Home maintenance tasks are tasks that keep your home in a good shape. They include cleaning the home, maintaining appliances, and keeping the environment clean and welcoming.
There are tasks that need to be done only in spring or autumn, those that are more common in summer, and those that need to be carried out year-round. Some tasks require special equipment or tools, while others can be done with a simple home tool kit.
Here, we have listed some of the most common home maintenance tasks along with expert advice on how you can carry them out at home to get the best results.
Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks
A home maintenance checklist is your essential guide to keep your home clean and safe.
It includes tasks such as:
- cleaning gutters in spring and fall
- cleaning and inspecting the HVAC twice a year, cleaning out clogs in plumbing
- checking for leaks and damaged pipes
- cleaning the dishwasher filter
- removing and cleaning the filter each month to keep dishes clean
- throwing ice cubes and bleach into the kitchen disposal to sharpen blades and disinfect, checking for water damage
- installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers according to safety standards
- inspecting carbon monoxide detectors to prevent major accidents, and so on.
Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Home
A healthy home is one free of harmful contaminants and unsafe situations. This can be achieved through regular home maintenance tasks and by following a few spring cleaning tips.
Start with cleaning the lawn and remove dead foliage, weeds, and debris. This will ensure clean water access to the plants and animals in your ecosystem, making it healthier and more vibrant.
Also, prune trees to maintain tree shapes and to prevent injuries in case of wind- or weather-related damage.
Upgrade faulty windows and replace them with energy-efficient designs. These are designed for durability, water-repellency, and insulation.
In colder climates, insulated windows provide extra insulation for homes, helping to prevent heating costs from exceeding the cost of electricity.
Check exterior drainage and gutters for proper functioning. Gutters should be cleaned out on a regular basis to avoid clogs and damage from ice dams or heavy downpours.
Additionally, check exterior water faucets for leaks or water damage.
Lastly, have a professional inspect the heating system and chimney for safety issues or damage that may be causing smoke or carbon monoxide leaks.
Summer Maintenance for a Cool and Comfortable Home
Summer maintenance tasks are vital to ensure a comfortable home and stay safe during the hot months. In addition, they help to protect the environment and save money.
While some tasks may not be necessary year-round, they should be considered during the summer months to keep your home clean and comfortable.
One of the most important tasks is checking for drafts around windows and doors. This will help to reduce energy loss, which can help you save money on heating and cooling.
You can do this by closing window screens or shades when it’s hot outside, opening windows when it’s cold, or using a fan to move air into your home.
Alternatively, you can also invest in weather stripping or door gaskets that help seal windows and doors against drafts.
Another task to consider is cleaning your home’s air filters regularly. A dirty air filter can lead to decreased air quality and increased energy costs, as well as increased exposure to harmful particles in the air.
Besides, cleaning your home’s filters regularly helps to improve air quality and prevent potential health issues such as asthma attacks.
You can also consider changing the furnace or water heater filters regularly as part of your home maintenance tasks this summer.
Filters help to prevent debris from entering your home’s system and limit damage from mold and corrosion.
Besides cleaning siding and painting exterior surfaces regularly as part of your home maintenance tasks this summer, you should also make repairs where necessary.
You can repair siding that has exposed damage or tears, or you can paint exterior surfaces with weather-resistant paint or coating for additional protection against water damage and UV damage.
Finally, you should also consider building a robust drainage system with catch basins in the yard if water drainage is an issue
Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Keep You Warm
As the weather begins to turn cooler, it’s important to prepare your home for the winter. One of the best ways to preserve your home’s temperature is by having a qualified HVAC mechanic inspect your system and make any necessary repairs.
For exterior hose bibs, shut off water to exterior hoses when they’re not in use. This will prevent freezing and allow water to stay warmer longer. Also, be sure to roll up hoses when they’re not in use.
Another important maintenance task is cleaning fireplace and chimney screens regularly.
This helps prevent debris from getting into your home and causing damage or safety hazards.
It also keeps your chimney clean, which helps ensure efficient combustion and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
When it comes to water heating, drain and flush your hot water heater every fall to prevent material buildup that can decrease efficiency.
Additionally, make sure water is turned off at the faucet when brushing teeth or washing dishes in hot water. These tasks can help prevent scalding incidents and save energy.
Also, by filling in driveway cracks, you can prevent cracks from growing bigger during freezes. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure a safe and comfortable winter for yourself and your family
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep You Safe and Cozy
- Make sure to cover your air-conditioning unit and check the basement for leaks during thaws.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms, and vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
- Have your fireplace professionally inspected and tune-up major home appliances before the holidays.
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway, drain and winterize exterior plumbing, repair or replace siding, and install a smoke detector on every floor of your home.
- Clean the carpet floors, window screens, and vacuum lint from dryer vents.
- Check your home’s heating system for leaks during winter weather, adjust heating settings as necessary, and monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home with a carbon monoxide alarm.
If you need help with home maintenance tasks during winter season, consider getting expert help from an HVAC technician or a heating contractor. They can help you stay safe and warm this winter season without breaking the bank.
Annual Reminders for a Healthy Home
A home maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of tasks like cleaning gutters regularly, checking your roof for damage, and replacing smoke detectors batteries.
To avoid forgetting tasks, set up an annual maintenance schedule at the start of the year. In addition to cleaning gutters regularly, you should check gutters after a heavy downpour and replace broken gutters as needed.
It’s also important to change smoke detectors batteries twice a year using the “Change your clock, Change your battery” reminder from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
One way to improve home safety is by updating home insurance policies.
By performing tasks such as checking home windows and gutters regularly, you can ensure your home is free of any potential damage.
Noting these tasks in a home maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of home maintenance tasks and increase the lifespan of your home.
Expert Advice on Maintaining Your Home Year-Round
Regular home maintenance is vital to ensure your home is in good shape and safe for the occupants.
It helps prevent costly repairs and breakdowns and ensures optimum performance and efficiency of appliances, heating systems, water pipes, radiators, and other critical elements of the home.
It is important to schedule regular maintenance appointments with an exterminator to keep pests away.
Accumulated grime and debris can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other environmental issues.
Also, check radiates and pipes annually for leaks or cracks that could damage the home. If repairs go beyond your skill level, consider hiring a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain my home in a healthy condition?
Home maintenance is essential for keeping your home in a healthy condition. Here are some tips to help you out:
1. Have a professional inspect your home’s electrical wiring, foundation and structure every few years to understand which repairs may be needed.
2. Recaulk bathroom grout and sealant of windows and doors to prevent mold, save on energy costs and improve the appearance of your home.
3. Paint your home’s exterior regularly to protect it from rain, wind and sun damage.
4. Ensure all appliances are in good working condition and regularly serviced.
5. Regularly check the roof for any damage and have it repaired promptly.
What are some common seasonal and monthly maintenance tasks that I should perform in my home?
Cleaning gutters, cleaning and inspecting the HVAC twice a year, checking for leaks and damage to pipes, cleaning dishwasher filter, and cleaning gutters in spring and fall are all tasks that should be performed on a monthly or seasonal maintenance schedule in your home.
What are some common problems that can occur in my home and how can I prevent them from happening?
Some common problems that can occur in a home and how to prevent them include:
- Stagnant water can lead to bug and mosquito infestations, so remove any pooled or stagnant water and use natural solutions to keep them away.
- Frozen pipes can cause extensive damage, so check that your pipes are properly insulated.
- Insects can enter your home through windows and doors, so inspect the perimeter of your home and repair any entrances. Additionally, apply repellents and poisons to help keep them away.
- Mold and mildew can quickly spread and damage the interior of your home, so ensure that the humidity in your home is in the optimal range and regularly inspect for mold and mildew.
What are some steps that I can take to improve the overall livability of my home?
In order to improve the livability of your home, take these simple steps:
1. Keep your roof in check – Cold temperatures and harsh weather can damage your home’s exterior and interior if proper precautions are not taken. Make sure to keep your roofing shingles tight and install gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
2. Clean gutters and install storm windows and doors – Make sure to clean your gutters every year or when rain accumulates on the roof gutters. Install storm windows and doors to keep weather out while preserving your home’s insulation.
3. Refinish the deck and patio – Decking, patio stones and siding can deteriorate over time if not maintained. Have them refinished every two to three years to keep them looking great and protecting against weather damage.
4. Upgrade your home on a yearly or five- to ten-year basis – If you’re in the market for a new home, make sure to inspect it for any signs of water damage, cracks, leaks or pests. Additionally, have it inspected for energy efficiency and then seal driveway cracks each spring to preserve moisture indoors.
5. Inspect your attic and basement – Your attic may contain old insulation, drywall construction material, or
Conclusion
Now that you have all the maintenance tasks for your home, and the tools to make it a healthier home, it’s time to get some rest. You can now confidently plan ahead to tackle spring cleaning, maintenance tasks, and home-related tasks.
But before you plan ahead, we suggest that you bookmark this blog and share it on social media. This way, you can keep up with seasonal tasks, tips, and expert advice on maintenance.
Shery
