Poor home maintenance is bad news. The more you delay house maintenance, the more problems you attract. Besides adding to your expenses, substandard housing is associated with various health problems. According to a 2002 study conducted by Public Health Associates, poor housing conditions lead to illnesses such as respiratory diseases, asthma, and lead poisoning.
No matter how big or small your home is, regular maintenance is necessary. Maintaining your home is an important part of homeownership. It protects your investment, and in addition to keeping you safe and comfortable, it will also protect the value of your home. In addition to maintaining a home, it’s important to keep the backyard in check. Landscaping is one of the best investments for maintaining a backyard.
Tasks like cleaning your siding and testing your smoke detectors are very DIY-friendly, but others are a bit complex and require professional assistance. Regardless, a little fix now and then can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Keeping your maintenance schedule on track and manageable with monthly home improvement tasks will help keep your home in good condition. You can save a lot of money and time by simply following the monthly maintenance checklist below.
DURING SUMMERS
While summer is usually when you and your family like to go out and enjoy every minute of the warm weather, you need to take care of some things before leaving for a vacation.
- Bugs and other pests
It’s not just you who is fond of their home; bed bugs, carpenter bees, termites, and mice are equally fond of it. An infestation of bed bugs is the worst as bed bug bites are painful and, in some cases, infectious.
Most families return from vacation in August and September, when their “season” begins, and bugs begin to thrive. An insecticide spray and a thorough cleaning can help control the bed bug and ant infestation. In the event of an infestation too severe to handle, you can also seek professional assistance. You will also need professional help in the case of a termite infestation.
- Flushing the water heater
Remove sediment buildup from the water heater each year by flushing it. By doing so, you will extend the life of the water heater, stop leaks, and make it run more efficiently. You can prevent costly future repairs and replacements of your water heater by performing regular maintenance.
- Painting and repairing siding
Exterior damage to your home can occur throughout the year. You should inspect your siding annually and address any damage. This will help you to prolong the life of the siding. It also needs to be repaired and painted every year or two to prevent cracks, holes, and warping.
- A thorough carpet cleaning
The end of summer is the best time to clean carpets. Carpets are likely to accumulate dust and dirt throughout the season, so vacuum, steam, and shampoo your floor to keep it clean. Also, make sure your rugs are clean. If you are unable to clean them yourself, you can hire cleaning help.
DURING FALL
When the leaves change color and the evenings get chilly, it’s time to prepare your house for winter. As autumn approaches, those who live in warm climates may not have an overwhelming list of things to do.
- Make sure the heating system is clean
Before the cold weather hits, have your heating system inspected by a professional like Jack Lehr company. To ensure the heating system is functional, the technicians will test the furnace and thermostat, change the air filters, and test the radiators.
Clean up the fireplace thoroughly, and hire a chimney cleaner if necessary. Clean chimneys reduce the risk of a house fire.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors need to be tested
Your furnace will probably be used a lot during the winter. A malfunctioning furnace can release dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, and ignite fires. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tested regularly and replaced if they are old.
- Keep those windows and doors sealed
Winter is a time to keep your home warm. When there are cracks in your windows and doors, frigid air can seep in. The fall is a good time for you to repair any cracks, seal the doors or hire someone to do so.
- Ensure that all outdoor water features are drained
Water sources in your yard, such as fountains and ponds, can freeze up if you do not properly drain them. When water freezes, it can lead to deadly explosions and severe house damage.
DURING WINTER
During the winter, we stay indoors, as the cold weather makes it impossible to undertake major home improvements. You can take preventive measures by making your home weatherproof.
- Cleaning Your Dryer’s Exhaust Duct
Though cleaning your duct is something you should do more than once a year, winter is the ideal time. The presence of lint in the vent can make it difficult for the dryer to dry clothes properly and may even start a fire. It may be possible to clean the duct yourself, depending on whether it is accessible.
- Clean up interior Spaces
Take advantage of the chilly weather to clean and maintain your home instead of being lazy. Thoroughly vacuum the garage, basement, and even the bathrooms to make sure they are clean. Make sure the faucets are not leaking while you’re at it.
DURING SPRING
Springtime brings an eagerness for fresh air and closet repairs. In addition, you should give a thorough inspection of your house, both inside and out.
- Examine your roof for damage
In areas experiencing harsh winter weather, it is especially important to assess roof damage. Check for dents and holes in the roof. Make sure you remove debris from the top, like leaves, and have a tree removal company in Tampa trim back any branches that may be getting close to your home.
To avoid permanent damage to your roof, immediately call a professional if the roof appears to be sagging or there are hints of roof damage.
- Check the HVAC system
Once the summer heat sets in, your air conditioning system has to work. A certified HVAC professional can inspect, change filters, and repair them to ensure it is in optimal condition. That way, whatever the summer throws at you, you will be prepared.
- Repair your driveway
A winter storm can take a toll on your driveway as it does on your roof. Powerful wind can blow a tree branch across any surface, causing significant damage.
If your driveway suffers damage such as holes, cracks, and uneven surfaces in the spring, take the time to repair it. If you fix your driveway now, you’ll avoid accidents in the summer.
Conclusion
Regular home maintenance schedules are just as important as regular health checkups. Preventing breakdowns, saving money, and maintaining your home’s appearance are possible with regular inspections of the exterior, appliances, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems.
The above checklist will assist you in scheduling your annual maintenance activities and a few monthly checkups. Make sure you review this list monthly and at the start of every season to ensure your house stays in top shape.
