Section Highlights

Resources

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Funds for Handy-Man Specials and Fixer-Uppers

Protect Yourself: Deceptive Home Improvement Contractors
The Beehive

Maintaining the Inside of Your Home
Energy Star:

Home Improvement Guide
Environmental Protection Agency:
Buying and maintaining an environmentally friendly home

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Lawn and Garden Care
Green Home Guide:

Advice, Information and Green Professionals

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Home Maintenance Tips

Chances are, your home is the biggest investment of your life. By performing preventive maintenance, including routine checks and repairs that improve your home's appearance and functioning, you can prevent expensive damage and save money.

Preventive maintenance includes routine checks and repairs that improve your home’s appearance and functioning as well as prevent more expensive damage from occurring. These include:

To protect against leaks and insect damage, inspect your home’s roof, basement, and outside wall
Inspect doors and windows for unusual wear and tear. Repair and replace caulk, weather-stripping, glazing, window and door seals as needed.
Inspect insulation and replace any wet or damaged pieces.
Clean debris from gutters and down spouts.
Examine carpets and flooring. Treat minor mold growths quickly with a bleach and water solution.
Have your furnace, air conditioner and hot water heater inspected, upgrading them as needed to improve energy efficiency. Replace air filters regularly.
Thoroughly clean lint and debris that has built up in dryer ducts and behind lint screens.

Home repairs and replacements include fixing or replacing appliances, fixtures or systems in your house as they wear out through normal use.

Repair or replace an inefficient furnace, air conditioner or water heater to save energy and money.
Repair and replace leaking faucets and plumbing.
Routinely replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

Green Maintenance: In addition, be aware that regular maintenance like green cleaning is an excellent way to maintain your family’s health using natural cleansers that don’t release toxic chemicals in your home. Instead of using harsh chemicals that will pollute your indoor environment, try cleaning with products you likely already have in your kitchen cabinet or refrigerator. Some examples of green cleansers you may already have in your home include:

Baking soda is a mild, natural abrasive that can be used to clean all surfaces without worrying about scratching surfaces.
White vinegar is mildly acidic and handily removes soap scum.
Lemon juice is a natural bleach and disinfectant. It’s a great stain remover and deodorizer.
Club soda is also a natural stain remover and works well on fabrics without bleaching.

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