Going through a home maintenance checklist is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our home is our biggest investment. Maintaining it is a must. Let leaves fill the gutters or paint flake off the shutters, and you could end up with big repair bills.
Home maintenance can feel overwhelming, especially for a first-time homeowner who is accustomed to the landlord doing that work. But it doesn’t have to be daunting. Plan on doing one set of small chores by the month and other chores by the season. Follow this natural pattern all year long, stay on top of the little stuff and your house will run smoothly.
Seasonal home maintenance checklist
Monthly to-do items
Clean your furnace filter. Clean filters help your HVAC run more efficiently, lessening the wear and tear on the system. This can also help you avoid expensive repairs and cleaning costs. You may want to replace your filters monthly or every few months depending on factors like whether you have allergies or pets, and the quality of the filter.
Vacuum heat registers and vents. Dirt, dust and debris collect in registers, which obstructs airflow and makes your HVAC work harder to maintain the temperature indoors.
Test smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Your home is your biggest investment. Make sure the tools that protect it from a fire are working.
Inspect electrical cords for wear. If the rubber coating wears off or cracks, cords become a fire hazard.
Clean the garbage disposal. Grind ice cubes, then flush with hot water and baking soda to remove food buildup that can damage the device.
Clean faucet aerators and showerheads. Mineral deposits from tap water build up and lower the water flow. Remove the aerators and soak them overnight in vinegar, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
Inspect the outside of your home. Keep an eye out for loose roof shingles, damaged siding, cracked bricks, driveway or sidewalk cracks, insects and overgrown trees or shrubs. Call a pro to correct any problems you find.