Homeowners sometimes forget to conduct maintenance on the systems that keep homes running smoothly. The majority of appliance manufacturers have recommended practices for cleaning and repairing their products, so they function efficiently and effectively. Below are some reminders and tips.
With the heating season ending, HVAC systems filters should be cleaned and/or changed in preparation for the summer months. Depending on your home’s condition, these might need to be cleaned more regularly. Filters on the domestic water supply for drinking should be changed, as needed, to prevent restriction of water flow to the residence. Filters located in refrigerators, washing machines and even dishwashers should be removed and cleaned.
It is recommended that water heaters be flushed and examined on a routine basis to check for mineral build up and corrosion of the sacrificial anode rods. Getting in the habit of checking these systems can increase their life span by a number of years. Another occasionally forgotten task is cleaning the dryer vent— and not just the lint trap. Clothes dryers have an exhaust pipe and vent that exits the building, which should be cleaned annually to prevent the buildup of debris that reduces efficiency and could cause a fire.
The majority of residents in town have the lovely task of ensuring septic tanks and leaching fields are in good working order. It is recommended that tanks be emptied every two to three years, and the filters installed on today’s tanks are cleaned regularly to ensure proper flow. These filters are located on the inflow to the tank and regular cleaning can extend the life of your septic fields. If you need assistance locating your septic and leach field, visit the Farmington Valley Health District website at fvhd.org/property-document-search/ or stop by the building department.
Submitted by Town of Granby Building Department