The key to starting the fall home mechanical checklist—in fact, any checklist—is to pick a few easy items that can be accomplished quickly. This provides a sense of satisfaction while reducing the number of tasks, which makes the overall endeavor seem just a bit less daunting.
On that note, start by checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly and replacing the batteries, even if you did this in the spring. The National Fire Protection Association recommends changing detector batteries every 6 months. The only exception is a 10-year smoke alarm with a built-in 10-year battery. No matter what style you have, look at the manufacture date; if it’s older than 10 years, the entire unit should be replaced. This includes hardwired alarms with a battery backup. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every seven years.
Testing, Testing
Fire extinguishers are another quick yet critical item to check. Visually inspect each, making sure it is still charged and that the firing pin is in good condition and set properly in place. Check for signs of damage or corrosion, and make sure there is no obstruction of the discharge nozzle. If the unit is more than six years old, replace it.If you’ve got a basement, put the sump pump through its paces by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to activate it. If it doesn’t respond, don’t panic. First, check the breaker, then the discharge line, to see if it is clogged or, if you left this task until later in the season, if it is frozen. If it’s still not working, consider a replacement. Depending on how often they are used, most pumps should be replaced every five to seven years. If it’s over 10 years old, replace it even if it is working; you do not want it to die of old age during a storm. If you have a battery backup for the sump, turn off the breaker, and check that as well. If not, consider installing one.
Fast Fridge Fix-up
Energy costs are going to be high enough this winter, so there is no sense spending a penny more. Use a dollar bill to test the refrigerator door seals by closing the door over the bill in several locations. If the bill can be pulled out easily, it is time to replace the refrigerator door seal.While refrigerator coils should be cleaned anytime they get too dirty, particularly if you have pets that create dander, they should definitely be cleaned in the fall when we spend more time indoors during the colder months. This project will improve indoor air quality and, more importantly, appliance efficiency. Dirty coils mean the system is not dispersing heat as intended and the compressor is being overworked, reducing its lifespan. Coils are either on the rear of the refrigerator or underneath it and can be cleaned with a specialized coil cleaning brush. Vacuum up any dust that falls to the floor. Bonus: The long, skinny, flexible brush does double duty cleaning out the dryer vent, so give that a quick cleaning now, too.
Put Summer to Bed
Another chore to do as winter approaches is to turn up the air conditioner until spring. Before doing anything on the AC, shut off all power to the unit; this does double duty by ensuring it won’t accidentally be turned on during the winter months. Clean the condenser unit (the outside portion of the system) and the area around it of dirt, grime, leaves, twigs, and brush. Consider purchasing a cover or at least wrapping the unit in a tarp secured by bungee cords. A cover not only keeps off snow but also dirt and debris that can damage the unit. Resist the temptation to wrap the unit tightly in plastic, which can lead to moisture buildup inside and possibly rust. Cover any exposed pipes with foam pipe covers, particularly in areas where temperatures drop below freezing quickly.Back inside, clean the registers of any accumulated dust or debris, and replace the filter—which you should be doing every 30 to 90 days anyway—to make sure you’re good to go in the spring. Consider a high-efficiency pleated filter that can trap smaller particles to keep the system clean and your family healthy.
Wall and window units need TLC, too. Shut off the power, and then remove any debris. This is also a good time to clean the evaporator coils (behind the filter) and the outside condenser coils. Flush the reusable filter with lukewarm water and cover the unit; in the case of a window unit, it can be completely removed and stored inside until spring.
Now it’s time to clean the ceiling fan blades and reverse their direction so that the angled blades turn clockwise to pull cool air up and force warm air that naturally rises (remember the old adage, “heat rises”) back down into the room to distribute it more effectively, which improves heating efficiency and helps keep electricity costs down.
