Home Maintenance 101: Seasonal Tips to Keep Your Home in Top Shape
Renovating your home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Once you've achieved your dream space, it’s essential to maintain it so that it continues to look and function at its best. By following a few seasonal maintenance tips, you can protect your home and its renovations from wear and tear and keep your home looking fresh year-round. Here’s a season-by-season guide to caring for your upgraded spaces.
Spring: Refresh and Inspect
Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to inspect your home and address any wear and tear from the colder months. Spring cleaning doesn’t just mean tidying up; it also involves tackling maintenance tasks like checking your gutters, freshening up landscaping, and preparing outdoor spaces for warmer days. By taking the time to assess your home in the spring, you’ll be setting it up for a season of enjoyment and ensuring that all the improvements you've made stay in top shape.
Clean and Check Windows: After a season of snow, ice, and rain, your windows will need a good cleaning. This is also a great time to check for any cracks in the glass, broken seals, or signs of condensation between panes. Fixing any window related issues can not only help you maintain your home, but can also help save you money and make your home more energy efficient.
Inspect and Clean Gutters: Leaves and debris from winter storms can clog up your gutters, leading to water damage. Clearing out your gutters can help ensure they’re functioning properly and that water is traveling away from your home instead of pooling up and causing potential leaks.
Examine the Roof: Winter can be tough on your roof with harsher weather, so check for any missing shingles or other damage. Fixing small issues early on can prevent more significant repairs down the road, and that also means saving you money from large repairs too!
Outdoor Spaces: Refresh your deck and/or patio by power washing the floor and also inspect it for any loose boards or cracks. A fresh coat of sealant can also help keep these spaces in great condition through the rest of the year.
Summer: Keep It Cool
As temperatures rise, your home may require a bit more TLC to stay comfortable and energy-efficient. The summer months bring longer days and more sunlight, which can increase indoor temperatures and strain cooling systems. Simple maintenance steps can help keep your home cool without a high energy bill. It's also an ideal season to make improvements to your outdoor spaces, creating shaded areas and optimizing your landscaping to naturally cool your home. Small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your space enjoyable all summer long.
HVAC Maintenance: Schedule a professional HVAC check up to ensure your cooling system is working efficiently. A well maintained HVAC system can extend its lifespan, improve your indoor air quality, and save you money in the long run from having to overwork your cooling system.
Seal Doors and Windows: Just as you should do in the spring, you should also check for any gaps or drafts around doors and windows during the summer. Sealing these areas will help keep cool air inside and reduce energy costs.
Paint Touch Ups: If you’ve done interior or exterior painting on your home, the summer months are a good time to touch up any areas that may need a refresh from the spring showers. Warmer, dry weather is a perfect condition for paint to adhere well.
Watering Systems: If you’ve added landscaping to your home, make sure your plants are getting an adequate water supply. Installing a drip irrigation or adjusting sprinkler systems can keep your lawn and landscaping lush without wasting water.
Fall: Prep for Cold Weather
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Fall is the ideal season for preventative maintenance, allowing you to protect your home from the challenges winter can bring. From checking insulation and sealing drafts to winterizing outdoor spaces, a few proactive steps now can help you avoid energy loss, costly repairs, and winter weather-related damage. Prepping your home during the fall not only keeps your indoor spaces warm and cozy but also protects your investment and ensures your home and its renovations stand the test of time through every season.
Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture: Protect your outdoor space by cleaning and storing patio furniture before the frost hits. If possible, cover larger pieces with waterproof covers or move them to a sheltered space, like a garage or shed, to avoid exposure to frost, snow, and rain. This simple but essential process will help keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh and ready to enjoy for years to come.
Chimney and Fireplace Check: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, fall is the best time to have it professionally inspected and cleaned to ensure safe, efficient operation throughout the colder months. Over time, creosote and soot can build up in the chimney, creating a highly flammable residue that poses a fire hazard. A certified chimney sweep can remove these deposits, inspect for any cracks or structural damage, and check for obstructions, like nests or debris, that may block airflow.
Check Insulation: Good insulation is key to keeping your home cozy and energy efficient through winter. Look for any drafts or areas where heat could escape, and consider adding weather stripping or additional insulation as needed. Yes — that’s right — we’re doing it in the fall too!
Inspect Plumbing: Fall is a great time to insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like garages or outdoors, to prevent them from freezing when temperatures start to drop. Frozen pipes can lead to the pipes bursting, causing severe and costly water damage to your home.
Winter: Protect and Preserve
Even during the colder months, some maintenance is essential to protect your home from the elements. With a bit of planning, winter can be a season of warmth and comfort for you and your home.
Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels: Winter’s cold air often means drier indoor air, which can affect things like wood floors and furniture. Consider using a humidifier to maintain a comfortable moisture level in your home. Not only is it good for your wood pieces, but it can also be beneficial to you!
Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can sometimes bring unexpected power outages as power demand increases. To prepare, consider investing in a backup power solution, like a portable generator or battery backup, to keep essential appliances running and maintain heating. Additionally, make sure your home is equipped with surge protectors to safeguard your electronics from potential power fluctuations.
Protect Flooring: Winter weather often brings in dirt, snow, and ice that can damage your flooring. Using entryway mats and wiping down dirty surfaces can help maintain your floors and keep them looking fresh.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: With increased fireplace use and closed windows, it’s essential to ensure your home is safe. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries as needed. If your home doesn’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, take the time to invest in one, especially if you plan on using your indoor fireplace.
Keep Your Home Happy
Homeownership is a continuous journey that requires ongoing attention and care throughout the year. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the value and integrity of your home, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable place for you and your family. By establishing a seasonal checklist, you can stay on top of critical tasks that prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. From checking smoke detectors and replacing air filters to inspecting your roof and gutters, each step plays a crucial role in keeping your home in optimal condition. Additionally, year-round maintenance allows you to adapt to the changing seasons, addressing specific challenges that arise, such as weather-related wear and tear. By prioritizing maintenance throughout the year, you not only enhance your home’s longevity but also create a comfortable living environment that you can truly call your own.