The best way to prevent accidents, make something last longer, and get the most value out of anything you buy is to take care of it. You take the time to maintain your car by getting your oil changed, your tires rotated, and your brakes checked. But do you take the same care when it comes to maintaining your home?
Take a look at these schedules to keep your home maintained throughout the year to stay safe, keep your home looking good, and make sure everything functions the way you need it to.
MAINTENANCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Certain things need to be done monthly, quarterly, or every six months, regardless of the season.
EVERY MONTH
- Check the air filters for your HVAC unit. Change or clean if they’re dirty or clogged.
- Clean your kitchen sink garbage disposal. A handful of ice down the disposal is the quickest, cheapest method. Add some citrus peels to add a nice scent.
EVERY QUARTER
- Run water and flush the toilets in spaces that are rarely used around your home or on your property – think hose spigots that aren’t used frequently, etc.
- Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure that they’re all functioning properly. Every Six Months
- Replace the batteries in all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You may be used to waiting until the detector beeps and screeches. Go ahead and change them out before this happens so you know that they’re working year-round.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
As the seasons change, there is plenty to do around your home.
SPRING
- Clean your gutters and downspouts
- Check your roof for any damage, missing shingles, or cracks
- Touch up any peeling paint on the exterior of your home
- Wash your windows – inside and out
- Clean your outdoor furniture
- Test your sump pump
- Schedule a maintenance call for your HVAC system so you know your air conditioner will run in the warm months
SUMMER
- Prune trees and shrubs, especially if you’ve got heavy, low-hanging branches over your home
- Clean your dryer exhaust vent
- Check your plumbing for leaks
- Clean and repair your patio or deck, if needed
FALL
- Rake fallen leaves
- Clean and store away your outdoor furniture
- Remove, drain, and store your hoses
- Caulk cracks around doors and windows to keep cooler air out
- Schedule maintenance for your HVAC unit to make sure your heater works
- Cover your AC unit
- Flush your hot water heater
- Get your chimney cleaned if you have a fireplace
WINTER
- Check the caulk around your tubs and sinks
- Fix any broken or sticky locks and deadbolts
- Tighten handles and knobs around your home
- After freezing weather, check for ice and de-ice where you can
It may seem hard to keep up with everything you need to do for your home, but if you keep everything on a schedule, you can maintain your home, stay safe, and keep your family comfortable all year long.