Owning a home is great, but it comes with a lot of work. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your house needs ongoing care to stay in good shape. Keeping up with home maintenance can save you from big, expensive problems down the road. Plus, it helps your home look nice and work well all year round.
Whether it’s spring cleaning, summer prep, fall fixes, or winter weatherproofing, I’ve got you covered. Stick to this list, and you’ll keep your home running smoothly, save money, and avoid nasty surprises.
Clean Gutters
Clean out leaves and junk from your roof gutters. This helps water flow away from your house when it rains. If gutters get clogged, water can back up and damage your roof or walls. It’s best to clean gutters in spring and fall. Use a ladder and gloves to stay safe while doing this job.
Check Smoke Alarms
Test all smoke alarms in your house. Press the test button to make sure they beep loudly. Replace old batteries if needed. Smoke alarms help keep you safe if there’s a fire. It’s smart to check them every season to make sure they work well.
Clean Dryer Vent
Clear out lint from your clothes dryer vent. Lint can build up and become a fire risk. It also makes your dryer work harder. Use a brush or vacuum to clean the vent pipe. This helps your dryer work better and keeps your home safer.
Change Air Filters
Replace the air filters in your heating and cooling system. Clean filters help your system work better and keep your air clean. Dirty filters can make your system work harder and use more energy. Most filters should be changed every 3 months.
Inspect Roof
Look at your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Check for any leaks or signs of wear. A good roof keeps rain out of your house. If you see problems, it’s best to fix them quickly before they get worse. You can look at your roof from the ground with binoculars.
Service HVAC System
Have a pro check your heating and cooling system. They can clean it and make sure it’s working right. This helps your system last longer and use less energy. It’s good to do this once a year, usually in spring or fall.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Cut back tree branches and shrubs near your house. This keeps them from rubbing against your walls or roof. It also helps prevent leaves from clogging your gutters. Use pruning shears or a saw to trim plants. Be careful not to cut too much at once.
Check for Leaks
Look for water leaks around your house. Check under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters. Leaks can waste water and cause damage if not fixed. Listen for dripping sounds and look for wet spots. Fix any leaks you find, or call a plumber for help.
Clean Windows
Wash your windows inside and out. This lets more light into your home and helps you see outside better. Use a mix of water and vinegar to clean the glass. Don’t forget to wipe down window sills and tracks, too.
Seal Cracks
Look for cracks in your walls, floors, and around windows and doors. Fill small cracks with caulk or sealant. This keeps bugs and cold air out of your house and helps save energy on heating and cooling. Use a caulk gun to apply sealant smoothly and neatly.
Test Sump Pump
Check if your sump pump is working right. This pump helps keep water out of your basement. Pour some water into the sump pit and watch if the pump turns on. If it doesn’t work, you might need to clean or fix it. A working sump pump can prevent flooding in your home.
Clean Refrigerator Coils
Vacuum the coils on the back or bottom of your fridge. Dust on these coils makes your fridge work harder to stay cool. Clean coils help your fridge use less energy and last longer. Use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust and dirt. Do this once or twice a year.
Flush Water Heater
Drain some water from your water heater tank. This removes sediment that can build up inside. Sediment can make your heater less efficient and wear it out faster. Attach a hose to the drain valve and let out a few gallons of water. Be careful, as this water can be very hot.
Inspect the Deck or Patio
Look over your outdoor deck or patio for damage. Check for loose boards, rusty nails, or rotting wood. Fix any problems you find to keep your deck safe and looking good. You can also clean your deck with soap and water to remove dirt and mold.
Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Check all GFCI outlets in your home. These special outlets help prevent electric shocks in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Press the “Test” and “Reset” buttons to make sure they’re working. If an outlet doesn’t reset, you may need to replace it or call an electrician.
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