Now that you are a happy homeowner, it is important to make sure you protect your home and your investment by performing recommended seasonal maintenance tasks. By following a regular maintenance calendar for your home, you can help avoid costly repairs before they may occur in the future. Many tasks you can complete on your own, but for some of the home maintenance tasks below you may want to consult with a professional. Most home maintenance tasks are seasonal, so we have provided this helpful checklist for each season.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
FALL
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary
- Clean out the gutters and remove any debris
- Vacuum the lint from the hose of your clothes dryer
- Check windows and doors for leaks and replace weather stripping as needed
- Check your chimney for any blockage from nests or other debris. Call a professional to ensure your fireplace is ready for winter
- Replace furnace filters. Have a professional service your heating system every two years
- Winterize your yard by draining and storing outdoor hoses, shutting off hose bibs and covering outdoor furniture, grills and fire pits. Prepare your garden for winter by cleaning up overgrown plants and bushes and protecting plants from cold temperature
WINTER
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary
- Clean out refrigerator coils. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to your refrigerator manual for instructions
- Change furnace filters. It is recommended to replace filters every 3 months
- Vacuum dust and debris out of air registers
- Drain your water heater to remove possible sediment build up and improve efficiency. Be cautious as water may be very hot
- Check showers and tubs for caulking that might need to be replaced or repaired
- Schedule a service call for a routine check of your air conditioning system. It is better to prepare early than finding out you have an issue when a hot day arrives
- Check all faucets for signs of dripping or leaks and repair as needed
- Check electrical plugs and cords, both indoor and outdoor, and replace if damaged or worn to improve fire safety for your home and family
- Replace flashlight batteries
SPRING
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary
- Change furnace filters. It is recommended to replace filters every three months
- Vacuum the lint from the hose of your clothes dryer to avoid a fire hazard
- Clean windows and make repairs to screens as needed
- Clean out gutters and remove any leaves and debris that has accumulated during the winter. Check that downspoints are secure and draining properly
- Inspect your roof for any areas that might need to be repaired after the winter months. This might be a task best suited for a professional
- Test GFCI outlets throughout your home. These types of outlets are designed to protect you from severe or fatal electric shocks and typically found in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure they are working properly and repair if needed
- Repair and reseal any cracks in your driveway or sidewalk
- Inspect trees surrounding your home and contact a tree service to remove any unsafe branches or dead trees to avoid damage to your home during strong storms
- Uncover your outdoor furniture, grills and fire pits. Start your spring landscaping maintenance including fertilizing and removing debris from beds and gardens that have accumulated over the winter
