door thresholds and adjust as needed.

*The keyhole on your front door lock may collect dirt from a combination of high winds and unfinished landscaping. If your key does not easily glide into the keyhole, try an aerosol lube such as Lock Lube or Tri Flo

Fall

*Check/replace furnace filters on a monthly basis.

*Keep your dehumidifier running throughout the year! You may want to use a small humidifier in the bedroom if your baby or you are sensitive to the moisture level.

*Remove all garden hoses and splitters (makes the spigot available for 2 hoses instead of 1) from exterior spigots as these may cause your pipes to freeze and burst within the walls.

*Remove black flexible hoses from yor house’s sump pump discharge pipe. Attach a hard PVC pipe for winter months. Consider diverting the sump line into the city sewer for winter months (set-up can be done by any plumber), especially in homes with 8’ basements. Visit your specific city website to obtain a seasonal waiver for the sump pump discharge…or the Jordahl website under “homeowner links” tab, labeled “homeowner info.” The city will charge a few dollars a month for usage of the city sewer in this manner and it will be automatically added to your monthly water bill.

*Check your exterior door thresholds and adjust as needed.

*Fall cleaning! Remember to clean interior tracks of your windows. Mold can grow on excessive amounts of dust when there is high humidity in the house.

Winter

*Check/replace furnace filters on a monthly basis.

*Keep your dehumidifier running throughout the year!  You may want to use a small humidifier in the bedroom if your baby or you are sensitive to the moisture level.

*Remember to leave floor heat vents located under windows and patio doors at least partially open and open blinds/curtains during the day to reduce moisture build-up (leading to frost formation) on the glass.

*Check your exterior door thresholds and adjust as needed.

*Remember, salt (even “concrete-safe salt”) can causing pitting and flaking of your driveway.  Only use sand on ice patches and slippery driveways.

*If you own a home with an 8′ basement, remove the basement egress window screens.  These are commonly damaged by rodents and pressure from mounting snow.

*The keyhole on your front door lock may freeze.  If your key does not fully insert into the keyhole, use a de-icer spray to melt any ice in the hole.  Be sure to follow with Lock Lube or Tri Flo so the de-icer does not dry out the locking mechanisms.

*This article serves as a reminder for general home maintenance.  If you have questions regarding the information mentioned above, please call the Jordahl office at 701-234-0404 for further explanation on your specific questions.