Home Maintenance Plan
Home maintenance is a year-round endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. By creating a plan and sticking to a regular schedule, you can cut out the stress and spend more time doing what you love. With just a few minutes spent monthly on the following tasks, you can save hours of headaches and thousands of dollars from unexpected repairs.
Monthly
Check the HVAC Filters: Dust in the air can wreak havoc on not only your sinuses but on your HVAC system. Taking a few minutes every month to check and if necessary, change your filters, can help you breathe easier and decrease stress on your HVAC system.
Run Water in Unused Areas: It’s easy to forget about the guest bathroom or sink in the basement, but standing water can cause sediment buildup and mold growth. Keep the pipes fresh with a quick flush each month.
Check Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors: While you won’t need to replace the batteries monthly, taking a moment to test your detectors is an easy way to provide peace of mind. Make sure to change the batteries if the test returns a low-battery alert or no alert at all.
Spring
Clean the Gutters: Eliminating any backup or clogs in your gutters can help prevent severe water damage. If you find a once-per-year clearing isn’t enough, consider installing gutter covers.
Look for Standing Water: After a spring rain, walk around your house and check for any pooled water. If the puddle is still present after 24 hours, or if it drains toward your foundation, make adjustments to your gutters, downspouts, or any leaking outdoor faucets.
Summer
Eliminate Dryer Vent Buildup: A clogged dryer vent can make your dryer less efficient and is a fire hazard. Smell your dryer vent while your dryer is running. If you can’t smell fresh laundry, it’s time for a cleaning. Using a vacuum or a long-handled brush, remove any lint buildup.
Fall
Image via Flickr by sunshinecity.
Have the HVAC System Inspected: An unexpected breakdown of your HVAC system is not only an inconvenience, but it can be dangerous in the colder months. A professional HVAC inspection and tuneup ensure that your system is in top form and can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs.
Drain Outdoor Faucets: A burst pipe can cause expensive and immense damage to your home. Avoid the costly repair by draining any outdoor faucets and pipes before they freeze.
Winter
Check for Mold: When you close the doors and windows for the season, stale air can start to accumulate in less-trafficked areas of your home. Look for any odd-colored spots on walls and ducts. If you find mold, spray it with bleach or contact a professional for a thorough cleaning. Mold will also be less of a concern if you’ve replaced dirty HVAC filters and had the system regularly inspected.
Tighten Loose Screws: As you walk around your house, carry a screwdriver to tighten any loose electrical covers, handles, or hinges.
Even if your specific needs change, keeping an easy-to-follow list of tasks, broken down into regular intervals, is key to eliminating the stress of home maintenance. With routine care, you can ensure that your home is in top form so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your house.
