Twin Oaks Home Inspection

Home Maintenance Tips

Maintenance tips are updated weekly during the month. 

Return to this page often to view some great ideas on solving some of the most common house problems in the New Hampshire Area

Clean and Replace Filters: Monthly replacements of furnace filters will keep airflow efficient and keep electric bills down by reducing the time that the blower operates.

Check for Duct Leaks: This is a good time to check for air leaks in heating ducts and around window frames.  Use smoke sticks or incense to identify leaks at joints or elbows in heating system.  Simply locate the smoke near the joints during blower operation to see if the smoke either is drawn into the joint or is blown away.  In either situation, a leak is causing the reaction.  Seal the joints with an appropriate paste seal or duct seal tape (not duct tape) and recheck for leaks. Use the same technique for windows and caulk any openings with paintable caulk or install plastic windows to reduce drafts during winter months.

Seal opening behind ceiling fixtures: If there are even small openings around the electrical box in your ceiling fixtures, you are losing heat to the attic. Caulk around the box to reduce heat loss. Also check around bathroom exhaust fans. 

Safety Equipment at Home: Do you have a smoke detector at home? How about a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher? Be sure to test all your equipment & replace batteries before the snow flies and heating appliances are used to make sure they are in good working order. Only takes a couple minutes, but can save hours of heartache.