Helpful Home Maintenance Tips

Home ownership requires lots of time and labor – and the daily chores are just the tip of the iceberg. Just as your car need regular maintenance like an oil change, your home also needs some regular care and maintenance.

Thankfully, most of the maintenance can be done on your own. Here’s a helpful list of reminders – a variety of things you can do to keep your home in tip top shape.

Monthly Tasks

[   ] Inspect and replace HVAC filters (as needed) 

Experts recommend changing filters monthly - but smaller families and those without pets may find filters stay clean for 2-3 months. Check regularly - if a filter is dirty, change it.

[   ] Clean kitchen sink disposal 

Vinegar is a great way to keep your disposal clean. Try making some vinegar ice cubes and just run them through the disposal. The vinegar provides a fresh clean smell while the ice helps sharpen the blades.

[   ] Clean range hood filters

Yes, there is a filter above the range – and it’s likely full of grease and grime. Take off the filter, rinse it with a degreaser and put put it back.

[   ] Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) 

Be sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible – check the gauge to ensure it has adequate pressure and check for signs of wear & tear.

Quarterly Tasks

[   ] Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors

Your detectors should have a “test” button. If the alarm sounds, it’s working. If not, replace the batteries and test again. If it still doesn’t sound, try cleaning the battery terminals and try again.

[   ] Test garage door

Federal law mandates all garage doors to have an auto reverse mode. Test by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. You can also test the photo-electric sensors by placing something in front of them. Spray the rollers with a lubricant to keep them running smoothly and quietly.

[   ] Check water softener

Add salt to your water softener, as needed. 

Bi-annual Tasks

[   ] Test hot water tank’s pressure relief valve

This will prevent mineral and corrosion buildup and help safeguard against leaks. It will also help your heater run more efficiently.

[   ] Give your house a thorough, deep cleaning

Take a day every six month and give the whole house a good, deep clean. Clean the appliances, windows, ceiling fans, and every other nook and cranny. Don’t let that dirt/grime/dust build up over time.

[   ] Check your refrigerator coils

The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home’s total power, so keep it running at peak efficiency by vacuuming the coils on the back of the unit.

[   ] Touch up paint

Get out the paint and touch up walls, doors, window frames and other areas to cover up dirt, marks, scrapes and chips.

Spring Cleaning!

Spring is a big month for home maintenance. This is a great time to focus on the exterior of your home as you prepare for summer heat and humidity.

[   ] Check the exterior drainage

Summer is rainy season in Florida, so ensure the rain water will flow away from the house. Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. If you have standing water, check your gutters and downspouts, or you can grade the area so the water drains away more efficiently.

[   ] Inspect the exterior of your home 

Is any paint chipping? Is any siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick or stucco? Make any repairs as needed. Also check the foundation for any cracks and repair with a good silicone/caulk.

[   ] Check your air conditioning system

Consider having an AC service check by a licensed professional. Also clean any grass, bushes or debris away from the unit.

[   ] Repair/replace damaged window screens 

[   ] Clear plants/shrubs from the house 

[   ] Check trees for interference with electric lines 

Summer Cleaning

[   ] Check grout

Inspect grout in bathrooms, kitchen, and repair as needed. 

[   ] Inspect plumbing

Look for leaks, and clean aerators on faucets. Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks

[   ] Check for insects

Check for ants, spiders, wasps, moths, etc. as are all common. Sweep the cobwebs, use ant killer and make sure all doors and windows close tightly.

[   ] Clean and repair deck/patio as needed

If nothing else, give your outside living area a good washing. 

[   ] Clean out window wells

Clean your windows of dirt, mold and debris.

[   ] Check and clean dryer vent

While the dryer is running, check that the exhaust is coming out. It should smell nicely of fresh laundry. If there isn’t much exhaust, check for blockages. You can also vacuum the lint from the hose at the dryer.

[   ] Clean garage

Cleaning the garage should be a summer ritual. Keeping it clean and tidy will extend its life, and help protect whatever you have stored.

Fall Cleaning

[   ] Flush the hot water heater

This prolongs the life of the heater and helps with efficiency.

[   ] Get chimney cleaned (if you have one) 

[   ] Test your sump pump (if you have one)

[   ] Check driveway/pavement for cracks

Winter Cleaning

Winter is the time to go around the interior of your home and check for any little things you may have overlooked, or perhaps noticed and said, “I’ll get to that later.”

[   ] Test your electricity

Always be extra careful when working with electricity. Check that all outlets work, especially the GFCI outlets.

[   ] Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc.

 Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw.

[   ] Check all locks and deadbolts

Inspect your door and window locks. If anything doesn’t work right, replace.

[   ] Check caulking around showers and bathtubs

Repair as needed.

[   Remove showerheads and clean sediment 

This prolongs its life and helps with wate