Check It Off: The Ultimate Guide to Home Maintenance

The first step in home maintenance – as with any important undertaking – is to make a list. That to-do list will help you stay organized and on task. You also get to experience a rush of satisfaction for each item you check off! Keep in mind that some tasks, like mowing the lawn and cleaning the gutters, are recurring while others are just needed annually or seasonally. You might want to create separate categorized lists for different cadences or seasons.

While the index below includes general tasks that every homeowner should at least be familiar with, not all of them will apply to your personal property. It’s up to you to decide what makes sense, what you can DIY, and what you may need to call a professional for. This list is meant to be customized, so you can add and delete as you see fit.

Monthly Checklist

• Appliance Filters

  Clean filters at least once a month to keep appliances running in peak condition. You’ll find filters in washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, window A/C units, bathroom vents, etc.

• HVAC Filter

  Also considered an appliance, but we felt it was important enough for its own checkbox. The HVAC filter affects your home’s air quality and having a clean filter will reduce allergens in the air you breathe and promote a healthier environment.

• Address Hard Water Deposits

  Soak faucets and showerheads in a cleaning solution regularly to remove mineral deposits. This can relieve pressure on pipes and ensure a longer life for your plumbing.

• Clear Drains

  Whether you use a homemade mixture or a manual snake tool, regular drain cleaning will extend the life of your pipes and prevent a buildup of foul odors.

• Test Detectors

  Regularly testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is critical to home safety for you and your family. Those detectors will serve as lifelines in an emergency.

• Check Vents

  Make sure that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked. Proper ventilation helps keep your energy costs low and prevents hazardous conditions in the home environment.

• Clean Windows

  Wipe down windows, doors, and screens. It may seem like common sense, but in our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook the smudges. Keeping these free of dirt and dust can significantly increase the natural lighting and atmosphere of a room.

• Dust Hard-to-Reach Areas

  Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures is essential to maintaining air quality in your home. The dust that inevitably clings to hard-to-reach areas can be a source of allergy irritation. That alone can reduce the comfort and joy you feel at home.

• Clear Out Gutters

  Removing leaves and debris from your house’s gutters and downspouts is one of a homeowner’s most important tasks. Clogged drainage could lead to roof and water damage; both can be costly to repair.

• Yard Maintenance

  Curb appeal has a large effect on your home’s value and it says a lot about you as a homeowner and a neighbor. Keep lawns mowed, gravel or rock areas free of trash and debris, rake the leaves, prune unwieldy trees, etc. What you’re thinking right now is true: you might need a separate list for outdoor tasks!

Extreme heat in certain US climates can make summer seem a little harsh, weather-wise. Energy bills may sky-rocket due to frequent air conditioning use and the steps you take early in the season can help keep that usage in check. While you might not be keen to work outdoors, there are some indoor tasks you can take care of to help the people and pets in your home stay cool and comfy.

Summer Checklist

• Weather-stripping

  Inspect the weather stripping around your home’s windows and doors – or install some if you don’t have any. Proper insulation will reduce energy costs and prevent cooled air from escaping so that your home maintains the perfect temperature despite the heat.

• Blackout Curtains

  Cover windows with blackout shades or drapes that serve to insulate your home. Windows are a major source of heat dispersion and these window dressings are designed to reduce the amount of heat that enters your house. While you’re at it, vacuum or steam all of the curtains too

• Garage Door Tune-Up

  Oil your garage door chains and hinges. During the summer, you’ll probably want to go in and out of your garage to avoid the heat. A smooth operation of the garage door makes that quicker, and quieter.

• Refrigerator/Freezer Cleanout

  One way to keep cool is to empty your refrigerator and deep clean inside it, including freezer coils and any drip trays. You’ll stay cool and reduce your energy bill by improving your fridge’s efficiency. Win-win!

• Tile Grout

  Scrub down all tile grout. While you may not have time for this all-consuming task in other seasons, more time indoors means you can finally deep clean between those tiles.

• Pool Maintenance (Again)

  If you chose to put off pool maintenance in the spring, now is the time! Even if you already inspected your pool system, regular vacuuming and skimming will keep the water clean and swimming enjoyable.

• Power-wash Windows and Siding

  A good power-washing can restore an otherwise drab house and correct the natural discoloration homes experience. Bear in mind that power-washing can be intense for your home and can cause damage if performed incorrectly.

There are many ways to winterize your home, but the big-ticket items include insulation and energy costs. Once again, you may see your electric bill jump. Consider the following items on our list, and add your own if you live in an area that sees extreme winter weather.

Winter Checklist

• Reverse Ceiling Fans

  By reversing ceiling fan settings to clockwise, they will pull cool air up and push warm air down so you can enjoy it longer.

• Cover Your A/C Unit

  If you expect snow or excessive hail, you may want to protect your HVAC unit. A weather-proof cover will ensure that melted snow doesn’t pool within and cause interior damage to your unit when it re-freezes.

• Insulate Outdoor Spouts

  If your climate zone experiences sub-zero temperatures, be sure to insulate your outdoor water faucets to prevent damage from freezing.

• Inspect Drainage

  Inspect roof gutters and downspouts again for damage after any storm. As noted earlier, poor drainage can lead to severe water and roof damage. It’s better to inspect and clean throughout the season than to deal with costly repairs later.

• Inspect Your Furnace

  Make sure your furnace is running properly and efficiently. Make sure oil tanks are full and firewood piles are stacked high. Now you’re ready to stay toasty and warm all winter long.