Owning a home is a significant investment that calls for ongoing upkeep. It also ensures that you and your family are as safe and healthy as possible while residing there. Maintaining a monthly home maintenance checklist is crucial for keeping your home operating efficiently, reducing risk, lowering energy costs, enhancing curb appeal, and maintaining or raising your home’s resale value.
Following the seasons can help you organize a potentially overwhelming, lengthy list of tasks into manageable monthly home maintenance checklists, and strategically observing weather changes can make some tasks more manageable, depending on when you complete them. It can also help you decide when to schedule professional home maintenance services or Home Inspections Cherokee County and buy appliances at the best prices when new models are released or go on sale.
Spring
The gutters
Your gutters regulate the amount of precipitation that enters your home, safeguarding the foundation, siding, and roof. Clogged gutters might result in a leaking roof or water intrusion in your home. At least twice a year, clean them (or more frequently). Check for damage as well.
Depending on the size of your home, you can also hire a professional gutter cleaner, which Angie’s List estimates will run you between $75 and $225.
Paint
Besides looking good, exterior paint shields your shingles against rot and water damage. Look for paint that is starting to peel or chip. You might require a fresh coat or a touch-up. If you intend to work with a professional, plan a spring project to finish by the end of the summer.
Patio or deck
Your deck probably has a layer of grime from the winter, so you might not use it. This will require you to clean it thoroughly. Check your deck for loose nails and indications of damaged wood. In between the boards, remove any leaves or other debris. Afterward, carefully clean it.
HVAC systems
Call your HVAC professional to set up the system’s twice-yearly inspection and maintenance for homes with central heating and air conditioning. A technician should clean and service the furnace and A/C compressor and inspect the ductwork for any signs of damage. Also, clean the vents in the bathroom. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for homeowners to clean their ducts and vents is $348.
Summer
Bugs and other pests
A spray can and a thorough area cleaning may be sufficient to control some infestations, such as a single ant trail. Others, like termites, necessitate expert help. According to HomeAdvisor, a single visit from a pest control provider might cost between $300 and $550. Furthermore, if you have a persistent pest issue, such as mice, you might sign an annual contract with a monthly price of about $40 to $45.
Pool
Make every effort to keep your pool clean. You may frequently skim the surface to keep leaves and other debris out of the water. Furthermore, to prevent algae formation, scrub the sides once or twice a month. Every week, check the chemical levels and filter the basket. Observe the water level as well.
Air-conditioning
Whether you have a window or central air conditioning, you should clean your filters at least once a month, especially if you’ve been using the A/C frequently.
Fall
Boilers and radiators
The boiler is the tank that stores and heats the water for dwellings heated with steam. Make a call to the plumber for a yearly inspection. To get rid of sediment that has accumulated and settled in the tank, you should also drain the water from the boiler. Before switching it on, ensure the tank is full again. A plumber or heating expert can also examine your radiators to ensure that the valves are in good condition and have not worn out. Likewise, check your thermostat.
Dryer vent
According to the United States Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause 2,900 fires annually, with many of these occurring in the fall and winter. Lint is the main offender, so have an HVAC expert with expertise in ductwork or dryer vents inspect and clean your dryer vent once a year.
Furnace and HVAC
Get your ducting and furnace serviced. A clean system will use less energy, and a Cherokee County Home Inspection will reveal any issues. When necessary, check and replace the air filters. Make sure your thermostat is functioning properly by testing it. Verify that the heating vents are unobstructed and open.
Winter
Heating systems
Your heating system’s filters should be checked and changed as often as once a month or twice a year. Ensure the water levels in your boiler do not go too low by inspecting them.
Frozen Pipes
Water expands when it freezes in pipes, causing damage or line cracking. If the pipe bursts due to the ice melting, your house will be flooded with water. The pipes closest to the exterior of your homes, such as outdoor faucets, pipes in an unheated garage, or supply lines for swimming pools, are the most vulnerable, so you shall get them inspected before winter arrives. A few tips for this part of maintenance are:
- Before the arrival of the cold weather, turn off and drain outside faucets.
- Where you can, insulate your pipes.
- Keep the cabinets beneath sinks open on chilly days and nights to let warm air through.
- You can turn the faucet on to a slow trickle to keep the water flowing.
- Maintain a constant temperature on the thermostat.
- The American Red Cross advises that you set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees if you are going to be away.
Generator
In a blackout, a portable generator can be your lifeline. Have it serviced twice a year and restarted every three months (even if you never use it). Check it frequently for wear and corrosion. In the case of a storm, keep fuel and motor oil on hand. Avoid letting petrol remain in the tank for extended periods of time because doing so could harm it. Click here.
