home maintance 101???

[crunchy_mommy]

So we have totally failed in the 'home maintenance' category. I didn't know, for example, that we needed to have our furnace cleaned yearly, and it started smoking when we turned it on last week. I realized we just have no clue what things you're supposed to do yearly/semi-yearly/etc. beyond checking the smoke detectors!! Does anyone have a list they follow?

We have the same problem with cars... we know they need oil changes but that's it lol... I don't know why DH & I are so clueless on this, we're not dumb but it sure feels that way right now!!

[Mosaic]

Don't feel badly! This is stuff that nobody knows unless someone teaches them.

If you google there are a ton of helpful lists out there... this was the first one I found and it seems really comprehensive, probably moreso than you need. But at least it's a starting point!

[AfricanQueen99]

Here's mine...

This summer (in the midst of weeks of 100* days) our A/C went out.  So I had the repair guy come out and the first thing he did was remove the filter.  It was horrible and we couldn't even see through it!  He had to tweak a few other things because the machine had to work so hard since it wasn't getting any actual air flow, BUT he did tell me to write a note on the calendar for the first of every month to *check* the air filter.  I only had to replace it if I couldn't see through it, but I HAD to check it.  Very expensive lesson learned.

[kitchensqueen]

I have a love/hate relationship with Martha Stewart, but there are some seriously comprehensive guides (with printable lists/check sheets) over on that site - 

Cleaning

Homekeeping

[Lovesong]

Originally Posted by kitchensqueen 

I have a love/hate relationship with Martha Stewart, but there are some seriously comprehensive guides (with printable lists/check sheets) over on that site - 

Cleaning

Homekeeping

I like those lists too. I don't do all the things on them...but they are still a helpful guide to get you started.

[crunchy_mommy]

This is great, thanks!! Maybe I can pick one or two lists to start with & compile it into my own list. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels a bit clueless on this...

[kitchensqueen]

I'm with you - all the time my in laws are asking/telling us to do things around the house (and we only have an apartment, not an actual house) and my first reaction is nearly always "Crap, seriously? I had no idea you were supposed to do XYZ..." It's any wonder I manage to be a functioning adult, with an offspring, no less! :-) Hahaha, oh well. 

There are also all these trendy home keeping books - Home Economics, How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew, The First Time Homeowner's Survival Guide, etc. I always look at these in the bookstore and think about buying one, but then I don't because I figure why pay money for something I already know? Except a lot of it I don't actually already know... so my logic is totally flawed.