Healthy Idaho Homes Maintenance Checklist: SPRING

A healthy home is one that is constructed, maintained, and rehabilitated in a manner that is conducive to good occupant health. To maintain a healthy home, occupants should keep it dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe and well-maintained. Good home maintenance can act to reduce allergens, prevent illness, and reduce injury from accidents. This checklist provides basic guidelines; items may need to be checked more often depending on local conditions and manufacturer suggestions.

Home Maintenance Checklist for Spring

YARD & EXTERIOR

• Water drains away from house
• No trip, fall, choking, sharp edge hazards
• Fence around pool intact
• Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
• Clean window wells and check drainage
• Clean gutters and downspouts

EXTERIOR ROOF, WALLS, WINDOWS

• Shingles in good condition
• Check chimney, valley, plumbing vent, skylight flashing
• Make sure gutters discharge water away from building
• Check attic for signs of roof leaks
• Check for icicles and ice dams
• Look for peeling paint
• Look for signs of leaks where deck attaches to house
• Check below window & door that flashing intact
• Look for signs of leaks at window and door sills
• Clean dryer vent
• Check exhaust ducts are clear

BASEMENT & CRAWLSPACE

• No wet surfaces, puddles
• Sump pump and check valve working
• Floor drain working
• Vacuum basement surfaces

INTERIOR WALLS, CEILINGS, WINDOWS, DOORS

• Check operation of windows and doors

APPLIANCES

• Clean dryer vents and screens
• Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens
• Clean air conditioning coils, drain pans
• Clean dehumidifier coils, check operation

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

• Check for damaged cords
• Test ground fault interrupters
• Check smoke and CO alarms

GARAGE

• Ensure storage of fuel cans
• Proper operation of garage door safety shut-off
• Check for signs of water damage
• Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites

PLUMBING, FIXTURES & ACCESSORIES

• Clean & check refrigerator drip pan-icemaker connections
• Check shower-tub surrounds for signs of damage
• Check traps and drains under sinks, tubs, showers for leaks
• Check drain and supply time for leaks
• Check bath and kitchen fans operation

HVAC EQUIPMENT

• Air conditioner (central air merv 8)
• Dehumidifier

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Developed for the National Healthy Homes Training Center by Terry Brennan and Ellen Tohn, technical advisors to the National Center for Healthy Housing.