ust like you would get an annual health checkup, your home needs one, too. You probably already do and know about a few maintenance tasks, but in order to help you maintain your home properly throughout the year, here are the chores you should do every year and for each season.
During the Fall
Since summer days are almost behind us and the fall is near, let’s start with this season. During fall, a lot of leaves and branches are falling from the trees and the rainy days become more frequent. To keep your home unaffected, comfy, and ready for winter, here is what you should do.
Inside Your House
The inside of your home needs maintenance just like any other part of your house. Here is the list of things to check and fix if needed:
- The AC – if you have the AC then it needs to be serviced; especially after the hot summer days. Additionally, you can cover the inside and outside units to prevent drafts and insulate and protect them.
- HVAC and Furnace – just like you would check the AC, make sure to check the furnace and HVAC. These need to be functional in order to be ready for the winter so give them a thorough clean and inspection.
- Windows and Doors – go around your house and see if there is any draft on your windows and doors. If there is any air coming in or out, you can caulk the frames where necessary.
Outside Your House
Since there is plenty of leaves on the ground and your house, and colder days are on the way, here are the chores to put on your list during the fall outside your house:
- Insulation – if you don’t have insulation, it’s time to install one. Wall and even roof insulation will help keep your home protected from all the elements and help you control temperature during the winter better. Not to mention how much more energy-efficient your home will become. Plus, insulation comes in handy during the summer, too.
- Gutters – fallen leaves and branches can clog up the gutters around your house. And if you leave this unchecked, those clogs could cause leaks which results in water damage on your walls. So, inspect the gutters and clean them properly.
- Rake – if you don’t rake your garden, your lawn might be smothered by the fallen leaves which can only result in a dry and patchy lawn. So give your yard a good rake during the fall.
During the Winter
Winters can be harsh and it is a good idea to do most of the preparation during the fall. However, there are things you can do in your home during this season, too:
- Check your basement for any leaks that might’ve been caused during the fall. You don’t want any leaks during the winter.
- Check the pipes and see if they are frozen – if they do get frozen, make sure to shut down any valves in order to avoid burst pipes once they unfreeze.
- Inspect your roof and gutters after any snow storms – this will help pinpoint any damages that you can fix in time.
- Inspect and change filters in your heating systems.
During the Spring
Spring is the season when most of the work gets done, and this season brings us many chores.
Inside the House
After the winter is done, there are systems and pipes to be checked. Here is what you should pay attention to:
- HVAC – schedule a checkup of the HVAC system so it can be once again thoroughly inspected and cleaned. You’ve probably used it a lot during the winter, and now it’s time to check up on it and leave it ready for the next season.
- Plumbing – if you’ve had frozen pipes, now it’s time to check them and fix them wherever needed. Also, inspect the entire home for any leaks, including your kitchen, bathroom, outside systems, and basement.
- Chimney – if you’ve used your fireplace during the winter, a chimney inspection is a must. And even if you don’t use the fireplace that often, you should schedule regular chimney checkups.
Outside the House
Now that the snow is gone, it’s time to do some yard work:
- Clean up the yard – any dead leaves, branches, and mess that were left behind in the snow should be cleaned up.
- Plant some flowers – now that the weather is nice, you can finally decorate your yard with native plants and enjoy your yard to the fullest
- Gutters – another inspection of gutters after heavy snow storms is a must. Locate any damages and fix them as soon as possible.
- Insulation – you can use this nice weather to inspect the insulation on your home, or even install it if you haven’t.
During the Summer
Summer is mostly for enjoying your home, but there are still some chores to be done:
- Check the AC and HVAC – summer heat can be unbearable and you will rely on your cooling systems a lot. So a nice inspection is a must to make sure everything is running smoothly.
- Consider any renovations – if you plan to renovate any aspect of your home, now is the time to do it. Hot summer days are perfect for DIY projects
- Plan for extreme heat – you should be prepared for any harsh heat, and this is where roof insulation can really come in handy to protect your home from overheating.
- Garden work – since the weather is nice, it’s time to tend to your gardens. Plant any fruits and veggies, water the plants, and utilize the power of sprinklers for an amazing garden view.
There is always some work to be done around the house. If you don’t know where to start, we hope this checklist will help you figure out your priorities.
