First Class Home Tips

Helpful Advice. Healthier Homes. Fewer Surprises.

You don’t need to be a home-maintenance expert to take better care of your home. Our First Class Home Tips give homeowners simple, timely reminders about the things worth checking throughout the year.

The First Class Maintenance Minute™

One smart thing you can do this month to protect your home.

Homeowner Tip #1

Replace Your Furnace Filter

Breathe cleaner air & save money.

A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, makes your furnace and AC work harder, and can raise your energy bill by up to 15%.

Quick homeowner check

Remove your filter.
Hold it up to the light.
If little or no light passes through, it’s time to replace it.

First Class pro tip: Write today’s date on the edge of the new filter with a marker. You’ll always know when it’s due again.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #2

Clean Your Gutters Before They Overflow

Protect your home & foundation.

Leaves and debris trap water in your gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage your roof, siding, fascia, landscaping and even your foundation.

Quick homeowner check

Walk around your home after a rainstorm.
Look for water spilling over the sides of the gutters.
If it’s overflowing, it’s time to clean them.

First Class pro tip: If trees surround your home, gutters typically need cleaning at least twice a year—in spring and fall.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #3

Test Smoke & CO Alarms

A 2-minute check that could save lives.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms only protect your family if they work. Many home fire deaths happen overnight, while people are asleep.

Quick homeowner check

Press the TEST button and listen for the alarm.
Replace weak batteries.
Check the date on the back—replace smoke alarms every 10 years, and CO alarms per the manufacturer (often 5–7 years).

First Class pro tip: Replace batteries once a year when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, and keep an alarm on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #4

Inspect Your Roof Before Winter

Catch small issues before they become big problems.

Missing shingles, loose flashing or clogged gutters can let water in—leading to leaks, mold and rot. Finding problems early is usually much less expensive to fix.

Quick homeowner check

From the ground, look for missing, cracked or curling shingles.
Check for loose or damaged flashing and sagging areas.
Look for moss, dark stains, protruding nails or loose vents.

First Class pro tip: Use binoculars from the ground—don’t climb. Check in spring and fall, after major storms, and keep branches trimmed back from the roof.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #5

Check Your Sprinkler System

Save water & keep your lawn healthy.

Broken heads waste water, raise your bill, and cause brown spots or flooding. In dry climates, efficient watering matters even more.

Quick homeowner check

Run each zone of your system.
Look for broken, cracked or leaning heads and low or uneven pressure.
Watch for water on sidewalks and driveways, and puddles or soggy spots.

First Class pro tip: Check your system at the start of each season, and adjust heads so water lands on the lawn—not the hardscape.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #6

Lubricate Your Garage Door

Keep it quiet, safe & running smoothly.

Friction wears metal parts down. A well-lubricated door is quieter, lasts longer and is less likely to break down.

Quick homeowner check

Every 3–6 months, listen for squeaks, grinding or creaking.
Look for loose nuts, bolts or brackets, and check rollers and hinges.
Inspect the bottom weather seal.

First Class pro tip: Use a silicone or lithium-based spray on rollers, hinges and bearings—avoid heavy grease. Never adjust torsion springs yourself; they’re under extreme tension.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #7

Wash Your Exterior Windows

More than just better curb appeal.

Clean windows let in more light—and help you spot damaged seals, cracked caulking and moisture intrusion before they become costly problems.

Quick homeowner check

Look for cracked or missing caulk.
Check for fog or condensation between panes.
Look for torn screens, water stains or soft spots on the frame.

First Class pro tip: Clean windows in spring and fall for the best results—and check the screens while you’re at it.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Homeowner Tip #8

Clean Your Trash Cans

Cleaner cans. Healthier home. Happier neighborhood.

Trash cans collect dirt, bacteria and odors that attract flies, wasps and rodents—and the smell spreads to your driveway and garage.

Quick homeowner check

Notice unpleasant odors?
See grime or sticky residue?
Spot flies or pests? It’s time for a rinse and scrub.

First Class pro tip: Rinse with hot water and a degreasing cleaner, then let the cans dry in the sun. Make it a habit every 1–2 months.

Don’t have time? This is exactly the kind of thing a First Class membership takes off your list. Join the interest list.

Rather not do it yourself?

Let First Class Keep Track of It All.

Join the Interest List