A renter's seasonal upkeep list

The smoke alarms in an apartment need a test every month. The other jobs follow the seasons, with the window unit in summer and the pipes on the coldest winter nights.

Every month

• Test each smoke alarmPress the test button on each one. Tell the manager if you think one has a problem.

Spring and fall

• Check the carbon monoxide alarm's batteriesDo it when the clocks change each spring and fall.

Summer

• Run the window unit's fan low on humid daysSlower air removes more moisture from the room.
• Keep the window unit's seal snugGaps around a window air conditioner let the cool air out and the hot air in.

Fall and winter

• Cover the window unit for the winterAn appropriately sized cover cuts heat loss through it. If the unit is yours and it's safe to, taking it out of the window works too.
• Clear 3 feet around anything that heatsKeep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and candles.
• Never heat with the stove or oven
• Open the sink cabinets on very cold nightsWarmer air can reach the pipes. Move cleaners and other chemicals up out of children's reach first.
• Let a faucet dripWhen it's very cold, let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle helps keep a pipe from freezing.
• Keep the heat steadySet the thermostat to the same temperature day and night during a cold snap.
• Leave the heat on when you go awaySet it no lower than 55°F.
• Watch for a trickle from the tapIf only a trickle comes out when you turn on a faucet, suspect a frozen pipe, and check the other faucets too. Preventing frozen pipes, and the first hour if one bursts covers what to do next.
• Keep a generator outsideIn a winter power outage, never run a generator inside, even with the doors and windows open. Keep it and its fuel outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Never burn charcoal or use a portable gas camp stove indoors.

Every year

• Replace the smoke alarm batteries