Whether you just moved into your first home or have been living in the same one for years, following a checklist of important seasonal home maintenance activities will help ensure you’re not forgetting anything.
Winter
Taking good care of your home before and during the cold season will make winter much more enjoyable for your family. One way to do this is by covering your outside air conditioning unit with a specially designed cover to protect it from the harsh weather. Additionally, prevent your pipes from freezing by insulating them and allowing the faucet to drip on particularly cold nights.
When installing holiday decorations, ensure that your Christmas lights have secure connections and are designed for outdoor use. Since you’ll likely be using your stove and oven more often during winter, it’s important to clean your kitchen exhaust hood and air filter. Finally, unplug your refrigerator and freezer to clean their coils using your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment during this time.
Spring
Springtime brings a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks to help make your house look its very best. With the snow melted away, it’s time to tackle those chores.
Start by cleaning your gutters and removing any debris that might be clogging them. Next, schedule a checkup and cleaning for your furnace and HVAC system. Aim to do this twice a year, ensuring that the ductwork is in excellent condition.
Hire a professional to clean your air ducts and vents, removing dirt, dust, and other debris. Meanwhile, spruce up your home exterior by washing it with mild detergent, and don’t forget to wash your windows as well. If you’d rather not do it yourself, window cleaning services are available to make your windows shine.
Inspect your home’s exterior paint while washing. If you notice peeling or flaking paint, spring is an ideal time to apply a fresh coat.
Don’t neglect your lawn and landscape. Treat your lawn, shrubs, and trees with fertilizer to keep them healthy. Additionally, take the time to inspect your trees for any signs of illness.
Summer
Summer is the perfect season to relax and enjoy time in the sun. However, there are still a few things you should do to take care of your home.
One important task is maintaining your landscape. Make sure to regularly water your lawn, plants, and garden. Prune your trees and shrubs if necessary to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Another essential task is inspecting and repairing your deck. If you notice any damages or if it needs a fresh coat of paint, be sure to address these issues promptly.
Lastly, don’t forget to check your roof. Inspect it thoroughly for any missing or damaged shingles and repair them as needed to ensure your home stays protected from the elements.
Fall
As summer comes to a close and fall sets in, it’s essential to start preparing your home for the winter months.
Begin by raking leaves and aerating your lawn. You may need to rake leaves multiple times throughout the season. Don’t forget to aerate your lawn before the snow arrives. Next, focus on cleaning your gutters. It’s crucial to prevent clogs caused by dead leaves.
It’s also a good idea to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional if you have one. This ensures it’s safe to use your fireplace during the colder months. Additionally, give your furnace and HVAC system a check-up before winter to avoid any issues when you need them most.
Take the time to clean your dryer vent by removing lint and inspecting the vent itself. Flushing your water heater is another important task, as it helps prevent sediment accumulation, which could lead to damage.
Lastly, insulate your home by sealing any cracks between windows and doors, insulating water pipes, and considering using a window insulation kit. These measures will help keep your home cozy throughout the winter season.
In addition to handling seasonal home maintenance activities, there are a few simple tasks you should aim to complete once a month throughout the year.
One important task is to clean your furnace filter. Regularly cleaning and replacing the filter can help avoid expensive repairs. Another crucial monthly activity is testing your smoke alarms to ensure they are always functioning properly.
Additionally, make sure to clean your showerheads. Soaking them overnight in a bowl of vinegar will keep the water flowing as it should. Lastly, set aside some time to inspect the exterior of your home each month. Address any issues you notice promptly to prevent them from worsening.
