Replace or inspect the furnace / air-handler filter
Restricted airflow can increase energy use and strain forced-air equipment.
Open DIY guideDIY home maintenance guides.
Use these guides for routine homeowner-safe maintenance. Each guide includes a point where professional help is a better choice when the work involves specialized tools, safe access, fuel, electricity or equipment-specific procedures.
New homeowner in ColoradoStart with the first-year guide to seasonal home care.Read the guide
Schedule the annual gas furnace tune-up and heat-exchanger safety check
A pre-season inspection can catch combustion, venting, electrical and airflow problems before sustained cold weather.
Open DIY guideSchedule the annual electric furnace / air-handler check
Electrical connections, heat strips, blower components and airflow still need periodic inspection even without combustion.
Open DIY guideSchedule annual boiler / hydronic heating service
Boilers rely on safe pressure, controls, pumps and venting or electrical components that should be checked before winter.
Open DIY guideSchedule the fall heat-pump heating check
Heat pumps work through both heating and cooling seasons, so a fall operating check can catch problems before cold weather.
Open DIY guideSchedule the central AC / heat-pump cooling check
A spring check can identify airflow, drainage, electrical and outdoor-unit problems before heavy cooling use.
Open DIY guideStart up the evaporative (swamp) cooler and check pads
Front Range freeze-thaw conditions make a careful spring startup important before water is restored to an evaporative cooler.
Open DIY guideDecommission and drain the evaporative (swamp) cooler
Water left in an exposed cooler or supply line can freeze and cause damage.
Open DIY guideActivate the sprinkler system and align heads
A controlled spring startup helps find freeze damage, broken heads and misdirected spray before regular irrigation begins.
Open DIY guideSchedule the fall sprinkler and backflow winterization
Trapped water can freeze in irrigation piping, valves and backflow components.
Open DIY guideTest the sump pump and float switch
A sump pump is most useful only if the float, discharge path and power source work before heavy moisture reaches the pit.
Open DIY guideInspect the foundation perimeter, drainage and sump-pump readiness
Expansive soils make consistent drainage around many Douglas County homes especially important.
Open DIY guideCheck the water-softener salt level
Running low on salt can reduce softener performance and allow hardness to return.
Open DIY guideReplace the refrigerator water filter
A filter used beyond its rated capacity may reduce flow and filtration performance.
Open DIY guideReplace smoke / CO alarm batteries or perform the scheduled battery check
Working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms depend on reliable power and regular testing.
Open DIY guideReplace or inspect the whole-house humidifier pad
Mineral buildup can reduce humidifier output and contribute to leaks or poor airflow.
Open DIY guideReplace whole-house / reverse-osmosis filter stages
Filter life depends on water quality and use, but overdue cartridges can reduce performance and flow.
Open DIY guideClean the dryer exhaust vent
Lint accumulation can reduce dryer performance and increase fire risk.
Open DIY guideInspect and lubricate the garage-door system
Annual inspection can catch loose hardware, worn rollers and abnormal operation before a failure strands the door.
Open DIY guideFlush sediment from a tank-style water heater
Sediment can accumulate in tank-style water heaters and may reduce efficiency or contribute to noise and wear.
Open DIY guideSchedule the wood fireplace / chimney inspection and cleaning as needed
Creosote, blockages and damaged flue components can create fire or carbon-monoxide hazards.
Open DIY guideHave the gas fireplace inspected before heating season
Gas fireplaces still rely on safe combustion, venting, ignition and controls.
Open DIY guideService the hot tub / spa water and filtration system
Regular water balance, sanitation and filter maintenance protect equipment and reduce water-quality problems.
Open DIY guideInspect and maintain the wood deck
High-altitude sun, snow and moisture cycles can weather wood and expose loose or deteriorated components.
Open DIY guide