Taking care of your home is important all year round. This checklist helps you remember what to do each season to keep everything working well. It includes checking things like your heating in the winter and your air conditioning in the summer. In this article, you’ll find a simple checklist for each season to help you keep your home in good shape all year.
See also: Summer home maintenance tips for 2024
Winter season
Here’s an easy guide for keeping your home in good shape:
Outside your home
Insulation: Check your attic to make sure it’s well-insulated. If needed, add more insulation.
Windows and doors: Seal any gaps around windows and doors to keep drafts out. Use weatherstripping or caulk and replace seals if they’re damaged.
Roof: Look at your roof for any damage, missing shingles, or leaks. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and ice buildup.
Outdoor faucets: Drain outdoor faucets and take off hoses to prevent freezing. You might want to install frost-proof faucets.
HVAC system: Have a professional check your heating and cooling system. Clean or replace air filters and check the thermostat.
Inside your home
Heating system: Remove air pockets from radiators for even heating. Check your furnace or boiler for issues and clean or replace the filter.
Plumbing: Insulate pipes to keep them from freezing. Let faucets drip a little if it’s very cold and fix any leaks.
Fireplaces and stoves: Have chimneys cleaned and checked once a year. Ensure there’s proper ventilation around them.
Batteries: Change batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights.
Emergency supplies: Put together an emergency kit with food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
Spring season
Here’s a simple checklist for getting your home ready for spring:
Outside your home
Landscaping: Clean up leaves and debris from your lawn and garden. Trim trees and bushes, fertilise the lawn, and plant new flowers and shrubs.
Exterior cleaning: Use a pressure washer on your siding, decks, and patios. Clean out gutters and downspouts. Check your roof for any damage and fix it if needed.
Outdoor furniture: Clean and repair outdoor furniture. Apply a protective sealant if necessary.
Pest Control: Look for signs of pests like termites or ants and take steps to prevent them.
Driveway and sidewalks: Check for cracks or damage and repair if needed.
Chimney: Make sure it’s clean and clear before summer.
Pool or spa: Clean and prepare your pool or spa for use.
Inside your home
Spring cleaning: Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Wash windows and curtains. Declutter and organise your belongings.
HVAC system: Change the air filter and schedule a tune-up. Check that the thermostat is working properly.
Plumbing: Look for and fix any leaks. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ventilation: Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and reduce indoor pollutants.
Summer prep: Stock up on summer essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and pool supplies.
Summer season
Outside your home
Landscaping: Water your lawn and garden regularly, especially during dry spells. Mow the lawn often and keep it at a good height. Trim trees and bushes as needed. Remove weeds from your garden and flower beds.
Exterior cleaning: Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages. Check your roof for damage and fix any problems. Use a pressure washer on siding, decks, and patios. Clean outdoor furniture and grills.
Pest control: Look for pests like termites, ants, or rodents and take steps to prevent them.
Pool or spa maintenance: Clean and maintain your pool or spa following the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the water regularly and make sure the filtration and circulation systems are working well.
Power outages: Have a backup generator or emergency plan ready.
Protect Electronics: Unplug electronics during severe storms to prevent damage from power surges.
Inside your home
HVAC system: Change the air filter regularly. Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up. Make sure your ventilation and cooling are working properly.
Plumbing: Check for leaks and fix them right away. Insulate hot water pipes to avoid burns.
Windows and doors: Make sure windows and doors are sealed well to prevent drafts and save energy. Consider adding window film to reduce heat.
Ventilation: Open windows and doors to help air flow and reduce humidity. Use fans to increase airflow.
Mould: Check for signs of mould, especially if humidity levels are high.
Dryer vents: Clean lint from dryer vents to prevent fire hazards.
Paint touch-ups: Fix any peeling or chipping paint.
Monsoon/rainy season
Outside your home
Roof: Check your roof for leaks, damage, or loose tiles. Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid clogs. Think about installing gutter guards to keep debris out.
Drainage: Make sure your drainage system works properly. Clear any blockages in drains or gutters. Consider adding a French drain or swale to move water away from your home.
Walls: Look for cracks or water seepage on exterior walls. Repair any damage quickly. Apply waterproofing coatings if needed.
Foundation: Inspect the foundation for cracks or signs of settling. Fix any issues right away to prevent further damage.
Power outages: Have a backup generator or an emergency plan ready. Protect electronics by covering them during heavy rain.
Inside your home
Moisture control: Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels low. Open windows and doors on dry days to improve air flow. Look for mould or mildew and fix any problems quickly.
Plumbing: Check for leaks in pipes and faucets. Make sure bathrooms are well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup. You might want to install a water purifier to clean your drinking water.
Electrical safety: Keep electrical appliances away from water. Unplug electronics during severe storms. Have your electrical wiring checked regularly.
Stay informed: Keep up with local weather forecasts and be ready for severe weather.
Home insurance: Make sure your home insurance covers water damage.
FAQs
Cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors that won't close properly, and water pooling around the foundation.
Clean gutters, rake leaves, winterize outdoor faucets, and have your HVAC system inspected.
Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors, keep food areas clean, and consider professional pest control services.
Water heaters typically last 8-12 years. If yours is older than that, it may be time for a replacement.
Musty odour, unexplained increase in water bills, wet spots on the ceiling or walls, and the sound of running water when no faucets are on.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children, don't overload electrical outlets, and have a fire extinguisher readily available.
Have a professional pest inspection done regularly, seal cracks and gaps around your home, and consider using termite-resistant materials. What are some common signs of foundation problems?
What are some tips for fall home maintenance?
How can I prevent pests from entering my home?
How often should I replace my water heater?
What are some common signs of a plumbing leak?
What are some tips for preventing home fires?
How can I prevent pests like termites from damaging my home?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Sanskrati Gupta is an economics student at Delhi University with a strong interest in the housing market. She unpacks the complexities of the housing market, translating them into clear and informative articles for our readers. Sanskrati remains current on global issues, ensuring her writing provides a unique perspective on the housing industry.
