From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at
serious risk.
In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent (or more) of their appraised
value.
1
The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and actually increase the value of your home by one percent annually!
1You just need to know where and how to spend your time.
Use the following checklist as a guide to maintaining your home and lawn throughout the year. It's applicable for all climates, so please share it with friends and family members who you think could benefit, no matter where their home is located.
Spring
After a long, cold winter, many of us look forward to a fresh start in the spring. Wash away the winter grime, open the windows, and prepare your home for warmer weather and backyard barbecues.
Inside
Conduct Annual Spring Cleaning
Be sure to tackle those areas that may have gone neglected—such as your blinds, baseboards, and fan blades—as well as appliances, including your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and range hood. Clear out clutter and clothes you no longer wear,
and toss old and expired food and medications.
Shut Down Heating System
Depending on the type of heating system you have, you may need to shut your system down when not in use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper procedures.
TuneUp A/C
If your home has central air conditioning, schedule an annual tune-up with your HVAC technician. If you have a portable or window unit, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance.
2
Check Plumbing
It’s a good idea to periodically check your plumbing to spot any leaks or maintenance issues. Look for evidence of leaks—such as water stains on the ceiling—and check for dripping faucets or running toilets that need to be addressed.
Inspect your hot water heater for sediment build up. Check your sump pump (if you have one) to ensure it’s working properly.
3
Inspect Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Batteries should be replaced every six months, so change them now and again in the fall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your individual devices.
And even properly functioning devices should be replaced at least every 10 years, or per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
4
Outside
Inspect Perimeter of Home
Walk around your house and look for any signs of damage or wear and tear that should be addressed. Are there cracks in the foundation? Peeling paint? Loose or missing roof shingles? Make a plan to make needed repairs yourself or
hire a contractor.
Clean Home’s Exterior
Wash windows and clean and replace screens if they were removed during the winter months. For the home’s facade, it’s generally advisable to use the gentlest method that is effective. A simple garden hose will work in most
cases.
5
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least twice a year. Neglected gutters can cause water damage to a home, so make sure yours are clean and free of debris. If your gutters have screens, you may be able to decrease
the frequency of cleanings, but they should still be checked periodically.
6
Rake Leaves
Gently rake your lawn to remove leaves and debris. Too many leaves can cause an excessive layer of thatch, which can damage the roots of your lawn. They can also harbor disease-causing organisms and insects.
7 However, take care because overly vigorous raking can damage new grass shoots.
Seed or Sod Lawn
If you have bare spots, spring is a good time to seed or lay new sod so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn throughout the remainder of the year. The peak summer heat can be too harsh for a new lawn. If you miss
this window, early fall is another good time to plant.
8
Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide
While a healthy lawn is the best deterrent for weeds, some homeowners choose to use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to minimize weeds. When applied at the right time, it can be effective in
preventing weeds from germinating. However, a pre-emergent herbicide will also prevent grass seeds from germinating, so only use it if you don’t plan to seed or sod in the spring.
Plant Flowers
After a long winter, planting annuals and spring perennials is a great way to brighten up your garden. It’s also a good time to prune existing flowers and shrubs and remove and compost any dead
plants.
Mulch Beds
A layer of fresh mulch helps to suppress weeds, retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. However, be sure to strip away old mulch at least every three years to prevent excessive buildup.
9
Fertilize Lawn
Depending on your grass type, an application of fertilizer in the spring may help promote new leaf and root growth, keep your lawn healthy, and reduce weeds.
10
Tune Up Lawn Mower
Send your lawn mower out for a professional tune-up and to have the blades sharpened before the mowing season starts.
11
Inspect Sprinkler System
If you have a sprinkler system, check that it’s working properly and make repairs as needed.
Check the Deck
If you have a deck or patio, inspect it for signs of damage or deterioration that may have occurred over the winter. Then clean it thoroughly and apply a fresh coat of
stain if needed.
Prepare Pool
If you own a pool, warmer weather signals the start of pool season. Be sure to follow best practices for your particular pool to ensure proper maintenance and safety.
Summer
Summer is generally the time to relax and enjoy your home, but a little time devoted to maintenance will help ensure it looks great and runs efficiently throughout the season.
Inside
Adjust Ceiling Fans
Make sure they are set to run counter-clockwise in the summer to push air down and create a cooling breeze. Utilizing fans instead of your air conditioner,
when possible, will help minimize your utility bills.
Clean A/C Filters
Be sure to clean or replace your filters monthly, particularly if you’re running your air conditioner often.
Clear Dryer Vent
Help cut down on summer utility bills by cleaning your laundry dryer vent at least once a year. Not only will it help cut down on drying times,
a neglected dryer poses a serious fire hazard.
Check Weather Stripping
If you’re running your air conditioner in the summer, you’ll want to keep the cold air inside and hot air outside. Check weather stripping
around doors and windows to ensure a good seal.
Outside
Mow Lawn Regularly
Your lawn will probably need regular mowing in the summer. Adjust your mower height to the highest setting, as taller grass helps shade
the soil to prevent drought and weeds.
Water Early in the Morning
Ensure your lawn and garden get plenty of water during the hot summer months. Experts generally recommend watering in the early morning
to minimize evaporation, but be mindful of any watering restrictions in your area, which may limit the time and/or days you are
allowed to water.
Weed Weekly
To prevent weeds from taking over your garden and ruining your home’s valuable curb appeal, make a habit of pulling weeds at least
once per week.
Exterminate Pests
Remove any standing water and piles of leaves and debris. Inspect your lawn and perimeter of your home for signs of an invasion.
If necessary, call a professional exterminator for assistance.
Fall
Fall ushers in another busy season of home maintenance as you prepare your home for the winter weather ahead.
Inside
Have Heater Serviced
To ensure safety and efficiency, it’s a good idea to have your heating system serviced and inspected before you
run it for the first time.
Shut Down A/C for the Winter
If you have central air conditioning, you can have it serviced at the same time as your furnace. If you have
a portable or window unit, ensure it’s properly sealed or remove it and store it for the winter.
Inspect Chimney
Fire
safety experts recommend that you have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned periodically. Complete
this task before you start using your fireplace or furnace.
Seal Windows and Doors
Check windows and doors for drafts and caulk or add weatherstripping where necessary.
Check Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the spring, they are due for another inspection.
Batteries should be replaced every six months, so it’s time to replace them again. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions to test your individual devices. And even properly functioning devices should be replaced
at least every 10 years, or per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
3
Outside
Plant Fall Flowers, Grass, and Shrubs
Fall
is a great time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs, cool-season vegetables and bulbs that
will bloom in the spring.
12 It’s also a good time to reseed or sod your lawn.
Rake or Mow Leaves
Once the leaves start falling, it’s time to pull out your rake. A thick layer of leaves
left on your grass can lead to an unhealthy lawn. Or, rather than raking, use a mulching
mower to create a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
Apply Fall Fertilizer
If you choose not to use a mulching mower, a fall fertilizer is usually recommended.
For best results, aerate your lawn before applying the fertilizer.
13
Inspect Gutters and Roof
Inspect your gutters and downspouts and make needed repairs. Check the roof
for any broken or loose tiles. Remove fallen leaves and debris.
Shut Down Sprinkler System
If you have a sprinkler system, drain any remaining water and shut it down
to prevent damage from freezing temperatures over the winter.
Close Pool
If you have a pool, it’s time to clean and close it up before the winter.
Winter
While it can be tempting to ignore home maintenance issues in the winter, snow and freezing temperatures can do major damage if left untreated. Follow these steps to ensure your house survives the winter months.
Inside
Maintain Heating System
Check and change filters on your heating system,
per the manufacturer's instructions. If
you have a boiler, monitor the water level.
TuneUp Generator
If you own a portable generator, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions
for proper maintenance. Make sure
it’s working before you need it,
and stock up on supplies like fuel,
oil, and filters.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Make sure pipes are well insulated,
and keep your heat set
to a minimum of 55 degrees
when you’re away. If pipes
are prone to freezing,
leave faucets dripping
slightly overnight or when
away from home. You may
also want to open cabinet
doors beneath sinks to
let in heat.
Outside
Drain and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets
Before the first
freeze, drain
and shut off
outdoor faucets.
Place an insulated
cover over
exposed faucets,
and store hoses
for the winter.
Remove Window Screens
Removing
screens
from
your
windows
allows
more
light
in
to
brighten
and
warm
your
home
during
the
dark,
cold
winter
months.
Snow
can
also
get
trapped
between
screens
and
windows,
causing
damage
to
window
frames
and
sills.
Service
Snowblower
Don’t
wait
until
the
first
snowstorm
of
the
season
to
make
sure
your
snowblower
is
in
good
working
order.
Check
the
manufacturer’s
instructions
for
maintenance
or
have
it
serviced
by
a
professional.
Stock
Up
on
Ice
Melt
Keep
plenty
of
ice
melt,
or
rock
salt,
on
hand
in
preparation
for
winter
weather.
Look
for
brands
that
will
keep
kids
and
pets
safe
without
doing
damage
to
your
walkway
or
yard.
Watch
Out
for
Ice
Dams
Ice
dams
are
thick
ridges
of
solid
ice
that
can
build
up
along
the
eaves
of
your
house.
They
can
do
major
damage
to
gutters,
shingles,
and
siding.
Heated
cables
installed
prior
to
the
first
winter
storm
can
help.
14
Check
for
Snow
Buildup
on
Trees
Snow
can
cause
tree
limbs
to
break,
which
can
be
especially
dangerous
if
they
are
near
your
home.
Use
a
broom
to
periodically
remove
excess
snow.
15
While
this
checklist
should
not
be
considered
a
complete
list
of
your
home’s
maintenance
needs,
it
can
serve
as
a
general
seasonal
guide.
Systems,
structures,
and
fixtures
will
need
to
be
repaired
and
replaced
from
time-to-time,
as
well.
The
good
news
is,
the
investment
you
make
in
maintaining
your
home
now
will
pay
off
dividends
over
time.
Keep
a
record
of
all
your
maintenance,
repairs
and
upgrades
for
future
reference,
along
with
receipts.
Not
only
will
it
help
jog
your
memory,
it
can
make
a
big
impact
on
buyers
when
it
comes
time
to
sell
your
home
…
and
potentially
result
in
a
higher
selling
price.
Are
you
looking
for
help
with
home
maintenance
or
repairs?
We
have
an
extensive
network
of
trusted
contractors
and
service
providers
and
are
happy
to
provide
referrals!
Call
or
email
us,
and
we
can
connect
you
with
one
of
our
preferred
vendors.
Sources:
HouseLogic.com
–
https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/value-home-maintenance/
Home
Advisor
–
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/servicing-your-air-conditioner/
Keyes
&
Sons
Plumbing
and
Heating
–
http://keyes-plumbing.com/things-to-check-in-spring/
Allstate
Insurance
Blog
–
https://blog.allstate.com/test-smoke-detectors/
Houzz
–
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
Angie’s
List
–
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/why-gutter-cleaning-so-important.htm
Angie’s
List
–
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-thatch-and-how-does-it-impact-my-lawn.htm
HGTV
–
http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/lawns/top-spring-lawn-care-tips-pictures
This
Old
House
–
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/may-mulching
Lowes
–
https://www.lowes.com/projects/lawn-and-garden/fertilize-your-lawn/project
The
New
York
Times
–
https://www.nytimes.com/guides/realestate/home-maintenance-checklist
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Magazine
–
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/what-to-plant-in-the-fall/
The
Spruce
–
https://www.thespruce.com/late-fall-fertilizing-2152976
This
Old
House
–
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-ice-dams
Houzz
–
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55572864/list/your-winter-home-maintenance-checklist