Wednesday, January 31, 2024 / by Robert Hunt
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist: Stay on Top of Your Home's Needs All Year Round
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist: Stay on Top of Your Home's Needs All Year Round
Keeping your home in top condition requires regular maintenance and attention to detail. By following a seasonal maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient throughout the year. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you stay organized and proactive in caring for your home:
Monthly Checklist
Exterior:
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Interior:
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Clean your garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, and pouring vinegar and baking soda down afterwards.
- Vacuum exhaust fan vents and clean exhaust fan filters.
Plumbing:
- Clean all the drains in the house, sinks, showers, bathtubs, etc.
Electrical:
- Trip ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) monthly to ensure proper function.
Fall
As temperatures drop, it's essential to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. Focus on tasks that will help protect your home from the elements and ensure its efficiency.
Exterior:
- Rake your leaves.
- Aerate your lawn.
- Spray bug repellant along the outside perimeter of your house.
- Cover any outside piping to prevent freezing.
- Drain and clean your swimming pool if you have one.
- Winterize your sprinkler system if you have one.
- Drain and store hoses.
- Clean and store outdoor furniture.
Interior:
- Clean your fireplace flues and vents.
- Vacuum lint from dryer vent.
- Clean/repair home appliances.
Heating and Cooling:
- Change or clean heating or air conditioning filters every three (3) months of operation to keep them running smoothly and reduce energy bills.
- Check fan belt tension and listen for unusual noises.
- For boiler systems, check water level and shut-off valve for leaks.
- Lubricate fan and motor bearings where indicated on your system.
Doors and Windows:
- Seal cracks in windows and doors with glazing putty.
- Check caulking for deterioration at the openings and joints between dissimilar materials (e.g. wood and masonry).
- Check for broken glass and damaged or missing screens. Replace as necessary.
Plumbing:
- Check for evidence of leaks around and under sinks, showers, toilet, and tubs. Check all joints for adequate grout. Repair or replace as necessary.
- Have septic tank cleaned every two (2) years.
- Have well water checked for quality.
- Check main water shut-off for operation and leakage.
Foundation and Exterior:
- Check grading of landscape for a proper slope away from the foundation.
- Check basement and crawlspace for moisture or leaks.
- Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railing for deterioration.
- Cut back and trim all vegetation from structures exterior to house.
Roof:
- Check for loose or damaged shingles.
- Check attic for any evidence of leaks.
- Trim back tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
- Clean gutters, strainers, and downspouts and make sure downspouts divert water away from foundation.
Winter
With the arrival of winter, focus on tasks that will help protect your home from the cold and prevent potential damage.
Exterior:
- Turn your sprinklers off.
Interior:
- Check if your basement has water leaks.
- Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
- Clean the drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.
- Set ceiling fans to clockwise for a warm updraft.
Electrical:
- Trip circuit breakers to ensure proper function.
Heating and Cooling:
- Change or clean heating or air conditioning filters every three (3) months of operation to keep them running smoothly and reduce energy bills.
Roof:
- Check gutters for damage if you are in a stormy area.
- Check for signs of ice damage.
Spring
As spring arrives, focus on tasks that will help rejuvenate your home after the winter months and prepare it for the warmer weather ahead.
Exterior:
- Turn your outside sprinklers back on.
- Check sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
- Fertilize your grass.
- Power wash windows and siding.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts from debris.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Reseed and fertilize your lawn.
- Make sure your lawnmower is in working-order.
- Cut back vegetation from cooling units.
Interior:
- Install fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter.
- Vacuum lint from dryer vent.
- Check ceiling areas beneath bathrooms for leakage.
- Check caulking around showers, tubs, sinks, and toilet base.
Heating and Cooling:
- Change or clean heating or air conditioning filters every three (3) months of operation to keep them running smoothly and reduce energy bills.
Foundation:
- Check grading of landscape for a proper slope away from the foundation.
- Check basement and crawlspace for moisture or leaks.
- Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railing for deterioration.
- Cut back and trim all vegetation from structures exterior to house.
Roof:
- Check for loose or damaged shingles.
- Check attic for any evidence of leaks.
- Trim back tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
- Clean gutters, strainers, and downspouts and make sure downspouts divert water away from foundation.
Summer
With summer in full swing, focus on tasks that will help you enjoy your home to the fullest while staying on top of maintenance needs.
Exterior:
- Check to make sure your sprinklers are watering your plants effectively.
- Oil garage-door opener, chain, and door hinges.
- Pull weeds from your lawn and plants.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Clean your pool (if applicable) regularly, scrubbing the sides to prevent algae.
Interior:
- Set your ceiling fans to counterclockwise to give a cool downdraft.
- Trip circuit breakers to ensure proper function.
Heating and Cooling:
- Change or clean heating or air conditioning filters every three (3) months of operation to keep them running smoothly and reduce energy bills.
By following this comprehensive seasonal maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your home remains in excellent condition year-round. Regular maintenance not only enhances your home's appearance and functionality but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. Make a habit of completing these tasks on schedule to protect your investment and enjoy your home to the fullest.
