As a homeowner, regular home maintenance is key. However, that maintenance usually doesn’t look the same year-round. There is seasonality that impacts what to do. Oftentimes, this leads to homeowners with concern on how well they are taking care of their home. That’s why we got together this seasonal guide on what to do and when for year-round home maintenance. By properly maintaining your home, you can be proactive about trying to avoid even more costly repairs down the line.

An Important Checklist for Each Season

While the seasons impact what you do for your home maintenance, so does the region! This should be something you have in the back of your mind as you go through. For example, if you live in Florida and never get snow, then snow-related home maintenance won’t be on your radar in the winter!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As the leaves change color and autumn sets in, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle some crucial home maintenance tasks. Preparing your home for winter is essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment throughout the season.

Rake Leaves & Aerate Lawn

First up, rake those leaves like your lawn depends on it. Because it does. Prevent dead spots by clearing out the foliage. Then, give your lawn some love by aerating it. Aeration refers to poking small holes into the soil to allow nutrients, water, and air into the roots of the grass underneath.

Inspect Forced-Air Heating System

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard. Get your forced-air heating system inspected by a pro. It’s like a check-up for your home’s health.

Clean Your Fireplace

Fireplaces can be a great time, but they can also be dangerous. That is why proper maintenance is so important. To avoid chimney fires, you want to clean out your chimney. If it’s too tough for you to do, then you can have a specialist come in and handle it!

Seal Cracks & Gaps in Windows/Doors

Don’t let the heat escape. You can better insulate by sealing any gaps around places where heat escapes. This includes windows and doors. You can do this sealing with materials like caulk or weatherstripping. Your wallet will thank you when you see the energy bill.

Paint Exterior Siding

Give your house a makeover with a new coat of paint, which also protects against moisture damage and potential costly repairs. It’s like a facelift for your house.

Clean Your Gutters

Don’t forget to clean your gutters. Leaves and debris can accumulate over time, leading to blockages that can cause water damage. Keep your gutters clear to prevent any issues.

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Hopefully you prepped in the fall for the upcoming winter. Winter can be brutal on your home with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit

Your air conditioning unit is essential during hot summer days, but it can get damaged by ice, snow, or freezing rain during winter.  You can help extend its lifespan through protection like a waterproof air conditioner cover.

Check for Leaks

Melting snow or ice dams on roofs can cause leaks in basements, leading to potential water damage. You want to occasionally be on the lookout for signs of any leaks. These signs can include damp spots or puddles. The sooner that these issues are detected then the better the chance that you can avoid costly repairs later on.

Vacuum Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Grill

Maintain good indoor air quality throughout the winter months by cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan grills. Dust particles often accumulate on these grills over time, leading to poor ventilation, which could result in mold growth and other health hazards.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to give your house a deep clean. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that spring cleaning isn’t a phrase for nothing!

Power-Wash Decks/Siding

Get rid of winter grime and mildew on your deck or siding with a power washer. Even if you don’t own one, there are ways you can rent! However, these should be operated with caution.

Sprinkler Head Check-Up

Make sure your irrigation system is working properly before summer arrives. Check each sprinkler head for clogs or damage that might prevent them from distributing water evenly across your yard.

Air Conditioning System Service

Stay cool during hot days by servicing your air conditioning system in spring. Replace filters if necessary and have a professional technician inspect it for potential problems like refrigerant leaks or worn-out parts.

Summer Home Upkeep Tasks

Summer is the perfect time to give your home some TLC. Longer days mean more time to tackle those essential maintenance tasks that keep your home in tip-top shape.

Inspect Your Roof

Winter storms can take a toll on your roof. Check for any damage or wear that could lead to leaks during summer rain showers. Keep an eye out for missing shingles, cracked tiles, or other issues that need immediate attention.

Oil Your Garage Door, Dryer Vents, and Kitchen Exhaust Fan Filter

Take care of your indoor maintenance tasks too. Oil your garage door mechanism, keep your dryer vents free-flowing, and clean your kitchen exhaust fan filter for optimal performance.

Maintain Outdoor Spaces

Remember to keep up with general upkeep like mowing the lawn and cleaning outdoor furniture. If your house exterior needs a little love, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint for a sparkling new finish.

Overall

As a homeowner, it’s not crazy to want to take care of your home to the best of your abilities. Your home is likely going to be one of the most expensive purchases you make in your entire life. That is why it’s important to manage your home properly throughout the year. Each season brings different maintenance needs. Besides that, the region also plays a role! Regardless of where you are and what time of year it is, you want to make sure you are doing your due diligence with home maintenance. If you need some help, speaking to a professional can help you better understand the best ways to handle caring for your home throughout the year where you live.