Seasonal home maintenance tips

As the seasons change, homes face unique maintenance challenges. Whether it's prepping for cold winter temperatures or gearing up for the heat of summer, following a proactive maintenance routine can extend the life of your home, increase energy efficiency, and prevent costly repairs.

Let’s dive into some actionable seasonal tips, focusing on what to prioritize for winter and summer preparations.

Part 1: Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter brings challenges like freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, all of which can affect your home's structure and systems.

By completing these preventative tasks, you can protect your home and keep it running smoothly.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System

Why It’s Important: Heating systems, including furnaces and boilers, work hard during winter months.

Regular maintenance ensures efficiency and can prevent breakdowns during the coldest days.

• Action Steps:

  • Replace or clean furnace filters.

  • Hire a professional to inspect and service your furnace, boiler, or heat pump.

  • Check your thermostat settings and ensure it’s set to a comfortable, energy-efficient level.

  • If you have baseboard heaters or radiators, clear any obstructions to maximize airflow.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Why It’s Important: Drafty windows and doors allow cold air to seep into your home, increasing heating costs and making your home uncomfortable.

• Action Steps:

  • Check for drafts by running your hand around windows and doors, feeling for cold air leaks.

  • Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps and prevent heat loss.

  • Consider installing thermal curtains for added insulation.

  • Inspect window frames for damage and repair or replace any broken glass or frames.

3. Inspect and Clean Gutters

Why It’s Important: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause roof damage and leaks.

• Action Steps:

  • Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters to allow water to flow freely.

  • Check downspouts and ensure they direct water away from your foundation.

  • Install gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that collects.

  • Schedule a professional cleaning if your gutters are challenging to access.

4. Protect Exterior Plumbing

Why It’s Important: Frozen pipes are a common winter problem, leading to burst pipes and costly water damage.

• Action Steps:

  • Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses, then store them in a dry place.

  • Install foam pipe insulation around exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces.

  • Use faucet covers for exterior faucets to prevent them from freezing.

  • If you have an irrigation system, drain it to avoid freezing and damage.

5. Inspect Your Roof

Why It’s Important: Heavy snow can weigh down your roof and ice dams can cause water damage.

• Action Steps:

  • Check for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles that could let water in.

  • Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, ensuring it’s sealed tightly.

  • Consider having a professional roofer inspect for any vulnerabilities before the snow and ice arrive.

  • If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, invest in a roof rake to remove excess snow safely.

6. Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney

Why It’s Important: A clean and safe chimney prevents smoke buildup, chimney fires, and ensures efficient heating.

• Action Steps:

  • Hire a certified chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney.

  • Check for signs of creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.

  • Ensure your fireplace damper is functioning and can be closed when not in use.

  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house to prevent pests.

Part 2: Preparing Your Home for Summer

When summer arrives, homeowners face challenges like high temperatures, intense sunlight, and humidity.

Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your home cool, comfortable, and efficient during the hot months.

1. Service Your Cooling System

Why It’s Important: An efficient air conditioning system will keep your home cool and reduce energy bills.

• Action Steps:

  • Replace or clean air filters in your AC unit monthly during peak usage.

  • Schedule a professional tune-up for your AC system, checking refrigerant levels, coils, and electrical connections.

  • Consider using a programmable thermostat to control your cooling system efficiently.

  • Clear any debris or plants around your outdoor unit to maintain airflow.

2. Seal Windows and Doors (Again!)

Why It’s Important: Just like in winter, sealing your windows and doors helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs.

• Action Steps:

  • Check window and door frames for any gaps that might let in hot air.

  • Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any leaks.

  • Install reflective or blackout curtains to block out the heat and UV rays.

  • Consider applying a UV-blocking window film to reduce indoor temperatures.

3. Inspect and Clean Ceiling Fans

Why It’s Important: Fans help circulate air and make your home feel cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.

• Action Steps:

  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, creating a cooling breeze.

  • Dust and clean fan blades to ensure they run efficiently.

  • Tighten any loose screws on the fan and check for any wobbling or unusual noises.

4. Check and Insulate Your Attic

Why It’s Important: Heat buildup in the attic can make it harder to cool your home, increasing energy costs.

• Action Steps:

  • Inspect the attic for proper ventilation to let hot air escape.

  • Consider installing an attic fan or vents to help reduce attic temperatures.

  • Check for signs of pests and ensure insulation is in good shape, replacing it if it’s compressed or damaged.

  • Add extra insulation if your attic doesn’t meet the recommended levels for your region.

5. Test and Clean Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why It’s Important: Summer activities, such as grilling, increase fire risks, making it essential to have working detectors.

• Action Steps:

  • Test each smoke and carbon monoxide detector to ensure it’s working properly.

  • Replace the batteries if needed, even if they seem to be functioning.

  • Clean the detectors by dusting or vacuuming around the units.

  • Consider upgrading to detectors with 10-year batteries for added convenience.

6. Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces

Why It’s Important: Warm weather and high humidity can lead to mildew and grime buildup on exterior surfaces.

• Action Steps:

  • Use a pressure washer to clean siding, decks, patios, and sidewalks.

  • Be cautious around windows and doors to avoid damaging seals.

  • Treat wooden surfaces with a sealant or stain after cleaning to protect them from UV damage.

  • Check for any signs of rot or damage, especially on wooden decks and stairs.

Tips for Both Seasons: Year-Round Preventive Maintenance

No matter the season, some home maintenance tasks benefit from a year-round approach to prevent long-term issues.

1. Inspect Your Foundation

Why It’s Important: A stable foundation is critical for your home’s overall structural integrity.

• Action Steps:

  • Check the foundation for any visible cracks or signs of water intrusion.

  • Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

  • Seal small cracks with epoxy to prevent water from seeping in.

  • Consider consulting a professional if you notice major cracks or signs of settling.

2. Maintain Landscaping for Drainage

Why It’s Important: Proper grading and drainage keep water away from your home, preventing erosion and foundation damage.

• Action Steps:

  • Ensure the ground slopes away from your home by at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span.

  • Trim bushes and trees to prevent them from touching siding or roofing.

  • Avoid planting water-thirsty plants too close to your home’s foundation.

  • Regularly remove leaves and debris from flower beds to prevent water pooling.

Preparing your home for winter and summer enhances your comfort and extends the life of critical systems, saving energy costs and preventing costly repairs.

Adding these seasonal home maintenance tasks to your checklist each year will make a noticeable difference in the longevity and efficiency of your home.