The calendar
Adjust for your house. A home with a swamp cooler, a finished basement or a crawlspace will lean harder on some months than others.
- January
- Check closet corners, window sills and the north side of the house for condensation after cold snaps. Note indoor humidity and adjust any humidifier.
- February
- Look in the attic on a cold day for frost on nails or damp sheathing, especially near bath fan ducts.
- March
- Spring storms can bring heavy, wet snow. Clear snow away from window wells and the foundation where practical, and watch basement walls during melt.
- April
- Clean gutters of winter debris and seed drop. Confirm downspout extensions are attached and pointing away from the house.
- May
- Start up irrigation and walk each zone, adjusting heads that spray the house or window wells. Service any evaporative cooler before first use.
- June
- Begin running a basement dehumidifier if your basement feels damp in summer. Empty or check its drain line weekly.
- July
- After afternoon thunderstorms, check basement walls, window wells and ceilings below flat roof sections or additions.
- August
- Inspect under sinks and behind the refrigerator and washing machine for slow drips. Replace aging supply hoses.
- September
- Check caulk and grout around tubs and showers. Test that bath fans actually pull air and run long enough.
- October
- Clean gutters after the main leaf drop. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation, and winterize any swamp cooler and seal its duct.
- November
- Change the furnace filter and confirm the condensate drain is clear if the furnace or air conditioner uses one.
- December
- Walk the basement with a flashlight and your nose. Note any musty spots to investigate before spring.
Tools worth keeping on hand
- Hygrometer
- An inexpensive digital humidity gauge for the basement and main floor
- Flashlight
- For under sinks, window wells and the attic
- Water sensors
- Small alarms under sinks, the water heater and the washer
- Gutter scoop and ladder
- Or a scheduled gutter service if ladder work is not safe for you
- Notebook or phone notes
- Dates, readings and photos so patterns become visible
Anytime triggers for an extra check
- A storm with heavy rain or hail
- A long freeze followed by a fast thaw
- Any plumbing repair or appliance replacement
- Construction or regrading next door
- A new musty smell in any room
- Returning after being away for more than a week or two
General information for Hilltop, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.