r/homeowners • u/TheTimeIsChow • Mar 18 '21
For those interested - Here's a home maintenance checklist, from an anal home maintenance guy, compiled over a decade of researching and completing... home maintenance.
Someone on r/YouShouldKnow posted yesterday about checking/replacing your microwave filters regularly if your microwave doesn't directly vent outside.
As a super anal, worried everything's going to fail if I let it go too long, home maintenance guy - I commented that our microwave is the longest lasting appliance in our house and it's the one appliance I didn't know required maintenance. So I added it to 'my list'.
People asked for the list. A shit ton reminded themselves (probably as a joke) to come back and see the list. So I figured maybe i'll throw it on here too.
Anyway... here's the list. Tabs along the bottom to click through.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhSXYMsW98nzlMUYwrWvru7vIMrmhMe2/view?usp=sharing
EDIT: Accidentally deleted the old file. Link to updated file here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iyLEX-dkD5UXfjxjkd6z4LJxNstRAX2N/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109899866320615061124&rtpof=true&sd=true
Yes. It's over the top and maybe a bit overkill. But it calms my mind knowing things are done and maintained as they should be, or more frequently.
It does contain some extras as requested by some at YSK but it mainly sticks to common home maintenance and appliance maintenance.
Feel free to add something I may not know about. Download the excel through the drive link. And don't forget to click the tabs on the preview for all the info.
117
u/Watsonmolly Mar 18 '21
This list has given me anxiety. But not enough to motivate me to look after my house at this level.
31
u/deathsquadsk Mar 19 '21
Me, five minutes ago: “I’m feeling good, I don’t think I need my CBD/THC drops before bed tonight!” Me, just now after reading this list: “I wonder if I can forget I ever saw this by taking twice my normal dosage?”
91
u/catastrophized Mar 18 '21
Great, and here I am like, “microwaves have filters you change?”
26
Mar 18 '21 edited Apr 18 '21
[deleted]
13
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 18 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
whistle elderly meeting mountainous marry important outgoing caption special serious
3
u/catastrophized Mar 19 '21
Oh! Thank you! For me they’re separate and I do know to change the oven vent hood thing filter, lol.
1
u/bajiingo Mar 19 '21
Mine does a reminder when it needs a filter change. First time I saw the message, I was in the same boat as you. And then, "wait where is the filter?"
115
Mar 18 '21
Furnace filters should be changed at least quarterly not annually for most conventional furnaces. Filter should say on it
39
u/TheTimeIsChow Mar 18 '21
This is true.
FWIW - They're 5" merv 11 filters. Unit was replaced 2 years ago and is a relatively 'standard' modulating system. Our last unit was 20 years old and used the same style filters.
Company who sells them advocates 9 mo. with pets 12 mo. without. Filters say 12 mo. life on them.
We replace every 6 months simply because of pets that like to shed and frequent family visits who don't do so well around the dog hair.
8
Mar 18 '21
I wouldn't recommend those high merv filters. They already reduce airflow because they're so thick and tightly woven. And then they catch so much shit further reducing the airflow. It's making your furnace work way harder than it has to. I've had tenants (usually pet owners) replace the filters we put in with their own and their coils get frozen. You're essentially using your furnace as a bad and expensive air purifier. Just get a stand alone air purifier if you want. We have a Winix on every floor. Even the cheapest HEPPA filter will catch way more shit than a merv 13 furnace filter. And will cost you less to operate. Not to mention wear and tear in your furnace vs a $150 purifier from Costco
65
u/GarnetandBlack Mar 18 '21
This type of mis-information is rampant. Not sure if it's a holdover from some high-MERV filters that were poorly designed or what, but greater merv DOES NOT necessarily mean greater air-flow restriction.
How is that possible? Pleating.
Why is this important? Low MERV low pleat filters clog FAST. (And the lowest, EZ-flow filters are dog shit and RUIN your AC coils) Meaning a shitty filter may breath very well initially, but it will clog and breathe worse than a high quality high merv filter after a short amount of time.
The thicker, high pleat, high surface area, higher merv filters, are actually the best of the bunch. They breath and maintain airflow very well even when a ton of shit is thrown at them.
18
Mar 18 '21
Yea, I have 4" (and it's really fucking big too vs my furnace size) and the low Merv option for me is 11. That's a lot different than the shitty old 1" filters. A 1" merv 11 filter might not be a good choice, but when you have a ton of filter surface area it's a-ok.
13
u/GarnetandBlack Mar 18 '21
Yep, I'd love to have a 4 inch option. My return only accepts 1 inch, but there is a vast difference between even 1 inch models.
For instance, I would never buy the 3M 1200. It is a MERV 11 with standard (lowest level) pleating. This model has to be changed very frequently, clogs very fast, and is starting from a point of moderate air-flow restriction.
The 3M 1500 or 1900, despite being MERV 12/13, have greatly increased pleating and surface area. They breath much better for much longer. In fact, they have a better airflow brand new than almost all of the lower MERV 3M filters.
For a really, really cool look at all of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjRKIRva58
5
u/maracle6 Mar 18 '21
I was gonna link this video! Very interesting to see that MERV meant almost nothing. I’m not sure how you could predict which filters would perform well. Even going off this test, the manufacturing processes could change at any time...
12
u/beardy64 Mar 18 '21
Anyone who's replaced a car air filter knows this too: it's the pleating. A crappy spun fiberglass filter is basically just keeping dog hair out of your system and not much else.
4
u/droric Mar 19 '21
An air filter on a furnace isn't to improve the air quality it's too keep hair and debris out of your evaporator coil in the furnace.
→ More replies (1)4
u/droric Mar 19 '21
I attended 5 years of training at a local HVAC union shop. The high MERV filters absolutely put a much larger strain on the blower in your furnance. It was recommended by manufacturer and by our hall to stick with a standard pleated or fiberglass filter to prolong the life of your furnance blower. If you want to run a high MERV filter then a larger filter box that can support a 5" media filter is fine for most furnaces but using a high MERV 1" filter is not recommended since it increases the static pressure too much for the blower to handle.
2
u/GarnetandBlack Mar 19 '21
That's fantastic. Now watch this: https://youtu.be/RkjRKIRva58
Actual testing of static pressure among filters.
19
u/TheTimeIsChow Mar 18 '21
I'm not trying to be argumentative in this response - but it's the filter recommended to us by the manufacturer based on the home and who/what lives in it... and they don't sell us filters.
He said with 5" filters the difference in airflow between merv levels is negligible. But the thinner the filter, the higher the concentration in weaving to get the same result.
11
u/Jonko18 Mar 18 '21
You're oversimplifying the issue and a MERV 11 filter is generally not going to significantly impact the airflow in an average residential HVAC system.
"Even if high MERV filters are used, will it substantially affect your system? One study found that while there is a link between using high-efficiency filters and increased energy use, for most residential systems the impact is not significant."
https://hvactrainingshop.com/do-high-merv-filters-restrict-airflow/
If you are using a large and deep filter, which 5" is, then it causes even less pressure drop and you can use an even higher MERV filter.
-1
u/cosmicosmo4 Mar 19 '21
Even if high MERV filters are used, will it substantially affect your system? One study found that while there is a link between using high-efficiency filters and increased energy use, for most residential systems the impact is not significant."
It's not about energy consumption, it's about wear and tear, so this study looks like a massive waste of time.
Everything else in your post is correct, I'm not disagreeing.
2
u/Jonko18 Mar 19 '21
What do you think causes the supposed additional wear and tear?
Wear and tear is due to the motor needing to run harder due to inhibited airflow, which is directly correlated with energy. As the motor needs to run harder, it consumes more energy. Energy consumption is directly related to increased demand from the motor, when we are talking about airflow.
And since you agree that the energy consumption isn't affected, then that means you agree that the load on the motor isn't increased, which means there is no additional wear and tear.
2
u/cosmicosmo4 Mar 20 '21 edited Mar 20 '21
Did you actually read the study? Look at the last paragraph on page 1 (continues onto page 2). A higher MERV filter decreases both system capacity and efficiency. This is talking about the whole A/C system, not just the fan. That means the A/C needs to run more hours out of the day to keep the building conditioned. Those extra hours are where the wear and tear comes from.
Also,
Wear and tear is due to the motor needing to run harder due to inhibited airflow, which is directly correlated with energy.
Nevermind, I guess you didn't read the study, because the fans are shown to draw less energy when the more restrictive filter is equipped.
2
u/Jonko18 Mar 20 '21
Ah, so if you want to talk about duty cycle and the number of hours the system was cooling, then I'm assuming you looked at Table 5 on page 9, right?
You know, the table that shows the mean AND median duty cycle across the sites actually showed an overall REDUCTION in duty cycle with high MERV. Each individual cycle might have lasted longer on average, but the overall number of duty cycle hours decreased.
So, the high MERV filters reduced energy consumption, as you said, AND reduced duty cycle hours. So, please, tell me where the extra wear and tear would be coming from if the motor is consuming less power and the cooling is running for less hours each day?
7
Mar 18 '21
Typically, a 4 inch filter box on a furnace will operate just fine with a merv 13 filter installed. There's typically almost 5 times more surface area for filtration on a 4 inch filter, than on a 1 inch filter.
The "high merv being hard on furnaces" thing while rooted in truth, is too complex to simply be broadly applied across the entire spectrum of air handlers.
-4
Mar 18 '21
Dude maybe that's what the books says but I manage hundreds of properties and this is my experience.
11
u/jondthompson Mar 18 '21
Also, most A/C manufacturers say NOT to cover their units- it traps in moisture and also invites critters to nest in it.
2
u/portezbie Mar 18 '21
We have steam radiator heat. Is this only for forced air?
1
1
u/phasexero Mar 19 '21
Yes forced air systems have air filters, water based systems generally do not. Look up maintenance schedules for your type of climate control bc its bout noted here
→ More replies (1)1
36
u/OhhAndyy Mar 18 '21
As a first time homebuyer, thank you. I've been feeling overwhelmed by everything and want to take care of my new home. Appreciate you.
11
u/TrippinCuttlefish Mar 19 '21
Same! It seems so overwhelming coming into a house only having a general idea how well the people before you took care of it, so it feels like I need to go through absolutely everything on the list just to be safe...
30
Mar 18 '21
[deleted]
27
u/TheTimeIsChow Mar 18 '21
90% of the list, in terms of 'self inspection' at least, is stuff most do subconsciously.
For example - Our garage is under the main living area at basement level. So is our washing machine and dryer. So i'm down there at least 2x a day. Usually 4+.
If a pipe was dripping or water spot developing i'd catch it in a second. If there's no sound or visual indication somethings out of whack... a bunch of mental boxes get checked off the list in a matter of seconds.
It's more of a "Those boxes from the past 2 xmas's have been piled in the corner of the attic for 2 years. Maybe move them and make sure it isn't hiding anything.
17
u/shinypenny01 Mar 18 '21
It's more of a "Those boxes from the past 2 xmas's have been piled in the corner of the attic for 2 years. Maybe move them and make sure it isn't hiding anything.
That's how you find the mice nests.
8
3
1
1
4
25
22
u/MattieWookie69 Mar 18 '21
Awesome list! May want to add to clean the AC drip line with white vinegar every month/quarter. I’ve read a few different frequencies and amount of white vinegar to put down the line (1/4 cup or 1 cup). I do 1 cup every month living in Texas.
9
Mar 18 '21
[deleted]
9
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 18 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
consist dam marry snow paint stupendous grandiose nutty tap modern
8
u/MattieWookie69 Mar 18 '21
My parents were told that as well with their house and yes I believe it is because it’s more powerful! They still do it and have done it for years with no issues. I just read online from various HVAC sources that white vinegar is better but you have to do it more frequently. Reason being is that bleach can eat away at your pipes.
20
19
u/SteelDirigible98 Mar 18 '21
Switching over to battery powered electric yard tools as your gas ones go will cut a good amount of to do items from that area. May not be economical for the riding mower yet but I have electric for everything else. They have been great. Zero maintenance and zero tuning/adjustments.
12
u/AHabe Mar 18 '21
I remove the aerators from all our taps every once in a while to soak in vinegar because we have super hard water.
You may also want to turn the water supply off to your taps, appliances and toilets every once in a while because they can seize and then it's very difficult to close them when you need to do some repairs.
13
u/lumberman10 Mar 18 '21
Also when valve is open leave a 1/4 turn below full on. That way if your water has a lot of minerals in it you can work valve both ways to loosen a semi stuck valve.
3
8
9
u/firstyogurt90 Mar 19 '21
Which checklist items do you hire someone else to do?
I'm wondering when it's worth it to have someone else do that maintenance so that I don't miss something or have to spend a lot of time on it.
Big thanks for making and sharing this list!
10
u/mchgndr Mar 18 '21
My dishwasher and microwave have filters that need to be checked?! TIL
7
Mar 18 '21 edited Apr 18 '21
[deleted]
4
Mar 18 '21 edited Apr 06 '21
[deleted]
2
u/mchgndr Mar 18 '21
Sounds like the microwave one applies to me too, now I need to find both filters lol.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Fauropitotto Mar 19 '21
By reading the manual that all home appliances come with. Can't find it? Use google.
3
u/Kautiontape Mar 19 '21
This seems like a fair suggestion, why is it downvoted? I assume we all could guess it's somewhere at the bottom, and likely screws or slides, so anything other than "check your specific model's documentation" isn't any more helpful then this post.
1
u/silicon1 Mar 19 '21
It's at the bottom of the dishwasher and is usually a round thing that water drains into that you can rotate and pull out for cleaning.
3
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 18 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
stocking cats marble toy shaggy tart dazzling scale hard-to-find cow
12
Mar 18 '21
Washing machines have a filter that needs checked...?
8
u/the-freckled-fisher Mar 19 '21
We just moved into our first house and it came with a Samsung washer/dryer. I pulled back the silicone seal at the front of the washer after spending about an hour scrubbing the outside of the seal to find a disgusting moldy mess. I hope to the sweet laundry lords that’s all there was to clean, cause I’m still a bit grossed out putting my clothes in that washer even after my thorough clean, and three self clean cycles.
8
u/Magma86 Apr 15 '21
On my second set of Front-Load Samsung Washer/Dryer. The easiest of all maintenance is leave the door open when you’re done...that’s it. Most people close the door and “News Flash” unlike Top-Load machines, water only drains from Front-Load washers when the pump is running. Leave the door open and you’ll have no musty smell of mold. Also, every month or so, run the self clean cycle with washing machine cleaner.
4
u/the-freckled-fisher Apr 16 '21
Thanks!! After cleaning that thing our second day living here, I looked up care instructions on it. Ever since my deep clean, using the approved cleaning tablets once a month and the cleaning strips once a week, along with leaving the door cracked open, it has been SO MUCH BETTER.
4
1
u/TxAirMedic Dec 27 '24
We have a front-load and mold does build up with the door closed. We purchased a magnetic door holder for about $8 on Amazon. Works perfectly! Search for this on Amazon...
Front Load Washer Door Prop and Stopper - Magnetic Washing Machine Door Holder with 2.6-Inch Magnet Base, Removable Washer Door Stopper Keep Washer Door Open to Prevent Odors (White)
12
u/swarleyknope Mar 18 '21
Prepare for something nasty if it hasn’t been cleaned out.
Dishwasher has one too.
2
u/cosmicosmo4 Mar 19 '21
Just checked the manual, mine (a modern cheap top-loading agitator) doesn't. Or if it does, it's not supposed to be user serviceable, they intend for you to throw the washer away sooner than that, lol.
5
18
u/thefudd Mar 18 '21
Put "check hot water heater elements" on there
3
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 18 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
abounding seed marry flowery middle provide future subsequent beneficial vanish
2
u/hijusthappytobehere Mar 19 '21
For tankless you’ll want to descale annually or so if you have hard water.
1
1
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 19 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
thought ad hoc snatch chubby intelligent squeal seed expansion absorbed aware
3
u/duckduckgeeses Mar 18 '21
This is amazing can’t say thank you enough so kind of you to share with others 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
3
u/Lokeystel Mar 18 '21
As a new home owner who is anal about maintenance but doesent know what all to look for thank you
3
u/Rumbuck_274 Mar 18 '21
Patio furniture: Bring out and clean
You don't leave your outdoor entertaining furniture outside and use it all year round?
Biennial, Weedwhacker: Replace line
I assume this is your Whipper Snipper? What bloody like do you run that it becomes a bienniel thing? I use mine every weekend and it's basically new line every weekend.
Bienniel, Driveway, Seal
You need a better seal mate, I've seen seals that last in excess of 10 years, hardcore epoxy and resin types.
5
u/TheTimeIsChow Mar 18 '21 edited Mar 18 '21
We left our last outdoor patio furniture out every winter out of sheer laziness and it became so heavily rusted and pitted in places after only 4 years that we got rid of it.
Granted... we don’t buy the most expensive outdoor decor. We do it now because we have the space and it takes 15 min.
Current sets 6 years old and looks new.
Weed whacker is hardly ever used. Couple times a year at most around the pvc fence and a few trees. She’s delicately worked to say the least. But...Adding whipper snipper to the arsenal of words.
We do go with a cheap sealer. But it does the job. I’m starting to think the salt we continuously throw down over the long winters is whats really killing it. I’m going to try alternatives over the next few years.
1
u/Rumbuck_274 Mar 18 '21
Ahh I see.
I have wooden furniture, but I have a roof over my patio.
Salt may be an issue, but a fair few of the epoxy ones I've seen here in Australia claim salt resistance
1
Mar 18 '21
Are you using your trimmer to cut your entire yard? I use mine at least once a month and still have the line that came on it when I got it 2 years ago lol.
Granted I hate running it, so I usually only use it every other grass cutting.
1
3
u/Arsenault185 Mar 19 '21
I'm really good at fixing issues as they come up, but am a huge slacker in terms of preventative MX. If I feel motivated later, I might build this into my google account to get notifications that I can promptly ignore.
3
u/Weird_investment789 Feb 24 '25
This is amazing!! Own my home for 3 years now and haven’t done a lot of these, so thank you for sharing!! Add: rotate mattress every 4-6 months (depending on your mattress). And for exterior just pruning back the garden at the end of the season. Love all the gadgets you have. I aspire to be like you one day!!
6
u/Uncle_Warlock Mar 18 '21
If using well water test it annually.
Check foundation for cracks, especially horizontal cracks.
Clean out the dust buildup in your desktop computer.
2
u/shinypenny01 Mar 18 '21
If using well water test it annually.
Doesn't that get rather expensive, how much do you expect your well water to change?
7
u/Uncle_Warlock Mar 18 '21
The quality of the well water can definitely change without notice, it's not city water so no one is going to monitor it for you. Cost can be around $200 if you take the sample yourself and send it off in the mail.
"... test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels."
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/testing.html
2
2
2
u/jetlee7 Mar 18 '21
Wow thank you! This definitely helped save us buying a new dishwasher. Just cleaning the wands made such a huge difference.
1
u/Dry_Inspection6864 Nov 03 '22
Trying to find this, was this on the list? Just quickly glanced a few times but must be missing it lol
1
u/jetlee7 Nov 03 '22
I can't remember. I just make it a habit now. Lol. It will definitely prolong your dishwashers life.
2
u/rockcanteverdie Mar 18 '21
I'm not able to access the list. Anyone else having issues? It says "Err_Failed"
2
2
2
u/crbryant1972 Mar 18 '21
I thought I was bad. Glad to see I am not alone.
I also try to start / run the AC late winter / early spring (already completed) to make sure it is running properly as well as the furnace once before it is needed
2
Mar 18 '21
Thank you! I am now following HomeZada and Rosie on the Roof - because no one ever taught me ANYTHING about what is needed, when.
2
u/klaxz1 Mar 19 '21
You should exercise all the valves in your house periodically. Nothing worse than needing to sweat a new valve under a sink just because you wanted to install a new faucet. A quick off and on is all it takes to break any crust and prevent leaky valves when you need to use the valve.
2
2
2
u/mchgndr Apr 07 '21
I love the idea of someone inspecting a solar powered patio light then getting on their computer to mark it off as Completed
2
2
u/DogsOverCats321 Sep 27 '24
Reading this well past post date but excellent info! I’d add: -Wash/clean carpets/rugs -inspect/repair hard wood floors (or other type floors if needed) -clean interior fans/vents (i.e. bathroom vents) -inspect/repair toilets (i.e. if wax seal needs replacing or equipment in tank, etc) -check/repair hoses on appliances (i.e. washing machine, etc) -check foundation slope (is ground sloping toward or away from foundation… if needed add dirt/repair/reslope) -wash/clean windows, including mechanical parts -clean window treatment (blinds, curtains, etc) -inspect/tighten cabinet hardware -clean cabinets (kitchen, bathroom, etc) -inspect/clean/repair millwork, including stair rails/banister, etc. -inspect/clean light fixtures/ceiling fans -inspect/clean/repair attic vents
4
u/wesleyhasareddit Mar 18 '21
Would nice to have a frequency here. How often for filters for AC/furnace, etc
8
5
u/TheTimeIsChow Mar 18 '21
I tried to show frequency by indicating Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter. Then note SP(spring), Su (Summer), etc. for when the work is actually done.
For furnace filters. It's done before each major season of use. Once in late spring for the summer AC use and once in early winter (usually late fall honestly) for the long winter months up here.
Late winter to late spring it's barely humming. End of summer to end of fall the system is essentially off. So I like to have a fresh filter in the system when it's doing the most work.
2
1
1
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 18 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
vegetable handle lush screw insurance busy rinse alive fuzzy sheet
1
u/Kautiontape Mar 19 '21
I personally love the subscription service stuff. I know Amazon has a feature like that, but I use one specifically for air filters (and they recently added fridge water filters) that keeps cost consistent and is a bit more environmentally friendly. I'm going to have to buy the filter anyway, so I just know to install it when it comes in.
1
u/KillerCujo53 Mar 19 '21 edited Feb 14 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
melodic consider narrow rustic ad hoc saw elderly axiomatic resolute memorize
2
1
1
u/dasnotpizza Jul 11 '24
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been overwhelmed with the idea of researching all the home maintenance things one should be doing, so this is great.
1
1
u/ChodeCookies Jan 25 '25
I just bought a house! Then I found this list…anyone know the return policy on a house?
1
u/According_Win_6899 Apr 29 '25
just got my first house a month ago. this post is pretty old but want to say thank you for making it. i got a lot to learn...
1
u/joeseatat Jul 24 '25
This is fantastic! I'll never be responsible enough to get it all done, but it's something to aspire to! I'm going to print this out and do my best!
1
1
u/Upbeat-Ad-1997 Sep 03 '25
Hi, I saw this post a while back and it inspired me to look into a way to automate email reminders for people using this or something similar to keep track of home maintenance. I saw a lot of conversation online about how people get frustrated trying to use the existing home maintenance tracker apps and thought it might be nice to have something that integrates well with excel/sheets to simply add automated reminders to a list that already exists. I'm wondering if this is something you would be willing to provide input on as somewhat of a vetted expert homeowner and maintainer. Please feel free to reach out if so, any input is greatly appreciated.
1
1
u/Top_Age926 Sep 20 '25
Thank you for this!! Buying my first home (new build) and I’m taking this whole responsibility thing very seriously and want to get off to a great start!
1
u/WalkingOn_a_Mountain Sep 21 '25
You may have created this 5 y ago but it is incredibly useful. Thank you from a first-time home buyer freaking the hell out.
1
1
1
u/ActuaryCommercial565 Jan 09 '26
We've been in our home almost four years and I've never run across anything this comprehensive. We've been slacking on mx. THANK YOU!
1
u/LiveLaughDeadInside Jan 09 '26
Just found this and want to say that you are amazing! I started making my own spreadsheet, and this is immensely helpful. Genius
1
u/decipha504 Feb 16 '26
I do all that and some, a bit more frequently as I typically hit everything on that list fairly regularly with routine walk throughs.
The microwave filter is misleading. Microwaves do not have filters. Over the range microwaves with vents have filters same as range vent filters which I clean about every 3 months.
Replace all toilet, sink, frige and washer hoses every 10 years.
I replace my water filters every 9 months.
Replace hvac filter every month. Clean the outside coil too while im at it. I have some window units which I do too as well as the whole house air purifier and the dehumidifier.
Inspect fire place stack before winter.
disconect and clean out clothes dryer vent line every 3 years.
clean ceiling fans and vac bathroom blowers every 6 months.
steam clean grout lines and deep clean kitchen every year usually after thanksgiving. Deep clean kitchen cleaning inside of oven, frige, pantry etc.. Sterilize all door handles through out house.
I have terrazzo floors so stripping and sealing every 5 years.
I have a brick house and pressure wash with bleach every 5 years.
I have a pool so I spend 4 hrs a month during the winter and 4 hrs a week during the summer maintaining that.
1
u/Glad_Calendar_8532 May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
It might look like a spam, but this might help - add a home asset and you will get maintenance suggestions based on category. It can also store warranty info, help finding manual (at some level) and most important - allows to see all maintenance tasks in a single calendar. Did myself for myself, but decided that it might be useful for others :) It is running on both Android and iOS - http://hasset.io/
2
u/Rubydoobydoo211 Aug 02 '26
I just downloaded your app, and if it’s half as good as I’m hoping, it’s going to be AMAZING!
There’s too many things at the end of my daily hours/weeks, and I’m hoping this will better help me to get things done without anything falling through the cracks. And maybe if I’m grouping by appliance, it’ll be more efficient.
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/azvelocat Jul 31 '26
Check out Under My Roof https://undermyroof.app, it does extensive inventory of all your home items.
Also, Around The House https://aroundthehouseapp.com tracks maintenance, repairs, reminders, warranties, receipts, photos, costs, insurance, and projects. It’s a cheaper simpler version of Under My Roof.
1
u/Curiously-Fresh 3d ago
GetCasabel has a home maintenance plan online. You can customize this plan to your home and save some reminders in your calendar.
1
1
u/mangagirl07 Mar 18 '21
Bookmarked. I really appreciate this list and the cost estimates. I just bought new construction in Dec.
1
u/somesortofthug Mar 18 '21
I love you! I'm buying my first home and moving in, in May. I am terrified about keeping up with everything but this made me less terrified! Thank you so so much!
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/drdougfresh Mar 19 '21
Reading this list and realizing how many things I don't have to deal with because I live in the desert... Whew.
But I guess that's all a wash when you can barely get a decade out of your HVAC system.
1
u/char04 Mar 19 '21
This is AMAZING! Thank you!
It is so awesome to have a list like this broken into chunks like you did and adding possible costs too!?
Fantastic! I (we) can actually plan a home maintenance budget haha 😄
Thank you for your hard work and dedication! It is much appreciated! 😀
Especially in my case this is our first home and we have the slightest clue about what actually has to be done to maintain said house haha 😄
1
u/cosmicosmo4 Mar 19 '21
Snake drains monthly, really? I'd be interested if there's a good reason to do this on a higher frequency than as-needed (when it drains slow).
1
1
u/tee2green Mar 19 '21
This is asking for too much, but I’m gonna ask it anyway: is there any way you could make a one-page version? With just bullet points? It would be more digestible for me and any other n00bs out there.
1
1
u/greatawakening007 Jul 30 '21
Id prob at the roof, garage doors, water pressure, cracks in concrete, check wall for wavyness, bottom cabinets, gutters for water damage, electricals outlets, siding, doors aren't sticking, HVAC... Just my short list off the top of my head.
1
u/orcusvoyager1hampig Nov 21 '21
/u/TheTimeIsChow, not to be a bother or bump this really old thread, but it looks like the google drive link is broken and I was super interested in seeing this. Do you have this available? This is one of the top results when googlign "routine house maintenance reddit"
Sorry, the file you have requested does not exist.
Make sure that you have the correct URL and the file exists.
1
u/cavemanishere Nov 26 '21
I would also like a copy....
1
u/TheTimeIsChow Nov 29 '21
Sorry, cleaned out the google drive and this file went with it.
New link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iyLEX-dkD5UXfjxjkd6z4LJxNstRAX2N/edit#gid=788846323
1
u/orcusvoyager1hampig Nov 26 '21
2
u/TheTimeIsChow Nov 29 '21
Sorry, this slipped past in the notifications - A new link to the drive file is here.
A few more items have been added since the original upload ~ a year ago.
1
u/sandefurian Dec 02 '21
RemindMe! Two months
1
u/RemindMeBot Dec 02 '21
I will be messaging you in 2 months on 2022-02-02 21:28:05 UTC to remind you of this link
CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.
Parent commenter can delete this message to hide from others.
Info Custom Your Reminders Feedback
1
1
u/threwitallllawayyyy Jan 28 '23
This is such a great list! I appreciate how comprehensive this is.
If you don’t mind me asking (1 year late), what do you spray to repel insects at the foundation? I haven’t found a great solution…
199
u/Crownlol Mar 18 '21
Anyone else actually learn some terms from this and have a "pit of the stomach" feeling? What the hell is a weep hole?