Keeping up with home maintenance tasks can really start to feel like a full-time job. No sooner have you wrapped up one project than another pops up. Before you know it, your weekends fly by caulking windows, clearing out gutters, and touching up paint over nicks and scratches.
But here’s the good news—staying on top of home maintenance doesn’t need to overwhelm you. The key is sticking to a routine checklist, so you systematically tackle duties without letting anything slip through the cracks.
This article provides a complete home maintenance checklist breaking out tasks by the crucial parts you should strive to maintain to keep your home in fantastic condition all year through. You’ll save money over just handling repairs down the road, too.
Inspect Electrical Systems
Faulty electrical systems pose serious fire and shock risks. Check your electrical systems each season, including:
- Switches
- Outlets
- Fuses
- Ceiling fans
- Surge protectors
Look for loose plugs, frayed cords, flickering lights, or cracked covers. These indicate potential electrical hazards needing electrician repairs.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These detectors safeguard your home against dangerous gases and fires. Test all detectors monthly to make sure they’ll do their job if trouble strikes. Swap batteries once a year.
Smoke detectors older than 10 years likely need replacement. Swap out carbon monoxide detectors every five to seven years, too. Staying current gives you better protection.
Examine the Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts
Your roof endures lots of extreme weather. Inspect and clean all gutters and downspouts seasonally and after storms. Scoop and rinse out packed leaves, sticks, and debris. Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles as well as mold and moisture stains on ceilings. Spotting minor roof damage early makes repairs easier.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees or shrubs growing too close to your home present hazards. Branches can break windows, damage siding, provide pest entryways, or even knock down power lines.
Trim back any branches extending over or touching the house. Prune shrubs near the foundation to allow proper airflow. This prevents mold and moisture damage.
Check the Water Heater
Your water heater runs constantly to supply hot water on demand. Mineral deposits and sediment accumulating inside can make it run inefficiently. Drain and flush water heaters annually to boost performance.
While checking the water heater, inspect hoses and pipes for leaks, too. Drips signal worn gaskets or corroded fittings needing replacement.
Deep Clean the HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of your home’s energy costs typically. Built-up dust, dirt, and crud force HVAC systems to work overtime, inflating bills.
Professional HVAC cleanings every three to five years remove built-up gunk interfering with airflow. Clean HVAC systems circulate air better for improved efficiency and indoor air quality.
Inspect Entryways, Windows, and Doors
Your home’s entryways, windows, and doors take lots of abuse, if not from the elements, then it’s the kids swinging and banging them. Check these twice a year for any issues needing attention, like cracks or holes around frames, damaged weather stripping, sticky locks or latches, and drafts whistling through cracks.
Faulty windows, doors, or entryways give outside air, moisture, and pests an open invite into your home. Address problems right away to prevent further damage.
Stay On Top of Things with This Home Maintenance Checklist
Following this comprehensive home maintenance checklist keeps your house functioning properly year after year. Reach out to skilled contractors for help completing more complex electrical, HVAC, or roof repairs exceeding DIY comfort levels.
Otherwise, tackle routine maintenance tasks yourself using this schedule for smooth homeownership sailing.
