Besides homeowners insurance, home maintenance might be the most important thing you can do to protect your home. Regular maintenance helps protect against future damage, improves the efficiency of your home’s systems, and ensures that any small problems can be caught before they become larger.
Here is a general annual home maintenance checklist to help you protect your home:
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
Keeping up with regular home maintenance will help to extend the life of your home and keep it looking its best. Use this checklist as a guide for completing monthly tasks that should be part of your routine:
- Furnace filter: check and replace to ensure efficient HVAC operation.
- Water softener: refill with salt to reduce mineral deposits.
- Faucets and shower aerators: clean to maintain pressure and conserve water.
- Tub and sink drains: inspect to avoid blockages and costly plumbing issues.
- Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and GFCIs: test to guarantee home safety.
- Electrical cords: scan for wear to eliminate the risk of fire.
- Heat registers and vents: vacuum for adequate air circulation.
- Water heater: flush the hot water for improved energy efficiency.
- Garbage disposal: clean to prevent odors.
- Drains: snake and clear out to stop clogs and avoid plumbing problems.
- HVAC filters: examine and change when needed for optimal performance.
- Dishwasher screen: scrub to conserve water.
- Trash cans: wash and sanitize to eliminate bad smells and stop bug infestations.
- Utility bills: analyze for spikes to determine if there are HVAC or appliance issues.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to inspect your home thoroughly and address any damage or wear that occurred during the winter months. Here are some essential tasks to include in your spring home maintenance checklist:
- Inspect the roof for damage: look for signs of leaks, missing or damaged shingles, or other issues.
- Gutters and downspouts: clean them out well to avoid water damage.
- Sprinkler systems: clean them out to protect against any damage caused by frozen pipes.
- Lawn: fertilize to help give it a boost after winter.
- Driveways and walkways: make repairs to avoid trips or falls.
- HVAC system maintenance: replace the AC filter and get a professional to service the system.
- Water heater: drain to remove sediment buildup.
- Extension cords: replace worn cords to prevent electrical fires.
- Plumbing fixtures: check for leaks and ensure the shutoff valves function properly.
- Fire extinguishers: ensure easy access and test that it works as intended.
- Dryer exhaust: clean to reduce the risk of a fire.
- Caulking and weather stripping: look for any signs of deterioration and replace if necessary.
- Window and door screens: clean thoroughly to improve airflow.
- Indoor cleaning: polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures to improve indoor air quality.
- Smoke detectors: inspect and change batteries to ensure they’re working properly.
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on home maintenance tasks. Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run and prevent costly repairs. Here are some essential summer home maintenance tasks:
Garage door opener, hinges, and chain: oil regularly to keep them working efficiently.- Fire safety: clean lint from washer hoses and dryer vents.
- Ventilation: clean exhaust fan filter.
- Refrigerator and freezer: clean coils and drip trays to maximize efficiency.
- Water leaks: check dishwashers, cabinets, toilets, and other sources and monitor to avoid further problems.
- Faucets and showerheads: replace worn-out washers to save water.
- Tile grout: seal to avoid water damage and mold growth.
- Landscape care: trim trees and shrubs.
- Play equipment: inspect for damage and repair if needed.
- Decks and patios: repair or replace deteriorating wood/concrete to prevent further damage.
- Hazardous trees: hire a tree trimmer to remove them.
- Siding: inspect for damage and repair if necessary.
- Window and door locks: ensure they are working properly.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As fall approaches, taking care of your home before winter sets in is essential. Below is a checklist of tasks to ensure your home is ready for the colder months.
- Prepare outdoor pipes for winter: drain and cover sprinkler systems and other water sources to prevent freezing.
- Lawn care: mow, aerate, and winterize the garden. Move plants indoors during cold snaps. Rake leaves and clear gutters.
- Appliance maintenance: clean kitchen appliances before holidays, tune-up major home appliances, empty gas-powered lawn equipment of fuel.
- Fireplace: hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean flues and vents and professionally inspect the fireplace.
- Seal for energy efficiency: caulk/seal around doors and windows, and seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk/weather stripping.
- Swimming Pool: drain, clean, and cover if living in a colder climate.
- HVAC: protect the air conditioning unit with a waterproof cover, clean lint from the dryer exhaust/vent, and inspect/tune up a forced-air heating system.
- Exterior: inspect roofing, mend cracks/gaps in driveway/walkway, power-wash windows/siding, touch up paint, and replace old, drafty windows.
- Safety: replace batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, install smoke detectors on each floor, check cords/wires, inspect door hardware, clean carpets, and clean window/door screens.
- Water Heater: check for leaks.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter is here but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to do some basic home maintenance. The colder temperatures can cause damage if your home is not properly maintained. Here’s a checklist of winter tasks to help keep your home safe and warm during this season:
HVAC: protect your air-conditioning unit by covering it with a waterproof cover to prevent damage from snow and ice buildup.- Basement: check for leaks during thaws to prevent water damage and mold growth.
- Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts: inspect for damage after storms and snow falls to prevent water leaks and ice dams.
- Bathroom exhaust fan: vacuum the grill to keep it functioning properly and prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigerator and freezer: vacuum coils and empty and clean drip trays to improve energy efficiency and prevent odors.
- Drain cleaning: clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers to prevent clogs and backups.
- Electrical holiday decorations: ensure tight connections and that exterior ornaments are labeled for outdoor use to prevent electrical hazards.
- Kitchen exhaust hood: clean the hood and air filter to prevent grease buildup and maintain air quality.
- Water heater: check for leaks and pressure issues and consider installing a leak detector to prevent costly flooding damage.
Homeowners Insurance Can Help with Unexpected Surprises
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to always be prepared for the unexpected. While a home maintenance checklist can help maintain your home and keep it safe, there might be times when unexpected issues arise.
Homeowners insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events, such as floods or fires, helping protect your investment in your home. Additionally, homeowners insurance may cover certain repairs needed due to normal wear and tear of the home’s systems over time.
JMG Insurance Corp has skilled and experienced agents who can help you select the right coverage for your needs. Reach out to us today, either online or at 1-844-304-7332, to get started on finding the right homeowner’s insurance policy for you and your family.
