Maintenance Schedules and Checklists & Safety Warnings

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

| Appliance | Task | Time Required | Cost | Priority | |-----------|------|---------------|------|----------| | Refrigerator | Clean condenser coils | 15 minutes | $0 | High | | Washing Machine | Clean lint filter, inspect hoses | 10 minutes | $0 | High | | Dryer | Clean lint filter and housing | 10 minutes | $0 | Critical | | Dishwasher | Clean filter and spray arms | 15 minutes | $0 | High | | Range/Oven | Clean grease filters, check burners | 20 minutes | $0 | Medium | | All appliances | Visual inspection for leaks/damage | 30 minutes | $0 | High |

Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

| Season | Focus Areas | Major Tasks | Budget | |--------|-------------|-------------|--------| | Spring | Cooling preparation | AC service, refrigerator deep clean | $50-150 | | Summer | Peak usage support | Ventilation cleaning, filter changes | $25-75 | | Fall | Heating preparation | Dryer exhaust cleaning, heating system check | $75-200 | | Winter | Indoor systems | Deep cleaning, maintenance supplies restock | $50-100 |

Annual Deep Maintenance

| Appliance | Tasks | Professional vs DIY | Cost Range | |-----------|-------|-------------------|------------| | Refrigerator | Condenser service, temperature calibration | DIY + Professional check | $25-125 | | Washing Machine | Deep clean, hose replacement | DIY | $30-80 | | Dryer | Exhaust system cleaning, belt inspection | DIY + Professional duct | $50-200 | | Dishwasher | Complete cleaning, seal inspection | DIY | $20-60 | | HVAC | Filter change, professional service | Mixed | $100-300 |

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

- Always disconnect power before performing maintenance - Use proper electrical testing equipment to verify disconnection - Never perform maintenance on energized electrical systems - Maintain GFCI protection for all electrical maintenance work

CHEMICAL SAFETY

- Use appropriate respiratory protection when using cleaning chemicals - Ensure adequate ventilation during chemical maintenance work - Never mix different cleaning chemicals - Store maintenance chemicals safely away from children and pets

MECHANICAL SAFETY

- Use proper lifting techniques for heavy appliance components - Support appliances properly during maintenance work - Be cautious of moving parts and stored energy in springs - Use appropriate tools for maintenance tasks

GAS APPLIANCE SAFETY

- Shut off gas supply before performing maintenance on gas appliances - Check for gas leaks after completing maintenance work - Ensure adequate ventilation during gas appliance maintenance - Never use open flames for leak detection

FIRE PREVENTION

- Clean lint thoroughly from dryers and exhaust systems - Keep combustible materials away from appliances during maintenance - Maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers near appliances - Never operate appliances with damaged safety systems