Owning a home is a big responsibility. Not only are you responsible for things that break, but you also have the duty of maintaining and caring for your home throughout the year. It’s a big job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From scheduling inspections with an electrician to cleaning shower heads, seasonal upkeep is the key to maintaining your home without becoming overburdened, and we have the checklist to help you tackle every season.
Monthly Checklist
Somethings need to be checked every month rather than every season. These smaller to-dos will help you keep track of your checklist and ensure your home is functioning properly.
- Clean shower heads and unclog all drains.
- Clean garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes and lemon wedges. Then flush with hot water and baking soda.
- Check, and if necessary replace, filters through your home, like those in the air conditioning and furnace.
- Test alarms, like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, home security systems and any other systems to ensure home safety.
- Inspect your fire extinguisher. Replace in necessary.
- Inspect electrical cords/wiring for wear, but don’t fix these issues yourself. If you see wear, contact your local electrician to ensure safety and proper repairs.
Winter Checklist
Frozen, cold, winter wonderland. While winter can be beautiful, it’s also hard on your home. Frozen pipes and roof damage are just the beginning of your winter-related problems. Keeping an eye on your home is even more important during this season.
- Cover your air conditioning unit.
- Check your basement for leaks, especially if your pipes freeze during frigid temperatures.
- Inspect your roof after harsh storms for damage.
- Check gutters and downspouts for any damage throughout the season.
Spring Checklist
Spring is one of the best times of the year. The trees bloom, flowers blossom and the harshness of winter is shaken away. But for homeowners, spring is also a time to prepare for the heat of summer.
- Change the air conditioner filter.
- Inspect the exterior of your home (roof, siding, windows) for winter-related damage.
- Powerwash outdoor furniture, siding and windows.
- Flush your hot water heater.
- Remove the insulation from exterior plumbing.
- Fertilize your lawn.
- Schedule air conditioning system inspection for late spring/early summer.
- Schedule inspection from your local electrician to ensure your systems are functioning properly after winter. (Learn more about why this is important.)
- If you have a septic tank, have a professional inspect and pump it.
Summer Checklist
For most people, summer is the best part of the year. Vacations and beautiful days abound. But that doesn’t mean you can neglect your home. Summer maintenance is crucial to the health of your home.
- Clean refrigerator and freezer coils.
- Vacuum dryer vents for any lingering lint.
- Seal tile grout.
- Clean your kitchen exhaust fan.
- Check for leaks in your appliances, like the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Keep up with any yard work, like mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs.
- Schedule heating system inspection for the upcoming fall.
Fall Checklist
Fall is the perfect time to prep for the harshest season of all: winter. Completing your fall home maintenance to-do list will make the holiday season easier for you and your family.
- Inspect fireplace for damage and clean properly.
- Check the roof for any missing shingles or damage.
- Properly clean your gutters and downspouts of all fallen leaves and debris (or hire a professional to do so).
- Winterize exterior plumbing by wrapping facets and exposed pipes in insulation.
- Replace batteries in any detectors (smoke and carbon monoxide).
- Check water heater for any damage or leaks.
- Schedule an electrical inspection to ensure all systems are functioning properly prior to winter.
Ready to get started? Our team of experienced, licensed electricians is here to help you. Schedule an inspection today by contacting us.
