A little bit of maintenance will go a long way in keeping your home trouble free, energy efficient and safe. Here are a few homeowner maintenance tips to consider throughout the year.
Homeowner Maintenance Tips: Winter
- Replace furnace filters once a month
- Clean dryer vent
- Clean air filters
- Check caulk on windows and doors
- Test sump pump
- Change batteries in smoke detectors / carbon monoxide detectors
- Turn off and remove outside hose lines
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Turn off and drain all exterior faucets-a hard freeze could burst faucets or pipes
- Test and clean the sump pump, and replace batteries if applicable
Homeowner Maintenance Tips: Spring
- Change batteries in smoke detectors / carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace furnace filters once a month
- Reverse ceiling fan direction for downward flow
- Clean gutters
- Check roof for loose, damaged, or missing pieces
- Re-seed yard or bare spots in your yard (weed, feed, fertilize, lime
- Re-mulch shrub beds
- Check foundation for proper drainage (add fill dirt if needed to keep water draining away from the foundation)
- Check gutters
- Clean condensate lines prior to starting up the air conditioner
- Re-caulk shower and bath tile, escutcheons, and plumbing penetrations
- Clean exterior window sills before installing screens
- Install window screens
- Have septic field serviced
Homeowner Maintenance Tips: Summer
- Replace furnace filters once a month
- Change batteries in smoke detectors / carbon monoxide detectors
- Re-paint and re-caulk exterior wood surfaces every 2-3 years (this will help wood products last their longest and beautify your investment)
- Treat pressure treated decks, steps, etc. every 2 years
- Clean and lubricate windows and sliding glass doors for smoother sliding
- Locate gravity drains for any obstructions
Homeowner Maintenance Tips: Fall
- Replace furnace filters once a month
- Reverse ceiling fan direction for downward flow
- Re-seed yard or bare spots in your yard
- Clean gutters, possibly several times
- Check wood burning stove pipes and fireplace chimney – clean if necessary
- Have gas supplier check and clean gas appliances
- Change batteries in smoke detectors / carbon monoxide detectors
