The once-a-month home walk in fifteen minutes

A few of a house's safety checks are due every month. Doing them on one walk, on the same day each month, takes about a quarter of an hour. Start at the top floor and work down, and finish in the garage. Keep a note of anything that needs a repair, and book it the same week.

Alarms and outlets

• Press the test button on every smoke alarmReplace the 9-volt battery in any alarm that uses one at least once a year.
• Check the batteries in each carbon monoxide alarmA CO alarm belongs on every level of the house and outside the sleeping areas.
• Note any alarm more than 10 years oldReplace the whole smoke alarm 10 years from its manufacture date.
• Test each GFCI outletPlug in a lamp, press the test button and check that the lamp goes off. Press reset and check that it comes back on. A GFCI that doesn't cut the power needs replacing by an electrician.

Filter and extinguisher

• Check the furnace or air conditioner filterClean it or change it when it's dirty. A dirty filter raises energy costs and can damage the equipment.
• Check that nothing blocks the way to the extinguisher
• Read the pressure gaugeMany extinguishers have a gauge that shows when the pressure is too high or too low. Some can be recharged, and others need replacing.
• Look over the can, hose and nozzle for dents, rust or damage

Leaks and the garage door

• Look under each sink for drips or a damp cabinet floor
• Check around the water heater, the washing machine and the toilets for water
• Look for condensation on windows, walls and pipesCondensation can be a sign of high humidity. Dry it and find the source.
• Test the garage door's reverseLay a 2-by-4 flat on the floor in the door's path and close the door. It should reverse when it touches the board. If it doesn't, disconnect the opener until it's repaired or replaced.

Fix a leak as soon as you find it. Wet materials dried within 24 to 48 hours usually don't grow mold. Preventive home maintenance covers the jobs that come round once a season or once a year.