Routine Home Maintenance Tips

As a homeowner, it’s important to protect your family and your investment by performing recommended seasonal maintenance. Following a regular home maintenance calendar can avoid costly repairs by preventing them from occurring or catching them in a timely manner. You’ll be able to complete many of these recommended maintenance tasks on your own, but some may be best suited for a professional. See our suggestions below, listed by season.

Spring Tips

Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary. These tasks are recommended on a monthly basis.
Change furnace filters. It is recommended to replace filters every three months.
Vacuum the lint from the hose of your clothes dryer to avoid a fire hazard.
Clean windows and make repairs to screens as needed to keep bugs out.
Clean out gutters and remove any leaves or debris that have accumulated during the winter. Check that downspouts are secure and draining properly.
Inspect your roof for any areas that might need to be repaired after the winter months. This might be a task best suited for a professional with a trained eye.
Test GFCI outlets throughout your home. These types of outlets are designed to protect you from severe or fatal electric shocks and are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure they are working properly and repair them if needed.
Repair and reseal any cracks in your driveway or sidewalk.
Inspect trees surrounding your home and contact a tree service for removal of any unsafe branches or dead trees that could damage your home during strong storms.
Schedule a service call for a routine check of your air conditioning system. It is better to prepare early than to find out you have an issue when a hot day arrives.
Uncover your outdoor furniture, grills, and fire pits. Start your spring landscaping maintenance including fertilizing and removing debris from plant beds and gardens that have accumulated over the winter.

Summer Tips

Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary.
Clean out refrigerator coils. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to your refrigerator manual for instructions.
Change furnace filters. It is recommended to replace filters every three months.
Clean and care for decking, patios and porches. Repaint or restain to help protect your decking. Replace any broken or rotted boards or railing.
Power wash the exterior of your home including brick, stone, siding, and windows.
Test and lubricate garage doors if needed. Summer is also a perfect time to reorganize and eliminate the clutter in your garage as well.
Remove shower heads and clean them to remove any sediment buildup.
Check your dishwasher for any signs of leaks.
Schedule a service call for a routine check of your heating system prior to the first cold day of fall.
Replace flashlight batteries for emergencies and power outages.

Autumn Tips

Clean out the gutters and remove any debris.
Vacuum the lint from the hose of your clothes dryer.
Check windows and doors for leaks and replace weather stripping as needed.
Check your chimney for any blockage from nests or other debris. Call a professional to ensure your fireplace is ready for winter.
Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary.
Replace furnace filters. Have a professional service your heating system every two years.
Winterize your yard by draining and storing outdoor hoses, shutting off hose bibs, and covering outdoor furniture, grills, and fire pits. Prepare your garden for winter by cleaning up overgrown plants and bushes and protecting plants from cold temperatures.

Winter Tips

Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary. These monthly tasks are especially important in the winter.
Clean out refrigerator coils. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to your refrigerator manual for instructions.
Change furnace filters. It is recommended to replace filters every 3 months.
Vacuum dust and debris out of air registers.
Drain your water heater to remove possible sediment buildup and improve efficiency. Be cautious as water may be very hot.
Check showers and tubs for caulking that might need to be replaced or repaired.
Check all faucets for signs of dripping or leaks and repair them as needed.
Check electrical plugs and cords, both indoor and outdoor, and replace them if damaged or worn to improve fire safety for your home and family.
Replace flashlight batteries. Winter is darker than other seasons and in case of a bad storm causing a power outage, you’ll want working flashlights on hand.