Monthly Maintenance The following are some sensible, easy-to-manage maintenance tips that will help you keep your home in great condition year-round. As a part of this continuous maintenance plan, you'll want to check your air/heat filters every month and replace them if they're dirty. January INSPECT outdoor structures for deterioration and replace accordingly. CHECK air/heat filters & replace as needed. ORGANIZE your warranties and product manuals; mark your calendar to establish a schedule for upkeep and service. February INSPECT foundation walls for termites; contact a professional exterminator if you suspect an infestation. CHECK for leaks around washing machine; change hoses as needed. TURN water valves on & off to keep valves from sticking and to check for leaks. March INSPECT brick, masonry and stucco exteriors. Look for cracks or missing mortar. Repair with fresh mortar or concrete caulk. CHECK exterior walls for peeling or cracked paint-most houses should be repainted every four to six years. WASH the exterior of your house by using garden-hose pressure and a mild detergent. April INSPECT your air conditioner or have it checked by a professional according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. Clean debris from the condenser or the heat pump located outside. CHECK weatherstripping around doors and windows for wear, damage or loss of flexibility. Replace material that is no longer blocking air flow. PAINT interior rooms before it gets too hot to leave the windows open. May INSPECT all windows to ensure a tight seal; check for any cracks and replace panes as needed. CHECK decks for loose boards, and clean and seal. SET thermostats and the automatic sprinkler system to adjust for weather changes. June INSPECT the outside of your house to make sure soils around the foundation slope 4 to 6 inches for a distance of 3 feet out from the foundation walls. CHECK operation of attic fans and roof-mounted turbine vents. CLEAN your refrigerator inside and out with mild detergent. This includes removing and washing all trays and shelves. July INSPECT grout and caulk around tubs, sinks and showers. Chip out cracked grout and replace missing grout. CHECK faucets for leaks and replace washers, or repair the faucet as necessary. REMOVE drain traps under sinks and clean them thoroughly. August INSPECT your range hood; clean underneath it and remove and clean or replace range hood filters. CHECK washing machine hoses; replace worn or damaged ones. CLEAN condenser coils on the back or underneath your refrigerator with a special brush or use your vacuum's narrow hose attachment. September INSPECT the heating system including filters, pilot lights and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional. CHECK house and vent screens for tears and bent frames and clean window screens with a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent. CLEAN and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. October INSPECT gutters after leaves have fallen; clean and make sure downspouts are in good repair. CHECK gauges every on fire extinguishers to ensure a full charge; replace as necessary. SET thermostats and automatic sprinklers for cooler weather. November INSPECT weatherstripping around doors and windows, and repair or replace if necessary. CHECK for cracks in concrete driveways; repair using epoxy materials. PRUNE trees and shrubs away from roofs and walls. December INSPECT and test electrical holiday decorations. Repair or discard any that do not function properly. CHECK inside bathroom vanities and kitchen-sink cabinets for moisture and other signs of leaks. Repair plumbing system if necessary. CONSULT the owner's manual for maintenance of garage-door systems.