Jan. 07, 2005
The Charlotte Observer
Allen Norwood's Home Calendar
JANUARY
Create a planning calendar for the year. Be sure to include small
but important items -- replacing air and heating filters, and batteries in
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms -- that you might overlook.
Begin planning large repair and improvement projects, and contact
contractors BEFORE their warm-weather busy season.
Organize owner's manuals for appliances, power tools and the like.
Make sure home insurance policies are up to date, and that you know where
they are.
If you plan to paint inside or out, begin a portfolio of your
current colors, and add new colors that catch your eye. You'll find lots
of tips and color help at sources such as www.glidden.com.
FEBRUARY
Clean dryer vent of lint, and make sure outside cover is closing
correctly.
Organize garage or storage shed, and install hooks, shelves and
cabinets. Don't just pitch old cans of paint into the trash. Discard paint
and other household chemicals properly. For more information on recycling
potentially dangerous waste -- and a list of Mecklenburg County recycling
centers -- visit www.wipeoutwaste.com.
Clean and lubricate tools, sharpen saw blades, make sure laser
guides have fresh batteries.
This is a good time for interior painting. The holidays are over,
and the warm weather doesn't beckon outdoors. Even small jobs -- such as
repairing and touching up popped drywall nails -- can make a big
difference.
MARCH
Clean, seal and stain deck as necessary. Wash outdoor furniture and
cushion covers. Hint: If you wash cushion covers, slip them back over
cushions before they're completely dry, to prevent shrinking.
While working on deck, be sure there are no low places to trap
water around posts. Grade or add soil around posts and house foundation to
drain water away.
Add landscape and security lighting. Consider timers and motion
sensors if you don't have them.
Be sure any firewood you stored during the winter is moved at least
30 feet from the house. It can attract termites and other insects. Next
season, create dry storage for firewood away from the house.
APRIL
Check brick and concrete walkways for any damage from winter
freezes, and repair as needed. You can find helpful advice online at www.quikrete.com
and www.bonsal.com.
Touch up exterior paint on cracked or peeling windowsills and
garage doors.
Wash siding and gutters -- but be careful with power washers!
Wash windows, and roof if needed. The pros use a product called
Shingle Shield on asphalt shingles, and it's great for other outdoor
surfaces, too. Information: www.egutter.com.
MAY
Complete major exterior painting jobs. It's a terrific month to be
outdoors.
Clean your gas grill and replace any failing parts. Be sure to
clear burners of spiders and other insects.
If you closed crawl-space vents, be sure they're open. Install
plastic sheeting in crawl space as needed.
This is a good time to check under the house for signs of moisture
or termite activity. If you suspect termites, call a pro. To learn about
termite treatments, visit the Web site of the Structural Pest Control
Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture: www. agr.state.nc.us/str-pest.
JUNE
Pull refrigerators and freezers away from walls, and vacuum coils
thoroughly so appliances will cool properly. Clean grease from hood over
kitchen stove.
Test GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) electrical circuits
in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors. Instructions and illustration
available at www.ul.com/consumers/groundfault.html.
Avoid plugging freezer or refrigerator in garage into GFCI circuit; if
circuit trips, you can lose food before discovering power is off.
Check washing machine hoses for leaks, and replace if they're soft.
You don't want hoses bursting while you're on vacation. Don't forget
icemaker and dishwasher hoses.
Check garage doors to make sure they're operating properly.
Lubricate rollers with light oil. Test safety features such as automatic
stops and electronic eyes.
JULY
Flush water heater as needed. Cut the power before draining an
electric water heater for any reason, and be sure to refill the tank with
water before restoring power.
Close and then reopen cutoff valves below all sinks and faucets, to
be sure they're operating. Fix any leaks.
Trim shrubs away from heat pumps, so systems can function properly.
Keep shrubs trimmed below window sills, for visibility and security.
Cut away tree limbs that are brushing against roof or house. Be
careful when using ladders near overhead power lines!
AUGUST
Call heating service to give system its annual checkup before the
busy fall season. If you suspect leaks in ductwork, be sure to mention
that.
Install programmable thermostat before heating season arrives. It
can cut energy bills enough to quickly pay for itself.
Change incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact
fluorescents.
You'll need to make sure your home is secure during vacation, so
it's a good time to check all locks on doors and windows to be sure
they're latching tightly. Install deadbolts on doors as needed. For more
advice, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.
SEPTEMBER
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace
batteries as needed.
Caulk around doors and windows before cold weather arrives. If you
plan to paint the caulk, be sure you buy a paintable type.
Adjust storm doors and windows to close properly. Make sure weep
holes in storm windows are clear of debris.
As the days get shorter, install night lights at the tops and
bottoms of stairs and in other places that might pose hazards.
OCTOBER
Clean gutters, and sweep leaves from roof valleys. You'll have to
do both several times during the season. If you're going to pay someone,
wait until most leaves fall.
Repair gutter leaks and sags.
Check fireplace and chimney, and be sure damper is working
properly. Install chimney cap if you don't have one.
Check insulation in attic, and add as needed. For information,
visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Clearinghouse at www.eren.doe.gov.
NOVEMBER
Make sure wells, hoses and irrigation systems are protected from
freezing. Stock up on ice-melting chemicals for steps and sidewalks.
Use binoculars to check roof for curled or missing shingles, and
replace if necessary. If you need to buy matching shingles, be sure to buy
a few extra for the next time.
Seal any holes that mice and other critters might squeeze through.
They'll want to join you indoors when the cold weather hits.
If you're considering a generator to keep vital appliances
operating during winter power outages, be sure you choose the correct one
and know how to operate it safely. Visit www.briggspower products.com and
other sites for help.
DECEMBER
Create a fire escape plan for the family, especially kids. Practice
it. Check fire extinguishers, and make sure everybody knows where they
are.
Be sure poisons and household cleaners are out of reach of
children. Post number for poison hotline near the phone.
Locate main water cutoff so you won't have to scramble frantically
if a frozen pipe bursts.
While you're decorating for the season, check all drop cords and
power strips for cuts, cracks and frayed wires. Replace as necessary. Be
sure you choose drop cords that are large enough for the load they carry.
Information: www.ul.com.
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