Seasonal Maintenance & Projects
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Most homeowners are aware that along with the joys of their major purchase comes significant responsibility. One important task is maintaining the interior and exterior of their property throughout the seasons. Remaining up-to-date with seasonal maintenance projects can reduce unnecessary wear and tear on a house and save money that would otherwise be spent on avoidable repairs. By following a seasonal schedule, property owners are more likely to detect potential problems like roof leaks or HVAC issues before the need for a major repair develops. In addition, there are other household tasks that can be incorporated into a seasonal maintenance schedule to help homeowners keep their home safe and in its best condition.
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Autumn
Fall is the time to prepare for the upcoming winter season and a likely increase in the amount of time that will be spent indoors. Homes that have a fireplace should have the chimney inspected to address cracks and other issues that may cause a fire hazard or present health risks. Furnaces should also be professionally inspected at this time to ensure proper function and to minimize the risk of a potentially fatal gas leak. Along with having heating appliances inspected, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should also be tested and replaced if defective. People who live in snowy climates should test their snow blowers to ensure proper function before the first snowfall. In many areas, the fall season brings storms, so early fall is the time to install or close storm windows.
Winter
The winter season is all about making a home's interior comfortable. Air filters and HVAC filters should be cleaned or changed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Appliances should be cleaned to ensure efficient function, which can help save on energy costs. On the home's exterior, covering the air conditioner unit will help protect it from the elements, and window air conditioning units should be removed.
Spring
When spring arrives, a homeowners' focus typically shifts to preparing for rain showers. Outdoor tasks include clearing gutters and downspouts and inspecting the roof for cracks and other damage that may have occurred during fall and winter. The moderate, warmer weather also makes spring an excellent time to touch up exterior paint, wash windows and ensure that all window and door screens are in satisfactory shape. It is also the time to apply fertilizer to the lawn and trim hedges to create healthy, attractive landscaping for the warmer months. Testing and changing batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, dusting blinds, vacuuming curtains and testing the basement sump pump are all indoor tasks that should be tackled during this season.
Summer
During the warmest months of the year, many homeowners are busy keeping their yards watered and maintained. At this point, most people are also preparing to use their air conditioning units, so protective covers should be removed. Window units that were removed during the colder months should be put back into place. Indoor tasks include changing HVAC filters, cleaning kitchen appliances and draining or flushing the water heater if applicable.
While each season brings a different set of maintenance tasks that must be done, there is also overlap among tasks that must be completed biannually. Planning maintenance according to the seasons can help homeowners remember to clean appliances, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change air filters in addition to ensuring that the property is always prepared to face the upcoming season.
Last updated on May 2, 2017
