Home Maintenance

Overview

Owning a home comes with a lot of additional responsibility as you are now responsible for the maintenance and renovation. While this can seem daunting at times, creating a calendar of reminders and finding a local handyman that you can build a trust relationship with, will help you to stay on top of things and have someone to call when it goes beyond your knowledge.

Monthly

• Inspect and changeHVAC filters (if necessary). Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that’s not always necessary. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you’ll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out.
• Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around solution seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it and sharpens the blades.
• Clean cook range hood filters. Simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
• Inspect fire extinguisher(s). Ensure it has easy access, that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.

Quarterly

• Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Your detectors should have a test button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn’t sound, it’s possible there’s simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won’t detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need a new detector.
• Test garage door auto-reverse feature. Test every month by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensors if you have them by placing something in front of them. If the door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem.
• Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly applies to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don’t use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any build-up.
• Check water softener. You shouldn’t need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.

Biannually

• Test water heater’s pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, which safeguards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more efficiently.
• Give house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, dusting every nook and cranny. Keeping things clean will help keep your home in tip-top shape.
• Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. With something as important as this, you can’t be too careful and batteries won’t break your bank.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils. The fridge can use up to 15% of your home’s total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible.

Spring

• Check the exterior drainage. Make sure that rainwater flows away from your home. Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. If water stays, or moves toward your foundation, you have a few options. First, check your gutters. Second, you can grade the area around your home yourself with some dirt. Third, for pavement, you can have professionals come out and raise it so it drains away from your home.
• Inspect the exterior of your home. Is any paint chipping? Is any siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick? Take a close look all around your house and make any repairs. Also be sure to check the foundation for any cracks.
• Clean out gutters. They’ve likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter.
• Get your air conditioning system ready for summer. Consider having it serviced. This one really depends on your individual home. These are fairly basic machines where a quick internet search can help you fix any issues that come up. Also refer to the user guides for specific regular maintenance. Get central air serviced by a professional, it will cost around $100 and is worth every penny.
• Repair/replace damaged window screens. This will prevent unwanted bugs from coming on.
• Clear dead plants and shrubs from the house. If you didn’t trim trees or shrubs in the fall, do so now. Plants can weasel their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of your home causing damage.
• Inspect roofing for damage, leaks, etc. Repair as needed and you may need a professional.

Summer

• Check grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc. Repair as needed as this will prolong the life of your tiled surfaces and just looks better.
• Inspect plumbing for leaks. Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks. If you have poor water pressure out of a faucet, the aerator is the likely culprit and it’s an extremely easy fix.
• Take care of any insect problems you may have. Summer is their playground. You probably won’t have to look too hard to notice any insect problems. Ants, spiders, moths, etc. are all common and fairly easy to take care of.
• Clean and repair deck/patio as needed. It generally just needs a good washing. A deck may also need re-staining. Also check for any loose boards or posts and repair as needed.
• Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of home. While the dryer is running, check that the exhaust is coming out. It should smell like fresh laundry. If there isn’t much exhaust, check for blockages as well as you can. You may need a professional. Also vacuum the lint from the hose at the dryer.
• Clean garage. Cleaning the garage should be a summer ritual. Keeping it clean and tidy will extend its life, and it often gets neglected of regular care.

Fall

• Flush hot water heater and remove sediment. This prolongs the life of the heater and helps with efficiency as well.
• Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units. If you have central air, cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords.
• Get heating system ready for winter. Check for any leaks in windows or doors as these can cost an arm and a leg. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked. Get the system serviced annually and also clean fireplaces.
• Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets. Flush hoses and store them.
• Get chimney cleaned, if you have one. Just make sure it’s done once per year.
• Test sump pump if you have one. You don’t want to wait until you need your sump pump to find out it’s not working.
• Check driveway/pavement for cracks. Make sure to have re-sealed before winter.

Winter

• Test electricity to the extent you can. Be extra careful when working with electricity. You can do a couple things on your own, though. Check that all outlets work and if they don’t, you can re-wire them on your own. Also, test your GFCI outlets.
• Tighten any handles, knobs, etc. Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw.
• Check all locks and deadbolts on doors and windows. If anything doesn’t work right, replace.
• Check caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as needed.
• Remove showerheads and clean sediment. This prolongs its life and helps with water pressure as well.