Home Maintenance Calendar

INSPECT AND CLEAN DRYER VENT

Cleaning the duct that connects the back of your dryer to the outside vent won't only improve the unit's efficiency, it can prevent a house fire caused by lint buildup. Purchase a dryer vent cleaning kit and tackle the project in one afternoon.

VACUUM REFRIGERATOR COILS

One little-known fact about your refrigerator is that cleaning the condenser coils located in the back or bottom of the appliance will save energy and keep it in prime working condition.

CHECK YOUR INSULATION

Proper insulation slows the movement of heat between two spaces, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You can purchase inexpensive insulation from your local home improvement store and fill areas where heat might be escaping the attic is a likely suspect.

Fire and carbon monoxide safety

Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good working order. Press the “test” button and replace batteries if needed.

Be sure all your circuits are properly grounded

If you have breakers tripping and fuses blowing on a regular basis, have an electrician take a look. Make sure to exercise them by turning each one on and off.

Clean your kitchen exhaust fans

Exhaust fans help remove steam and odors when you’re cooking. They should be cleaned monthly to avoid grease buildup.

File for Homestead

Don’t forget to file for homestead exemption before March 1st.

Inspect your home’s exterior

Start by searching for cracks in the concrete around your home, including on the driveway. Check for water pooling around the foundation as well. Any issues you find should be dealt with immediately. Seal any cracks to prevent moisture intrusion and to improve energy efficiency.

Head onto the roof

Inspect your roof for signs of loose or broken shingles, even if you’re not experiencing leaks in your home.

Clean Garbage Disposal

Use vinegar ice cubes to clean, deodorize, and sharpen blades.

Tree health inspection

If you’re lucky enough to have large, mature trees on your property, have them inspected by a certified arborist. They will check for signs of illness or dead branches, and catch problems before they escalate and kill a tree. A dead or dying tree poses a safety hazard to you, your home, and neighboring properties. 

hvac service

Have a professional inspect and service your A/C to maintain performance and efficiency; particularly before Summer. Replace your filter.

Spring yard cleanup

Start by raking up any leaves in the yard. Next, lay down mulch in your flower beds and beneath hedges to protect plants from the summer, and to keep weeds at bay. Turn your outside faucets and sprinklers back on and check for damage.

Reseed the lawn

Fill in bald patches before the summer heat. Later in the spring, when the grass turns bright green again, you’ll want to fertilize to promote healthy growth.

Clean the gutters

Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned twice a year, so we’ll remind you again in the fall. Clear away any debris that may have collected to ensure that any last spring rain can flow freely away from your home’s foundation. This helps to avoid standing water, roof leaks, and mosquito breeding.

Inspect Drainage + Grading

To ensure water flows away from the home (especially important during rain season.)

Pressure wash your home

Maintain exterior, to prevent mold and staining.

Paint the exterior

Once your home’s exterior is nice and clean, look for signs of peeling or chipping paint. You may need a touch-up or a fresh coat. If you plan to hire a professional, schedule the job now so the work gets done by the end of the summer.

Inspect and refinish Pavers

Look for loose or cracked pavers and consider resealing if necessary.

Ensure Pool Maintenance

Check for cracks or excessive drainage. 

Clean the grill

It’s easy to do and your food will taste even better.

Ceiling fans

Reverse the setting on your ceiling fans counterclockwise. This pushes the air down, creating a nice breeze.

Seal windows and doors

Check weather stripping around windows and doors and replace if necessary to help keep the cool air in.

Conduct pest control

Warm weather brings out (and in) bugs and pests. Block all potential entrances to attic and crawl spaces with durable materials like wire mesh or sheet metal, and seal all cracks and openings in your home’s exterior, including holes for wiring. A persistent animal can widen almost any crevice or opening. 

Reduce fire risk indoors

Check for frayed cords and wires around your home. Clean the stove and oven to help prevent kitchen fires, and be sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby that has not expired. Check smoke detectors (for the second time this year) to ensure they’re working properly. In the garage, keep all combustible materials like paint and gasoline in their original containers.

Establish a family emergency plan

What are the best escape routes from your home if there is a fire? Where will you meet if you need to evacuate quickly and not everyone is at home? Discuss the plan with everyone in the family and make sure young children know how to dial 911 if needed. Check your disaster supply kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with items like batteries for flashlights, canned food, bottled water, medicines, a battery-powered radio, and a first-aid kit.

Repair drywall

Drywall can get damaged during the bumps and scrapes of life, but repairs can be a fairly simple DIY job. Scrape away loose debris near small holes and dents, then fill with a fast-drying spackling compound. Larger holes may need a mesh or drywall patch. 

Inspect hardware

Fix squeaky door hinges, handles, and loose locks. A squirt of WD-40 should do the trick.

Check for leaks

Inspect pipes under sinks and around toilets; use a flashlight for hard-to-see areas. Examine your ceiling for stains that could indicate water leaks. Consider taking photos for comparison. 

Replace refrigerator filter

Make sure to do this as often as needed depending on the type of waterbfilter your fridge requires.

Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

Even if they are functioning during tests, replace batteries annually.

Service your dishwasher

Clean the filter inside your dishwasher to remove food and grime. Wipe down the doors and seals.

Service your heating/air system

Test your thermostat to make sure it works properly and make sure heating vents are open and unblocked. Get heating ducts cleaned and serviced before the busy season. 

Garage door maintenance

Whether your garage door raises manually or electronically, you’ll need to lubricate the rollers and tracks to ensure they’re operating properly. 

Examine your foundation

Take a walk around your home to check the foundation for cracks. 

Clear dryer vent

Clear out lint and dust to prevent potential fire hazards.

Schedule annual home inspection

Catch potential roof and attic issues early.

Inspect your sump pump

Ensure it’s in good working order before rain causes a rise in groundwater.

HVAC Service

Have a professional inspect and service your A/C to maintain performance and efficiency; particularly before Summer. Replace your filter.

Rake, aerate, and mulch

Raking away leaves and aerating your lawn will prevent mold, ensure it can breathe, and that its roots can grow deeply. Adding mulch around vulnerable plants and shrubs is a great way to protect your landscape from the winter elements.

Clean your gutters

Now that the majority of the leaves are off the trees, it’s time to clean your gutters for the second time this year. Any repairs that need to be done on the gutters or downspouts should happen before winter sets in. While you’re up there, look for and fix any damaged or broken tiles on the roof.

Order a termite inspection

Make sure you are free from termites, catching this early can prevent severe damage.

Flush the water heater

Don’t get stuck having to take cold showers this winter. Flushing your water heater removes sediment and improves its lifespan and efficiency. This should be done at least once a year — twice if you have more than four people in your household. Attach a hose and open the bottom valve to flush sediment buildup.

Change fan rotation

Changing the rotation of your ceiling fans in winter helps drive warm air down from the ceiling. 

perform a plumbing check

Flush toilets and run all sinks and showers, checking for leaks, especially on rarely used faucets.