Keeping up with home maintenance can be a daunting task. From checking your air filters to inspecting the roof and everything in between, it can seem like there's an endless list of things that need to be done. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Learn more in this blog post and get the inside scoop on 10 steps you should take to keep your home running smoothly.
Introduction To Home Maintenance
Your home is likely your biggest investment, so protecting it with regular maintenance is important. By keeping up with routine tasks, you can avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
Not sure where to start? This home maintenance checklist will help you get organized and keep your house running smoothly:
1. Inspect the roof and gutters. Look for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles, as well as any rust spots on gutters or downspouts. If you have a two-story home, use binoculars to get a better view.
2. Clean out the gutters. Remove all leaves, dirt, and debris to prevent clogs and water damage.
3. Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary and schedule an annual inspection with a professional.
4. Check exterior doors and windows for drafts. Caulk or weather strip around any areas that feel drafty.
5. Inspect the HVAC system. Replace filters and schedule an annual tune-up with a professional contractor.
6. Flush the water heater tank. This will remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.
7 Drain a cup of water from each radiator to check for rusty water (indicating a leak). Add coolant to the radiator if needed
Home Maintenance Checklist:
Assuming you just bought a home or are new to homeownership, welcome! Maintaining your home can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Use this checklist as a guideline for the bare minimum of monthly, seasonal, and yearly tasks to keep your home running smoothly.
-Home Maintenance Monthly Tasks:
1.Inspect gutters and downspouts for clogs and debris
3.Check doors and windows for drafts
4.Vacuum refrigerator coils (behind or underneath the fridge)
5. Clean lint trap on dryer
-Home Maintenance Seasonal Tasks:
6.Inspect and clean chimney
8.Drain water heater (if applicable) and add fresh water
9. Replace furnace filter(s) Check weatherstripping around doors and windows
-Home Maintenance Yearly Tasks:
10. Have septic system pumped out every 3-5 years (more frequently if necessary) Flush hot water tank with vinegar annually
Home Maintenance Tip 1- Inspect Your Plumbing System
Your home’s plumbing system is one of the most important systems in your house. It is responsible for delivering clean water to your fixtures and appliances and removing waste water from your home. A well-maintained plumbing system will keep your home running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
To keep your plumbing system in top condition, it is important to inspect it regularly. Once a month, check all of your fixtures and faucets to make sure they are functioning properly. Look for any leaks or drips and repair them promptly. Inspect all of the exposed pipes in your home, including under sinks and in crawl spaces, for any signs of damage or leaks.
If you have a septic tank, be sure to have it pumped and inspected regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help prevent expensive repairs or even replacement of the tank down the road.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly for years to come, making home maintenance a breeze.
Home Maintenance Tip 2- Check Your HVAC System
Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most important components to keeping your home comfortable all year long. That’s why it’s important to check your HVAC system regularly and perform any necessary maintenance.
To do a basic check of your HVAC system, start by checking the air filter. A clean air filter will help your system run more efficiently and can help prolong its life. If the air filter is dirty, simply replace it with a new one.
Next, take a look at the vents and registers to make sure they are not blocked by furniture or other objects. If they are blocked, this can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than necessary.
Finally, listen for any strange noises coming from the unit itself. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it could be an indication of a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly for years to come.
Home Maintenance Tip 3- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It's important to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they are working properly. Here's how:
- Test smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Vacuum around the detector to remove any dust or cobwebs.
- If your smoke detector is more than 10 years old, replace it with a new one.
Home Maintenance Tip 4- Clean Dryer Vents and Filter
Dryer vents and filters should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent fires and keep your dryer running efficiently. To clean your dryer vents, start by unplugging your dryer and disconnecting the vent from the back of the dryer. Then, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove any lint and debris from the vent. Next, clean the lint trap on your dryer and vacuum out the inside of the dryer. Finally, reattach the vent and plug in your dryer.
To clean your dryer filter, start by removing the filter from your dryer. then, rinse the filter with warm water and soap to remove any build-up. Allow the filter to air dry completely before putting it back in your dryer.
Home Maintenance Tip 5- Change Air Filters Regularly
One of the most important home maintenance steps on your home maintenance checklist is to change your air filters regularly. Depending on the type of air filter you have, you should change it every 1-3 months. This will help ensure that your air conditioner or furnace is running efficiently and help eliminate any indoor air pollution.
Home Maintenance Tip 6- Replace Batteries in Remote Devices
It's easy to forget about the batteries in our remote devices, but they play a crucial role in keeping our homes running smoothly. Here are some tips for replacing batteries in your remote devices:
- Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific device. This will ensure that you are using the correct type of battery.
- Use a gentle hand when removing and installing batteries. This will help to avoid damaging the delicate electronic components inside the device.
- Keep a spare set of batteries on hand so that you can replace them as soon as they start to die. This will help to avoid any interruption in service.
Home Maintenance Tip 7- Clean Gutters and Drains Regularly
Your home’s gutters and drains are essential for keeping water away from your foundation and preventing flooding. As part of your home maintenance routine, clean your gutters and drains regularly to prevent build-up and ensure they’re functioning properly.
Start by clearing any debris, such as leaves or sticks, from your gutters. Use a hose to flush out the gutters, paying special attention to any areas that seem to be clogged. If you have any downspouts, make sure they’re clear as well so water can flow freely through them.
Next, clean your drains – both inside and outside your home. For drainpipes under sinks or in other tight spaces, use a plunger or plumber’s snake to remove any blockages. Outside drainpipes can usually be cleared with a hose; just direct the stream of water into the pipe until it runs clear.
Regularly cleaning your gutters and drains is an important part of keeping your home in good condition. By taking this simple step, you can help avoid costly repairs down the road.
Home Maintenance Tip 8- Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) Outlets
If you have GFCI outlets in your home, it's important to test them regularly to ensure they are working properly. To test a GFCI outlet, simply plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on. Then, press the "test" button on the outlet. The lamp should go out. If it doesn't, the outlet is not working properly and should be replaced.
Your home is one of your most valuable assets, so it’s important to do your home maintenance. To help keep your home in tip-top shape, we’ve put together a home maintenance checklist with everything you need to do to keep your home running smoothly.
1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts - Clean gutters and downspouts are crucial for keeping water away from your home’s foundation. Be sure to clean them out at least once a year, and more often if you have trees nearby that drop leaves or other debris into them.
2. Inspect Your Roof - Your roof is what protects your home from the elements, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any damage or potential problems. If you have a shingled roof, be sure to check for any loose or missing shingles, and repair or replace them as needed. If you have a metal roof, look for any rust spots and make sure all the seams are sealed tight.
3. Test Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are vital for keeping your family safe from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them monthly to ensure they’re working properly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.
4. Check Your Home’s Exterior - Take a walk around the outside of your home periodically to look for any damage or areas that need.