Maintaining a healthy home is just as important as caring for your health. Our monthly maintenance checklist provides easy guidance on seasonal upkeep for every corner of your house.
We’ve covered you, from exterior care to appliances, HVAC, plumbing, security, and electrical systems. Prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. Stay on top of updates, repairs, and cleaning with our comprehensive checklist. Feel free to call in professionals for more complex tasks. Your home deserves the best!
Monthly Home Maintenance checklist
To keep your house maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage, actively inspect your home and complete monthly and seasonal home maintenance and improvement projects. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to save time and money:
Remove dust buildups and regulate your home’s temperature by cleaning the furnace filter, ultimately decreasing energy bills.
Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
Eliminate mineral deposits by cleaning faucet aerators and showerheads.
Inspect tub and sink drains for debris and unclog them if necessary.
Check your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters for proper operation.
Examine electrical cords for wear.
Clean your heat registers and vents with a vacuum.
Ensure indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Remove accumulated sediment by flushing out hot water from the water heater.
Grind ice cubes, and flush them with hot water and baking soda to clean the garbage disposal.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
With its dry weather and moderate temperatures, fall is an ideal opportunity for homeowners to engage in general home maintenance projects actively. Before initiating your seasonal home improvement projects and maintenance checklist, thoroughly examine your home’s interior and exterior.
While you can accomplish many tasks without professional help, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and seek assistance if a project exceeds your abilities. Here are our recommended improvements for your fall seasonal home improvement stores and ultimate your home improvement projects and maintenance checklist:
Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
Schedule a professional inspection of the forced-air heating system in late summer or early fall before the heating season commences.
Thoroughly check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues.
Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping; replace them if necessary.
Upgrade to more energy-efficient models by replacing old, drafty windows.
- Touch up exterior siding and trim with fresh paint. Check out How Much Does It Cost To Paint A House Exterior? 2023
Inspect the roofing for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles and signs of leaks. • Power-wash windows and siding.
Ensure gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and debris.
Fix any cracks or gaps to maintain the driveway and walkway.
Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
Schedule a professional inspection for your fireplace.
Conduct a tune-up for significant home appliances in preparation for the holidays.
- Repair or replace siding as needed. Check out 13 Common House Siding Options—Plus How to Pick the Right One
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, including the basement.
- Clean the carpet. Check out A 7-Step Guide to DIY Carpet Installation.
Make sure to clean your window and door screens thoroughly.
Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
Inspect exterior door hardware, addressing squeaky handles and loose locks.
Check for frayed cords and wires.
- Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems. Check out How Much Does it Cost to Install a Sprinkler System in 2023? | Lawn Love
Apply insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
Check the water heater for leaks.
Take an active role in your fall home maintenance to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter weather can subject your home to harsh conditions. The freezing temperatures and winter debris can give rise to numerous issues, such as frozen pipes, storm windows, and roof damage.
To proactively safeguard your home from winter cold weather-related harm and avoid the need for emergency professional assistance during severe snowstorms, ensure that you complete the following tasks on your home maintenance checklist:
Protect your air-conditioning unit by covering it.
Check the basement for leaks during thaws.
Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
Thoroughly vacuum the bathroom exhaust fan grill.
Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator and freezer and empty and clean drip trays.
Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.
By actively addressing these winter maintenance items, you can fortify your home against potential winter-related issues and maintain a safe, warm air and comfortable living environment throughout the season.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As the ground thaws and trees begin to bud, preparing your home for spring is necessary. In addition to your regular spring cleaning, it is essential to address general upkeep tasks.
Use our spring home maintenance checklist to ensure that every aspect of your home, from the basement to the roof, is in excellent condition. Here are the tips to consider:
Actively inspect the roofing for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles and signs of leaks.
Change the air-conditioner filter.
Thoroughly clean window and door screens.
Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures.
Refinish the deck. • Power-wash windows and siding.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Schedule a professional inspection and pumping of the septic tank.
Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for any signs of deterioration.
Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
Thoroughly inspect the chimney for any damage.
Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
Schedule a service for the air-conditioning system.
Drain or flush the water heater.
Fertilize your lawn.
By actively following these spring home maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your home is in prime condition and ready to embrace the warm, vibrant air season ahead.
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
When the sun is shining and warm weather has arrived for good, home maintenance is the last thing you want to worry about. Simplify the process by utilizing our quick summer home maintenance guide, which allows you to tackle the hard work early in the season. Even if the weather worsens, you can still complete most of these tasks indoors.
The following are the key responsibilities to concentrate on:
Apply oil to the garage door opener and chain, the garage door, and all door hinges.
Remove lint from the inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
Clean the kitchen exhaust fan filter.
Clean the coils of your refrigerator and freezer and empty and clean drip trays.
Check the dishwasher for any leaks.
Inspect the areas around the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and toilets for any signs of leaks.
Replace washers in interior and exterior faucets and showerheads if necessary.
Seal tile grout.
Trim trees and shrubs. Check out How Much Does Professional Tree Trimming Cost?
By actively completing these summer home maintenance tasks early on, you can enjoy the season without worrying about ongoing upkeep. Check out 8 Effective Ways to Clean Stained Grout for more helpful information.
Pay attention to these ten vital home maintenance tasks, as neglecting them could result in regret later.
You most likely already maintain a home maintenance checklist, which includes tasks such as replacing the furnace filter every season, shutting off water spigots before winter, and cleaning the gutters. While these are crucial, there are additional tasks that homeowners often need to be aware of.
Neglecting these essential but ultimate home maintenance checklist items can result in significant headaches or even costly expenses. Here are some things that may not be on your list but deserve attention:
Don’t risk a flood; test your sump pump regularly!
Many homeowners need to pay more attention to their sump pump, but it’s crucial to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Otherwise, you might be like a homeowner who returned from a weekend trip only to discover their basement floor submerged in half an inch of water.
They waded through the water after cutting off the power and water supply. They noticed that the sump pump wasn’t operational. Upon closer examination, they realized the cable attached to the float had somehow become tangled. It took them just two seconds to untangle the cord. Despite our best efforts, we spent the next 15 hours tackling wet carpets, using a damp/dry vacuum, and reinstalling two ceiling fans. Ensure your pump has a vertical float switch to prevent a similar disaster.
Additionally, check your sump pump a few times a year by pouring water into the basin to confirm everything is functioning correctly.
Check for high water pressure, as it can cause damage to fixtures and appliances.
While replacing a water softener, a technician helped the installer after discovering that the initial softener had burst, leading to tiny zeolite beads filling the pipes. While the installer didn’t express much concern about the failure, the assistant decided to investigate further. A water pressure test revealed a reading of over 110 lbs. psi.
The problem was a 20-year-old pressure-reducing valve. After installing a new valve, the pressure dropped to approximately 75 lbs. Pressure-reducing valves are near the main water shutoff valve.
However, not all homes have them, depending on the municipality. High water pressure can damage pipes, connections, and appliances. It can also result in water hammering and wastage of significant amounts of water. Checking for high water pressure is often overlooked as a maintenance task, but it is relatively easy to perform. Home centers offer new pressure-reducing valves and simple pressure gauges connected to a spigot or laundry tub faucet.
Ensure you clean your window weep holes to prevent rainwater from entering your house.
Many sliding and vinyl replacement windows include weep holes on the frame’s bottom exterior. These holes serve the purpose of draining rainwater that may accumulate in the frame’s bottom channel. However, these weep holes can become clogged with bugs and debris, leading to water filling the pipeline and potentially spilling into your house. To check if your weep system is functioning correctly:
Pour a glass of water into the track or spray the window outside with a garden hose.
If you don’t observe a continuous stream of clean water flowing out of the weep hole, take a wire hanger and gently poke it into the hole, or use compressed air to spray it clean, followed by another wetting.
Suppose the small flapper designed to block driving wind is stuck closed.
In that case, you can remove it with a putty knife and replace it to restore proper functionality.
Ensure you keep your window wells clean to avoid the risk of a broken window and a wet basement.
If you have never encountered water issues in your window wells, you might not consider the need to clean them. Let’s look at what occurred when one homeowner neglected the maintenance of his window wells. Following an average rainfall, not even a heavy downpour, a clogged gutter discharged a significant amount of water next to his house and into his window well.
The accumulation of leaves in the well acted as a barrier, impeding proper drainage. As the water level continued to rise, the increasing pressure eventually led to the shattering of the basement windows. Subsequently, gallons upon gallons of water flooded the basement, causing extensive damage to everything in its path. Unfortunately, he did not possess insurance coverage for this type of flooding incident. Don’t let yourself fall victim to a similar situation. Keep your window wells clean using a cover available at home centers. Check out How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? Average Prices Of Every Window Type and Size for more helpful information.
Drain sediment regularly to ensure a longer lifespan for your water heater.
A distressed homeowner contacted a plumber when her water heater failed to heat up and started leaking. Without delay, the plumber inquired if the homeowner had been draining some of the hot water heater well from the tank on an annual basis. Perplexed, the homeowner responded, “No, why would I?” As it turns out, sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank over time.
This sediment buildup can create hot spots in gas-powered heaters, leading to potential tank damage and premature failure. In the case of electric water heaters, sediment accumulation can cause the lower heating element to malfunction. Therefore, draining the whole water heater well reduces energy costs and prolongs its lifespan. We recommend performing this maintenance task at least once a year.
Ensure the longevity of your garage door springs by lubricating them regularly or replacing them promptly.
Apply a generous coat of garage door lubricant to the overhead torsion springs above the roller tracks. Over time, all springs will inevitably break due to metal fatigue or corrosion. However, lubricating them at least once a year will help prolong their lifespan.
Remember that spraying lubricant can get messy, so shielding the wall behind the spring with a piece of cardboard is wise. You can find garage door lubricant at home centers. While you’re at it, also remember to lubricate the rollers, hinges, and track for optimal performance.
To prevent damage to your equipment, check for mice nests before starting them up.
Mice tend to be attracted to confined areas like engine compartments, side window units, A/C units, and small spaces in lawn tractors. If a vehicle or piece of equipment has been idle for some time, inspecting it for mice nests is crucial.
The last thing you want is to discover furry stowaways in your boat that have gnawed through essential wires. Mice nests can also lead to overheating of electronics and can clog carburetors if they get sucked in. To avoid potential damage, take the time to inspect and remove any mouse nests thoroughly.
Clean Your Dryer Vents.
A plugged vent can cause your dryer to operate inefficiently, wasting energy. However, it’s even more concerning as a blocked dryer vent can potentially lead to a house fire, posing a severe threat to your safety.
Dryers located centrally within houses are particularly susceptible to clogging due to longer ducts. Excess lint is a common cause of clogs, but nesting pests and stuck exhaust hood flappers can also contribute to blockages. If you detect more pungent smells and your clothes take longer to dry, your vent may be clogged.
Cleaning the vent requires removing it from the back of the dryer. You can use a wet/dry vac to suck out debris from the ducts or use a cleaning kit with a brush attached to a long, flexible rod connected to a power drill for effective cleaning.
These kits are readily available at home centers. If your ducts need replacement, opt for smooth metal ducts, as they tend to stay cleaner for longer compared to the rough, corrugated surface of flexible ducts. It’s important to avoid using plastic ducting entirely, as it can pose a fire hazard. Regularly cleaning your dryer vents and ensuring they are clear of obstructions can save energy, reduce fire risk, and promote your dryer’s efficient operation.
Check the balance of your garage door.
Start by closing the door and then disengaging the opener using the opener release handle. Next, manually lift the door about halfway and release it. A properly balanced garage door opener will remain in the halfway position without falling or rising. If the door drops, it indicates the need to increase the tension.
Conversely, if the garage door openers or rises, it means the door spring has excessive stress, causing it to work harder than necessary. Regularly check the balance of your garage door at least a couple of times a year.
However, adjusting the spring tension can be a complex and hazardous task. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional garage door technician to perform this service. By ensuring that your garage door is balanced correctly, you can prevent accidents, extend the life expectancy and lifespan of your garage door opener, and maintain a safe operating environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most essential home maintenance tasks?
The essential home maintenance tasks for ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the irrigation system in your home include:
Cleaning out gutters each spring and fall.
Conducting biannual cleaning and inspection of the HVAC system while changing filters monthly.
Addressing clogs in plumbing and checking the sprinkler system for leaks and damaged pipes.
Additionally, if you notice bugs or critters where they shouldn’t be, it is advisable to contact an exterminator promptly.
How often should you deep-clean your home?
We recommend to deep-clean your home at least twice a year, specifically in the spring, summer heat, and fall seasons. Begin by focusing on the areas and items that accumulate the most dirt and continue with the rest of the cleaning tasks accordingly.
Do you need to have a professional come for seasonal home maintenance?
Specific tasks require the expertise of professionals to ensure proper execution. For instance, some HVAC systems’ maintenance necessitates the involvement of a professional. Hiring a professional inspect a plumber to clean your plumbing system thoroughly may be necessary. Depending on your specific circumstances, hiring a professional to clean your roof rake, empty out gutters, and perform a thorough roof inspection for any potential issues might be worthwhile.
What is the meaning of home maintenance?
Home maintenance refers to the regular upkeep, costly repairs, and care of building materials necessary to keep a home in good condition.
What needs to be maintained in a home?
Various aspects of a home require maintenance, such as the HVAC system, central air conditioning, plumbing, electrical components, roofing, windows, garage doors, and landscaping.
How much do people spend on home maintenance?
The amount spent on home maintenance can vary greatly depending on the size of the home, its age, and specific maintenance needs. There is no fixed amount.
What are examples of maintenance activities?
Maintenance activities include cleaning gutters, inspecting and replacing filters, repairing leaks, painting, mowing the lawn, and checking for pests.
What is your home maintenance checklist?
A home maintenance checklist typically includes cleaning, inspecting, and servicing various systems and components in the home, indoors and outdoors.
What annual maintenance should be done on the house?
Annual maintenance for a house may involve inspecting the roof, storm doors window screens, and windows, servicing the HVAC system, cleaning gutters, testing smoke detectors, and checking for any structural issues.
How do I keep my house in good condition?
To keep a house in good condition, regular cleaning, laundry room organizing, and decluttering should be practiced. Additionally, addressing repairs promptly and performing routine maintenance tasks are essential.
What items should be included in a maintenance schedule?
A maintenance schedule should include the following:
Changing air filters.
Inspecting the plumbing system for leaks.
Testing safety devices.
Servicing appliances.
Conducting seasonal outdoor maintenance.
What does regular maintenance do for a home?
Regular maintenance helps prevent major issues, extends the lifespan of home components, improves energy efficiency, and ensures a safe and comfortable living environment.
What does home maintenance mean?
Home maintenance involves taking care of a house through routine inspections, any necessary repairs done, and upkeep to preserve its value and functionality.
What is a maintenance checklist?
A maintenance checklist is a tool that outlines specific tasks and activities to regularly perform to maintain a home’s condition and prevent potential problems.
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