Depending on where you live and what type of home you live in, home maintenance tasks can be different for everyone. There are plenty of home maintenance tasks that we naturally do, but others we may forget from time to time. Some tasks we may not have even thought of or know how often to do them.
Monthly Home Maintenance
Deep Clean
There’s the daily cleaning like sweeping, doing the dishes, and making up the bed. Then there’s the weekly cleaning like laundry, which can be a daily chore for some. Everyone’s home, family size, and cleaning schedules are different, so daily and weekly chores can become blurred. However, it is good to do a deep clean every month. This includes things like cleaning areas behind large appliances, cleaning blinds and shutters, cabinets, doors— usually things you don’t think of cleaning daily or weekly.
Unclog Drains/Garbage Disposal
This includes all sinks, bathtubs, and even toilets. Check for any signs of minor problems or slow drainage, as minor problems can be fixed without a professional. Of course, if the problem seems bigger than you can handle, call a plumber.
Replace HVAC Filters
Sometimes our heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems seem to be running slow, or not at all— especially during the summer months. Unless you are looking to become a professional HVAC contractor, or already are one, the most maintenance on these we can do ourselves is changing the filter every month. This should help your air conditioner run smoothly.
Spring and Summer Maintenance
It’s a no-brainer that warmer weather is on the way during the spring and summer, and your house needs to be prepared. Here are a few ways to prepare your home for the summer and spring.
Service Your HVAC (Air Conditioning) Unit
While you should be replacing the filter every month, it’s good to get it serviced before the warmer months of the year arrive. HVAC technicians are pretty busy in the summer, so you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is in good working order.
Inspect Your Roof
If you live in colder climates, then transitioning from winter to spring can mean that it has snowed in your area. Snow can pile up on rooftops, which can cause roof damage and even water damage. Spring usually brings a lot of rain, so it’s best to inspect your roof as the weather warms up. If you notice any signs of damage, then it’s best to call a professional.
Inspect Your Driveway and Foundation
Now is also a good time to do a thorough check of the outside of your home. Look for minor and major cracks, though major cracks should be inspected by a professional.
Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Did you know that in the summer, your ceiling fans should be spinning counterclockwise? This is because a counterclockwise rotation pushes cold air down. This can be done by using the directional switch on the motor.
Fall and Winter Maintenance
Service Your HVAC (Heating) Unit
Now that the temperatures are beginning to drop, you’ll want to make sure that your heating system is functioning properly. HVAC technicians are also pretty busy in the colder months.
Schedule a Chimney Sweep
If you have a fireplace that you use regularly during the colder months, you’ll want to make sure that your chimney is clear of debris. Buildup in a chimney is subject to catching fire every time you light a fire in your fireplace.
Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans, Again
In the wintertime, make sure that your ceiling fans are switched from counterclockwise to a clockwise rotation.
Depending on where you live, these tasks may need to take place more or less often. Other tasks that can be done every season are cleaning out the gutters, checking for unwanted critters, and testing your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.