Guides / Inside the house
Household systems
A household runs on dozens of small routines. Putting the important ones on a simple schedule takes the mental load off and keeps appliances lasting longer.
What to check
- Refrigerator
- Vacuum the condenser coils once or twice a year and check door seals by closing a sheet of paper in the door. It should not slide out easily.
- Dishwasher
- Clean the filter regularly. Many newer dishwashers have a removable filter that gets overlooked.
- Range hood
- Wash or replace the grease filter. A greasy filter is a fire risk and moves less air.
- Garbage disposal
- Run cold water while using it and avoid fibrous scraps, grease and coffee grounds.
- Storage
- Keep heavy items low, chemicals out of reach of children, and paths to exits clear.
- Manuals and warranties
- Keep appliance manuals and warranty details in one place, paper or digital, with model and serial numbers.
When to do it
Monthly: dishwasher and range hood filters. Twice a year: fridge coils and seals.
Call a licensed professional for
- Appliances that trip breakers, spark, or smell of burning
- Gas range or dryer issues
- Repairs covered by warranty, which could be voided by DIY work
This guide is general information for US homeowners. Codes, climates and houses vary. It is not a substitute for an inspection or advice from a licensed contractor, and in an emergency call 911.