There’s nothing the average homeowner dreads more than keeping up with all the disparate tasks that home maintenance requires. From decluttering in the spring to blowing leaves in the fall, it can seem like the list of things to do never ends, at least if you want a home you can be proud of. In reality, however, home maintenance doesn’t have to be as daunting as it all too often appears – you just need the right resources. Below, we’ll provide an exhaustive list of everything you need to do to keep your home in pristine condition, allowing you to finally make the most out of your living space without constantly putting in needless effort.
Monthly
Of course, before we cover tasks by season, it’s worth taking a look at your monthly home maintenance checklist. This isn’t a huge list – after all, only the most important tasks need to be done so frequently. Because of that, you shouldn’t have much trouble staying on top of these jobs, and you’ll certainly be glad that you did. These tasks include:
- Cleaning your furnace filter to ensure efficient heating and maintain air quality
- Monitoring your water softener and adding salt as needed to maintain high-quality water for your home
- Routinely inspecting and clearing any clogged drains to prevent plumbing issues
- Testing your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and ground fault circuit interrupters to ensure proper functioning during an emergency
- Checking the gauge and expiration date on your fire extinguisher to keep you and your family safe
- Inspecting electrical cords for wear and tear to prevent any possible hazards
- Vacuuming your heat registers and vents to improve air circulation and promote energy efficiency
- Checking your HVAC vents for blockage to keep them functioning properly
- Flushing out hot water from your water heater to remove sediment and maintain efficiency
- Cleaning your garbage disposal to keep it in good condition
- Cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter to enhance indoor air quality
- Dusting all the surfaces on your wooden furniture, lamps, electronics, etc., to keep your living space feeling fresh
- Rinsing your stovetop to prevent grease and grime buildup
Winter
Winter isn’t a terribly busy month in terms of home maintenance – you’ve already put in the work winter-proofing your home during the fall (see below), and now you get to sit back and enjoy the holiday months. With that said, you still have a few tasks to work on if you want to keep your home in top-notch condition, including:
- Covering your AC unit to protect it from the elements
- Checking your basement for leaks during thaws to prevent water damage
- Inspecting your roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms
- Vacuuming your bathroom exhaust fan’s grill to keep it in good condition
- Vacuuming your refrigerator and freezer’s fan and grill and cleaning out their drip trays to keep them functioning properly
- Cleaning all your drains to prevent plumbing issues
- Stocking up on sidewalk salt and ice melt in case of inclement weather
- Checking for icicles and ice dams to prevent safety hazards and debris buildup
- Setting your ceiling fans in the clockwise direction to force warm air from the ceiling downward
- Covering and/or removing your window AC units to protect them from the cold
- Closing your AC vents and opening you heat vents to keep your home’s interior at a comfortable temperature
- Checking that the locks and latches on your doors and windows are functioning properly to keep your home secure
Spring
Everyone loves spring – unless, of course, you have allergies. But unless you have an allergy to a pristine home (cue the laugh track), there are several tasks you should keep in mind to maintain the top-notch living space you deserve. These include:
- Cleaning your faucet aerators and shower heads to keep them functioning properly
- Inspecting your roof for any damage from cold weather during the winter
- Changing your AC unit’s filter to improve air quality in your home
- Cleaning the screens on your windows and doors to enhance visibility
- Polishing your wooden furniture to give it a fresh look
- Dusting your light fixtures to keep them from dulling
- Refinishing your deck to protect it from wear and tear
- Power-washing your windows and siding to enhance your home’s aesthetics
- Cleaning your gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages from winter build-up
- Replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your and your family safe
- Having a professional inspect and pump your septic tank to keep it in top-notch condition
- Inspecting your sink, shower, and bath caulking for any signs of deterioration
- Vacuuming lint from your dryer vent to prevent fire hazards
- Inspecting your chimney for any damage following winter storms
- Repairing and replacing the caulking around your windows and doors to improve energy efficiency
- Draining and flushing your water heater to enhance its performance
- Removing the insulation from your outdoor faucets and checking your sprinkler heads for any damage
- Having your AC system serviced to keep it running smoothly
- Fertilizing your lawn to keep it looking green and healthy
- Pruning your trees and shrubs to improve your yard’s aesthetics
- Deep-cleaning your home to create a fresher living space
- Mulching your flowerbeds to prevent weed growth
- Tuning up your lawnmower to ensure it works properly
- Inspecting and repairing your sprinklers to keep your lawn green
- Exercising proper pest prevention – removing sources of accumulating water, caulking up any cracks and crevices around your baseboards, moving any firewood stacked right beside your home, etc.
- Restocking your first aid kit in case of an emergency
- Checking your drainage system and ensuring it directs water away from your home’s foundation to prevent water damage
Summer
Summer – our favorite season as kids, spent swimming in the neighborhood pool and loading up on way too much ice cream. Of course, we’re adults now, so we get to add home maintenance to our list of summer fun. Luckily, there are only a few tasks to worry about in the summer, including:
- Oiling all your door hinges and your garage door opener to reduce friction and prevent rusting
- Cleaning your kitchen exhaust fan’s filter to enhance kitchen air quality
- Cleaning the coils and drip trays in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure efficient cooling
- Checking your dishwasher for leaks to prevent water damage
- Checking around your toilets and cabinets for any leaks to (you guessed it) prevent water damage
- Replacing your interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed to keep them functioning properly
- Sealing your tile grout to enhance the longevity of your tiled surfaces
- Cleaning out your garage for efficient storage
- Setting your ceiling fans in the counterclockwise direction to force cool air downward
- Weeding your garden to keep your plants healthy
- Scrubbing and power-washing your deck and patio to keep them looking pristine
- Cleaning your basement window wells to prevent water damage
- Cleaning behind your refrigerator and freezer to prevent dust buildup
Fall
Without question, fall is the busiest season when it comes to home improvement. From raking up leaves to preparing your home for winter, there’s a lot you need to do to keep your home in pristine condition throughout the autumn. But trust us, you’ll be glad you did – maintaining the living space you deserve is certainly worth completing a few simple tasks. These include:
- Raking fallen leaves and aerating your lawn to keep your yard looking pristine
- Having your heating system checked by a professional to prepare for colder weather
- Checking your fireplace for hazards and cleaning its flues to keep you and your family safe
- Sealing cracks and gaps around your windows and doors with caulk to enhance energy efficiency
- Replacing old windows if needed to improve insulation and curb appeal
- Repainting your home’s siding to keep your home looking fresh
- Inspecting your roof for signs of wear and tear to prevent any future damage
- Power-washing your windows and siding to further boost curb appeal
- Unclogging your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage
- Mending any driveway cracks to maintain its integrity
- Draining and winterizing your exterior plumbing to get ready for winter
- Repairing your major appliances so you’re ready for the holidays
- Repairing and replacing your siding if necessary to ensure proper insulation
- Replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep you and your family safe
- Cleaning your carpets to refresh your home’s interior
- Cleaning your window and door screens to enhance visibility
- Vacuuming the lint from your dryer vent to prevent any fire hazards
- Inspecting your exterior doors for loose handles to keep your home secure
- Wrapping insulation around any outdoor faucets and pipes as well as those in unheated garages to prevent freezing
- Checking your water heater for leaks to prevent water damage
- Exercising proper pest prevention – removing sources of accumulating water, caulking up any cracks and crevices around your baseboards, moving any firewood stacked right beside your home, etc.
- Cleaning your faucet aerators and shower heads to improve their efficiency
- Deep-cleaning your home to maintain a fresh living space
- Inspecting your heating system to ensure efficiency
- Draining and flushing your water heater to improve its performance
- Checking your attic’s insulation to ensure proper energy efficiency
- Opening your heat vents to ensure even heating
All in all, staying on top of these tasks is the best way to keep your home in top-notch condition. Between regular monthly checks and specific seasonal jobs, you won’t have any trouble maintaining a safe, comfortable, and appealing living space. Though it all can seem a bit daunting at first, these efforts are an investment in you and your family’s future, improving your home’s longevity and value while providing a secure environment for your family. So, using this comprehensive checklist, enjoy the peace of mind and pride that comes with a well-maintained home!
