As the saying goes, there is always something to fix around the house. The trick is knowing what to fix and when. By
following this seasonal home maintenance schedule you can “fix” the problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Word of warning, know your limitations and skill set and leave certain tasks (such as electrical) to the professionals.
Every Season
A few things should be addressed every season. Some of these items could save your life or that of a loved one, while others can impact your health so try your best to address these as often as possible. These include:
1) Test your GFI outlets. If no longer working, hire a professional to replace or repair.
2) Check Smoke and CO2 Detectors. Make sure to change the batteries as well.
3) Replace furnace and air conditioner filters as needed
4) Vacuum refrigerator coils & clean dryer vent
5) Clear area around all vents to ensure proper air circulation in home
6) Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter
7) Test Fire Extinguishers
Spring Maintenance
Spring is the season that most people give a thorough and deep cleaning to their homes. This has become so common place that a good cleaning is referred to as a “Spring Cleaning”. It is a great opportunity to get all the dust and dander out after being trapped up indoors with all the windows closed for the past several months. Here are several seasonal home maintenance activities you should do in the spring:
1) Check roof and attic for leaks
2) Check foundation for cracks & repair
3) Uncover AC unit, have inspected
4) When weather is consistently above freezing, turn outside faucets on
5) Replace storm windows with screens
6) Check and repair kitchen, bathroom, and window caulking
7) Clear all litter from eavestroughs
8) Check window screens, repair or replace if needed
Summer Maintenance
Summer is when we spend most of our time outside, or with the windows open with fresh air circulating through the home. Because of this, it is a great time to address those seasonal home maintenance activities that include exterior features (such as landscaping, exterior structures and fences, etc).
1) Ensure grading is away from house
2) Monitor basement humidity (below 60)
3) Ensure windows open and shut smoothly
4) Lubricate garage door & automatic opener motor
5) Tighten any handrails
6) Have fireplace professionally cleaned
7) Look for any signs of termites, ants, bees, and other pests
8) Repaint and window frames/doors as needed.
9) Check fences, sheds, garages, etc, for repair
Autumn Maintenance
Autumn should be about getting your home and property ready for the winter. Think of it as sealing the cold weather out and keeping the air inside clean (Since you will be breathing it behind closed windows and doors for several months).
1) Clean air ducts and furnace filters
2) Replace screens with storm windows
3) Cover AC unit – best practice is to put a cover such as wood or a folded tarp across the top of the AC unit. If you wrap it completely in a tarp you are encouraging pest to seek shelter inside.
4) Turn off exterior faucets from inside
5) Winterize landscape (Covering young trees, put away furniture, etc)
6) Seal any areas pests may enter your home
7) Check sump pump
8) Prune trees and shrubs away from house. Remove any dead limbs from trees.
9) Replace weather stripping if needed
Winter Maintenance
The seasonal home maintenance activities for winter are focused on monitoring the “seal” of your home to make sure the heat does not escape, or if it does – where. If you can find these leaks and address them, you can find significant savings in your heating bills and possibly avoid large repairs (such as rotten roof planks, mold, rotten or cracked window sills or jams, etc) to your home in the future.
1) Check roof for ice dams or icicles.
2) Check attic for frost
3) Watch windows for frost, ice build up, or cold air leaking in. Make note to repair in spring
4) Keep snow away from exterior vents, windows, or doors.
5) Monitor basement for moisture
6) Check sinks and toilets for leaks
7) Inspect all hoses for leaks on such things as the washing machine or dishwasher
If you follow this seasonal home maintenance schedule you should be able to keep your home in great shape for many years to come. For your convenience, we have made this schedule into a checklist that you can download, print, and use to make sure you address the important area around your home.
This information is for educational purposes and not meant to replace the advice of a professional. For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ryan Ligeza at (905) 802-5805.
