Regular home maintenance is fundamental to keeping your house in top shape and avoiding costly repairs. But when you try to tackle everything all at once, it can lead to overwhelm. Breaking tasks down into seasonal chunks can help you stay on track and be ready for every season.
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home after the harsh conditions of winter. It’s a season for repairs, inspections, and getting ready for the warmer months ahead.
- Inspect the roof for damaged shingles, flashing, or gutters, especially if you’ve had a snowy, rainy, or icy winter.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure you are testing the batteries every month.
- Replace or clean the filters in your HVAC system and schedule an inspection if you didn’t have one in the fall. This keeps your system running efficiently as temperatures warm up.
- Reseal decks or patios as needed.
- Inspect the deck or patio for loose boards, nails, or screws.
- Fertilize your lawn to encourage healthy growth.
- Refresh your garden by planting seasonal flowers or vegetables.
- Prune trees and shrubs to encourage new growth.
- Clean your windows and window screens to remove grime build-up and maximize natural light.
Summer
Summer is the season to make the most of your outdoor spaces while staying ahead on maintenance. It’s a great time for cleaning, trimming, and prepping your yard and patio for entertaining. With the warmer weather, outdoor-focused projects tend to take center stage.
- Clean the exterior and power wash the siding, decks, patios, and driveways. Remove dirt, moss, or mold buildup for a fresh look and feel.
- Inspect your lawn tools. Clean and tune up your lawnmower, trimmer, and other yard equipment you’ll need to use throughout the season.
- Change ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise to create a cool downdraft into the room.
- Clean your dryer vent to reduce fire risk and improve efficiency.
- Inspect outdoor furniture and repair or replace damaged pieces.
- Check fences and gates for loose or broken panels and repair them.
- Monitor your property for signs of pests, such as ants or wasps.
- Clean and maintain your grill for summer cookouts.
Fall
As the temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time for weatherproofing and preparing your home for winter.
- Schedule a furnace or heating system checkup and cleaning before temperatures drop. Change the filters and make sure heating vents around the house are clear.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors: New caulking and weather-stripping can prevent drafts and lower heating costs.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove leaves and debris to prevent clogs, which can lead to water damage.
- Mulch garden beds to insulate plants and protect their roots.
- Seal any gaps around the foundation to keep pests from entering as temperatures drop.
- Test flashlights, radios, and other emergency supplies to ensure they’re ready for use.
- Review and restock your emergency kit to confirm it’s fully stocked with essentials like blankets, food, and water.
- Inspect your fireplace to make sure it’s safe for winter use.
Winter
Winter is all about staying warm inside while protecting your home from colder temperatures and harsh weather.
- Regularly check your windows and doors for cold drafts, and repair any seals as needed to keep your heating efficient.
- Store garden tools and lawn equipment.
- Protect outdoor plumbing by insulating outdoor faucets and pipes, and consider shutting off the water to outdoor taps to prevent freezing.
- Remove snow and ice regularly. Clear walkways and driveways to prevent slips and falls, as well as protect your home from moisture damage.
- Test emergency generators to make sure they’re in good working condition.
- Reverse ceiling fan direction to move warm air that’s risen to the ceiling back into the room.
- Inspect attic insulation to keep your home warm and reduce energy costs.
Instead of trying to get everything done at once, following a seasonal home maintenance checklist can help keep your home in great shape throughout the year. A little attention each season can go a long way in preserving your home’s value and comfort. Behind on an inspection or repair? Contact a local contractor today.
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Jan. 11th, 2024