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How long things last (part 2)

The Old House Web

LEGEND

What to do:
inspect.gif (192 bytes)
Inspect		 clean.gif (205 bytes)
Clean		 paint.gif (322 bytes)
Paint		 pro.gif (197 bytes)
Pro

When to do it:
spring.gif (1526 bytes) summer.gif (313 bytes) fall.gif (1569 bytes) winter.gif (1900 bytes)
Spring Summer Fall Winter
System Normal Life* (years) When What Homeowner Action
Sinks

5 - 30

   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (205 bytes)		 Keep free from debris.
Toilets 50   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Keep free from debris. Check tank seal for leaks ***
Faucets 13 - 20   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Clean screen annually. Check for leaking seals. ***
Water Heater 14   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
pro.gif (197 bytes)		 Keep clean of household items. Annual professional maintenance.
Central Air Conditioning / heat pump (outside unit) 15 spring.gif (1526 bytes)
fall.gif (1569 bytes)		 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
pro.gif (197 bytes)		 Keep free of plants and debris. Cover during winter months. Annual professional maintenance.
Furnace or heat pump (inside unit) 18 fall.gif (1569 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
pro.gif (197 bytes)		 Keep clean of household items. Annual professional maintenance. Inspect/ replace filter according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Refrigerator 17   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)clean.gif (1572 bytes) Keep interior condensation drains clean. Allow room behind and inside appliances for air circulation.
Dishwasher 10   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Clean the drain filter regularly.
Clothes dryer 14   inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
pro.gif (197 bytes)		 Clean lint filter regularly. Periodic professional cleaning can reduce risk of fire.
Smoke detector 12 spring.gif (1526 bytes)
fall.gif (1569 bytes)		 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
 Test and check batteries at least twice yearly.
Wood Framing 100+     (See termite protection.)
Termite Protection (Chemical Treatment) 5 fall.gif (1569 bytes) pro.gif (197 bytes) Yearly inspection -- and re-treat as necessary.
* All numbers are excerpted and condensed from: NAHB Life Expectancy Survey from "Housing, Facts, Figures"

** Use care if power washing. The high-pressure water can cause more harm than help if not used cautiously.

*** Leaks account for 15 to 20 percent of total indoor water use.

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