Owning a residential property is not easy because it comes with many responsibilities. Home maintenance tasks are constant and year-round. Homeowners who embrace instead of postponing maintenance projects, including those performed as DIYs and professional services, will increase their property value, improve structural integrity, and improve safety for their family members.
Experts recommend following a proactive approach and focusing on preventative maintenance projects annually to prevent the risk of complications. Most home maintenance projects, such as deck cleaning, gutter cleaning, patio cleaning, siding cleaning, HVAC maintenance, or repair, are manageable and affordable.
Here is an annual home maintenance checklist for every season to avoid significant issues. Read on!
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to evaluate your home by walking around your property and checking for signs of damage caused by winter. For instance, you can look for loose siding on the house, missing or broken shingles on the roof, and masonry cracks in the foundation. In addition, we recommend focusing on the following tasks during the spring season.
Patio Cleaning or Repair
Use a power washer on your deck or patio to ensure it is ready for the spring season. Look for signs of loose nails on wooden decks or cracked wood and replace damaged planks with new ones.
Experts suggest using borate for algae and fungal prevention. Treat your patio with borate to protect against rot. If you have a masonry patio, check for cracks or loose stones. Hire a professional service to fix the cracks. That way, you can avoid damage spreading to other areas.
Test Your Sump Pump
Go to your basement and inspect the sump pump to ensure it functions correctly. The primary function of the sump pump is to drain the water properly. We recommend adding water to the sump pump system.
The purpose is to raise the pump's float and check whether it activates the motor and evacuates the water. Inspect the pump's exterior, particularly the drainage area, to ensure the debris has not obstructed it.
Change Your HVAC Filters
HVAC is an expensive piece of equipment that cools your home in summer and keeps it warm and cozy during the winter season. The system requires regular tune-ups and bi-annual maintenance to ensure it performs at its peak, maintains indoor air quality, and prolongs its overall lifespan.
HVAC filters play a critical role in trapping indoor pollutants and allergens, improving air quality, and reducing the risk of chronic respiratory conditions. However, when you ignore cleaning or replacing filters, it will take a massive toll on your HVAC system's performance, deteriorate indoor space air quality, and increase the risk of malfunction and flammability.
Gutter Cleaning
Melting snow and heavy rainfall during the spring season cause a lot of water to run through the downspouts. Gutters control the water and ensure it flows away from your property. However, clogged gutters can cause a leaky roof, increasing the risk of water penetrating inside the house.
On the other hand, when you clean gutters in spring, you can protect the roof, siding, and foundation. If you notice any damage to different portions of the gutters, replace the components with new ones to prevent drainage problems.
Summer
The summer season is the ultimate source of joy, happiness, and enjoyment. Many people believe that a harsh winter leaves its mark and ruin the summer fun for families, especially when they fail to prepare their home for the hot summer days. Therefore, it is crucial to spare some time for seasonal maintenance and keep your property in shape for the hot summer months. We recommend the following!
Inspect Interior Plumbing
Inspect each sink in your home to ensure no signs of damage or leaks. Next, check your ceilings for water stains. If you notice any water stains, it means a leak in the wall. Remember, water travels through unexpected areas and paths, indicating a leak in one room can cause leaks in another. Hire a professional and skilled plumber if you find it challenging to locate the source of a leak.
Lubricate Garage Doors
The garage door is your home's large moving part, and repairing/maintaining, or lubricating is crucial for prolonging its lifespan. Inspect the tracks, rollers, springs, and hinges to determine whether these components function smoothly.
Spray each component if you find any signs of rust. Use a synthetic door lubricant to keep the door in top-notch shape. The purpose is to ensure the door glides up and down without making noises like groans and creaks. Other summer home maintenance tasks include:
● Power Wash your sidewalks and driveway
● Clean gutters and downspouts
● Wash windows
● Replace window screens
● Focus on curb appeal
● Repair outdoor furniture
● Clean the garbage disposal
● Clean Baseboards
Fall
Winters are harsh, meaning a single storm can cost you a lot of money. If you want to prevent expensive repairs, it is vital to follow a proactive and preventative approach to keep your house ready for the harsh/cold winter months. Here is what we recommend you should do!
Clean the Flue or Chimney
The furnace is the most widely used equipment during the winter season. Hire a professional HVAC maintenance service to tune up the furnace system. Likewise, if you have a fireplace, it is time to inspect it and ensure it is ready for handling everything that exhaust.
Hiring a skilled technician is worth your money because they know how to remove creosote accumulated inside and inspect for potential hazards, such as dirt, debris, and bird nests.
Cover AC Condensers
If you have a central air conditioning system, put a protective cover on the outdoor condenser. The purpose is to protect the condenser from the harsh winter elements, keep it clean, and increase the unit's lifespan.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to conserve energy and make the most out of your HVAC system. Modern thermostats are programmed devices with cutting-edge features like geofencing, accurate temperature evaluation/readings, and adaptive operation, reducing the overall carbon footprint and monthly bills.
Add Insulation
Insulation plays a crucial role in keeping your indoor space energy-efficient, warm, and comfortable. Not only does insulation prevent heat from escaping the indoor space, but it also prevents ice dams and frozen pipes.
We recommend inspecting your floor for insulation and ensuring it connects to the roofline. If there are any damages, call a professional to see whether it requires repair or replacement. Other tasks you can carry out are:
● Gutter cleaning
● Inspect carbon monoxide detectors
● Clean windows
● Seal holes and cracks
● Cut grass short in the lawn
● Replace the furnace air filter
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