Originally Posted By: AlaskaMike
I get up on my roof and inspect for damaged or missing shingles (usually wind damage, but once I found a .32 caliber bullet embedded in one of my shingles). While I'm up there I'll use a chimney brush and clean out the flue for my fireplace.
I've also started getting my septic tank pumped annually instead of every couple of years just 'cause it's cheap and it allows the septic guys to inspect it with their little snake camera. Of course, if you are on a city sewer system, this isn't necessary.
Since I have my own private well instead of city water, I'm looking into having my water tested annually for various bacteria, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. I think annually for this is overkill, but it's cheap peace of mind.
If you have an attic and/or crawlspace, it's a good idea to poke your head up or down there and check those out, just mainly looking for anything unusual or out of place. If you have a sump pump in a crawlspace, it's a good time to test it to make sure it works as it should (float moves freely and actually pumps water as it should when the float raises). Also make sure any vapor barrier that may exist is still in good shape.
I usually replace the water filter in my fridge that has a water/ice dispenser. If I had a whole house water filter, I'd look at replacing that filter annually as well.
For my boiler, I'll use an old toothbrush and clean any debris off the burner tubes, and vacuum out everything real good. I know that some will also replace the thermocouple annually, but I just keep a spare on hand (for both the boiler and water heater).
One really important thing that everyone seems to forget is to replace the batteries in smoke and CO detectors.
I'm sure there's a ton of things I'm forgetting, but that's what I can think of off the top of my head.
Thanks so much for sharing a detailed list. It gives me a good idea about a few things. Attic is one of the thing, am planning to do this year too!
