Maintenance / Monthly guides
02
February home maintenance
Inside jobs while it's cold: drains, appliances, and the attic.
February is about the quiet systems: drains, appliance filters, the attic. A couple of hours now prevents the clogs and leaks that show up at the worst times.
The three that matter most
- Clean range hood and dishwasher filters
- Check the attic for leaks and frost
- Clear slow drains
Inside
- Clean the range hood filter and the dishwasher filter
- Clear slow drains with a drain strip, not chemicals
- Vacuum refrigerator coils (underneath or behind)
- Check the attic for roof leaks, frost on nails or damp insulation
- Test GFCI outlets with the TEST and RESET buttons
Outside
- Check fences and gates after winter winds
- Look for peeling paint and soft wood around windows and doors
Cold-winter homes (North, Midwest, mountains)
- Frost on attic nails means warm, moist air is getting in; seal gaps around lights and pipes below
- Keep snow cleared from the gas meter and outdoor HVAC equipment
Warm-climate homes (South, Southwest, coastal California)
- Prune trees and shrubs away from the house before spring growth
- Check the pool equipment and pump if you have a pool
General maintenance information. Follow your equipment manuals and local codes, and hire licensed professionals for gas, electrical, roofing and other hazardous work. Home Maintenance Kings isn't paid by any brand or contractor.