Regular home maintenance is crucial for keeping your property in good condition. Here’s a DIY home maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of essential tasks throughout the year:
Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks:
Inspect HVAC Filters:
- Check and replace HVAC filters if needed. Clean filters ensure efficient heating and cooling. Keeping an extra filter on hand is an effective way to keep up with this task. Check which filter your system needs and order more on Amazon to have on hand.
Clean Garbage Disposal:
- Run ice cubes and citrus peels through the garbage disposal to keep it clean and fresh. Check under your sink to ensure no leaks have appeared between the garbage disposal and the drain. A quality garbage disposal cleaner tablet is another effective cleaning method.
Quarterly Home Maintenance Tasks:
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test their functionality using the test button on each unit.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers:
- Ensure fire extinguishers are in good condition and haven’t expired. Replace or recharge if necessary.
Clean Faucet Aerators:
- Remove and clean faucet aerators to maintain water flow. Here is a quick video of how this can be done.
Spring Home Maintenance Tasks:
Inspect Roof and Gutters:
- Check for damaged shingles, leaks, check for gutter damage and clean gutters. Trim overhanging branches.
Service HVAC System:
- Schedule professional maintenance for your HVAC system, including air conditioning units.
Clean and Repair Windows:
- Clean windows and inspect for any damaged seals or frames. Repair or replace as needed.
Inspect and Clean Dryer Vent:
- Clean the dryer vent and inspect for any lint buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Here is a great tool for cleaning the dryer vent ducting.
Summer Home Maintenance Tasks:
Pressure Wash the Exterior:
- Pressure wash the exterior of your home, including siding, deck, and patio. Take precautions around openings such as doors, windows, and vents to not get water into your home.
Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors:
- Check for drafts and seal any gaps or crack around windows and doors. Here is a link to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy regarding air leakage in the home.
Test Sprinkler System:
- Ensure your sprinkler system is working correctly and adjust the settings as needed. To help save water make sure sprinklers aren’t spraying onto sidewalk or running longer than necessary.
Fall Home Maintenance Tasks:
Clean and Inspect Chimney
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected before using the fireplace.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Winterize outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. In milder climates
Check Weather Stripping:
- Inspect and replace weather stripping as needed around doors and windows.
Winter Tasks:
Inspect Attic Insulation:
- Check insulation in the attic and consider adding more for energy efficiency.
Test Sump Pump:
- Ensure your sump pump is functioning properly, especially during winter thaw or heavy rain.
Check for Ice Dams:
- Monitor for ice dams on the roof and address any issues immediately to prevent water damage.
Yearly Tasks:
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery:
- Schedule a deep cleaning for carpets and upholstery.
Inspect and Clean Gutters:
- Conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning of gutters in late fall. Gutters may need to be cleaned more often in some areas.
Regularly following this DIY home maintenance checklist will help you identify and address issues before they become major problems, ultimately saving you time and money. Put together a good tool kit to help keep your home in great condition.
