This week: review radon testing and test if due.
January 23, 2027 · Knoxville, Farragut & Lenoir City
Start with this week’s focus. Use the other reminders if they fit your home.
Review radon testing and test if due
DIY kit; qualified radon professional for mitigation. January reminder.
Follow kit placement and closed-house instructions. Elevated results need EPA follow-up guidance.
Find the result, test location and test conditions. Note relevant renovations or newly occupied lower-level rooms.
Test if the home has never been tested or changed conditions call for it. Use the kit’s placement and closed-house instructions, or a qualified testing professional.
Save the result and test conditions. Use EPA follow-up guidance for an elevated result and consult a qualified radon professional about mitigation.
Timing: Annual review; test when absent, outdated or conditions change. Additional time: Passive test duration per kit; mitigation separately.
About this timing
Annual review is editorial. EPA does not set a universal annual testing rule; about two years is a useful retest planning point. Equipment instructions and actual conditions take priority.
Other maintenance this week
Spread these out. Skip equipment you don’t have and monthly checks already completed.
Look under sinks and at ceilings. Read a hygrometer. Log new dampness. Aim for 30-50% RH, below 60%.
Applies: Most homes. DIY.
Fix leaks promptly. Dry wet materials within 24-48 hours. Refer extensive, hidden or contaminated damage to a professional.
Read appliance thermometers. Refrigerator should be 40 F or below; freezer 0 F or below.
Applies: Refrigerator/freezer. DIY.
Investigate unsafe temperatures promptly. An appliance setting is not a thermometer reading.
Remove accessible hair/debris from strainers. Note recurring slow flow or leaks.
Applies: Most homes. DIY surface care; plumber for persistent blockage.
No routine boiling-water or vinegar/baking-soda prescription. Do not mix cleaners or reach into a disposal.
Remove debris from a serviceable filter. Rinse gently and lock it back in place.
Applies: Most homes. DIY.
Switch off first. Do not force a maintenance-free filter out. Watch for sharp debris.
A little cleaning along the way
Spread it across the week. Follow care labels, ventilate and never mix cleaning products. Machine cycles and drying add time.
Regular routine · about 2 hr 23 min
Use products that suit the surface. Follow product labels, ventilate and never mix cleaners.
Vacuum first, then clean compatible hard floors. Keep cords and wet floors out of walking routes.
Follow fabric care labels. Use the upholstery attachment and avoid moving heavy furniture alone.
Use compatible products and safe access. Keep separate cloths for toilets and other surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or acids.
Use safe-storage guidance for leftovers. Food date labels alone do not tell you whether food is safe.
Wash and dry according to fabric labels and actual use. Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load.
This week’s detail
Vacuum compatible window treatments and dust reachable moldings and sills.
Applies: Household items present. DIY; specialist cleaning where labels require.
Additional time: Laundry/cleaning cycle or drying time is additional
Follow fabric instructions. Use safe access and avoid disturbing suspect old paint.
Dust portable and reachable ceiling-fan blades.
Applies: Household items present. DIY; specialist cleaning where labels require.
Additional time: Laundry/cleaning cycle or drying time is additional
Switch off and isolate power before access. Use stable safe access.
Household & vehicle reminders
Additional time. Vehicle service follows your manual, mileage and condition. Keep personal and financial records off this page.
Household & equipment
Sort current reading and recycle or file unwanted items.
Applies: Optional household administration. DIY review; relevant professional for advice.
Protect personal information before recycling.
Review recent transactions and flag unfamiliar charges or missing records.
Applies: Optional household administration. DIY review; relevant professional for advice.
Use trusted account access. Keep financial details out of shared copies.
Review due bills and correspondence; file completed paperwork.
Applies: Optional household administration. DIY review; relevant professional for advice.
Protect account numbers and avoid duplicate payments.
Organize one folder or photo batch and confirm important files are backed up.
Applies: Optional household administration. DIY review; relevant professional for advice.
Do not delete originals until backups are verified.
Review storage and dates. Use medicine take-back options and ask a pharmacist about uncertain items.
Applies: Optional household administration. DIY review; relevant professional for advice.
Never share prescription medicines. Follow FDA disposal instructions for the specific medicine.
Empty, dry and refill daily. Clean every third day and rinse thoroughly as directed.
Applies: Portable humidifier in use. DIY.
Additional time: Daily use time is additional
Unplug before cleaning. Use only when humidity requires it; follow water and cleaning instructions.
Vehicle
Check the maintenance record and replace only when due.
Applies: Optional vehicle care. DIY check; qualified technician for service.
Additional time: Active minutes cover due-date review. Service/parts time is additional.
Some vehicles have no engine filter. Avoid dirt entry and unfamiliar disassembly.
Check the replacement record and service per instructions.
Applies: Optional vehicle care. DIY check; qualified technician for service.
Additional time: Active minutes cover due-date review. Service/parts time is additional.
Do not damage trim, wiring or safety-system components.
Between reminders: clean the dryer lint screen each load. Check the property after significant storms. Deal with failed alarms, leaks and unsafe equipment immediately. If a portable humidifier is in use, empty, dry and refill it daily and clean every third day. Pools need more frequent care and barrier supervision during use.
Move outdoor work for heat, lightning, rain or ice. Prepare plumbing before a forecast freeze. Use qualified professionals for electrical, structural, roof and other work beyond safe homeowner access.