Safety First: Essential Home Maintenance Tips for Every Season

A home maintenance routine  is essential for keeping your home in great condition, just as regular check-ups are for your own health. “Home is where the heart is”, right? Owning a home is a major investment, and one of the best ways to protect it is through regular maintenance. Proper maintenance not only keeps the longevity of your house, but it also saves you money on future repairs. 

To assure that your house retains its value over time, it is necessary to do regular maintenance and seasonal care. It’s a good idea to develop a home maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of important duties. In this article, we will provide a house maintenance checklist for every season to keep your home in great functioning order.

Spring

As soon as the seasons change, most people become excited about the thought of spending the spring and summer seasons outside. To some, spring cleaning is all about preparing your home for the new season. Let’s start with cleaning gutters and downspouts. If not handled, clogged or damaged gutters can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to fix. While many people feel comfortable doing this work on their own, safety should always be a number one priority. If you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder to work on your gutters and downspouts, we strongly advise you to hire professional handymen services. Another very important part is checking smoke detectors and CO alarms. 

A properly functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector can save your life in the case of a fire or other emergency; smoke inhalation and a CO leak can also be fatal. According to information provided by the National Fire Prevention Association, smoke alarms with any other sort of battery require a replacement battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, indicating that the battery is low, NFPA says you should replace it immediately. Spring also brings the time for lawn and garden care. For many of us, this means restoring the sprinkler system to proper functioning condition after a lengthy winter’s snooze. By cleaning the filters, looking for dry spots and testing your rain sensor, you’ll make sure to have a safe sprinkle system. 

Summer

Summer is a season of having fun and enjoying the sun. However, we still have to take care of our houses. During summer, your home uses more electricity than usual, therefore it is critical to ensure that your electrical system functions properly. Regular wear and strain can cause wires to fray and become exposed. Damaged wires can spark, resulting in a fire. Your devices may potentially fail if your electrical system is not functioning properly. Regular electrical inspections can help you spot problems before they cause serious problems, which can cost you more money. Cooling systems are also guaranteed to be working overtime during the summer, therefore they require servicing from an HVAC specialist. One technique to avoid overusing your AC is to turn it off before leaving the room for an extended amount of time. During hot summer months, swimming is a fun activity. It’s a fantastic way to relax, spend time with friends and family, and even get a decent workout. Of course, it is critical to maintain safety around the pool. Install a safety fence around your pool to guarantee it is safe. You may also want to consider putting a swimming pool safety cover. They can help keep children  and animals from entering the pool.

Fall

With vivid color and howling winds, fall is a beautiful time of year. Summer’s gone and winter’s on its way, which means another season of fireplace use. Make sure to check the outside of your chimney for damage, cracks, loose bricks, or gaping holes. However, hiring a professional to inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney once a year is a smart idea. Fall is the ideal season to enjoy your back porch with family and friends, gathering around a warm and pleasant fire pit. To clean a fire pit, first remove any debris from the table and burners. Concentrate on the burners to avoid propane bubbles, which can be hazardous to the table and others. Use pressured air to remove water, as it might generate hazardous bubbles. Clean the base underneath to ensure there are no leaves or trash. This method will help to remove any residue and prevent dangerous emissions. Trees have a different charm in fall. However, tree branches touching  wires is extremely dangerous. Before pruning tree branches, ensure they are free from wires and energized wires. Hire an insured tree care professional near power lines, requiring proof of liability insurance. If the work is due to storm damage, check if insurance covers the cost.

Winter

Winter’s here, and it’s time to get your home ready for the cold. During the colder months, temperatures frequently fall below freezing. When the temperatures drop, the winter can impact the water in your pipes, causing some plumbing issues. Check your pipes for any potential leaks. This is especially crucial during the winter, when even small amounts of water can freeze and burst pipes. If you find any evidence of a leak, get it repaired immediately. During the winter, piled snow or ice on your roof can be incredibly heavy, causing structural damage, roof collapse, and water leaks. Whether you want to use a roof rake, a snow blower, or hire professional services, make safety crucial during the snow removal. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, when shoveling snow, avoid throwing it over your shoulder or to the side because the twisting motion will stress your back. In winter, it is also important to keep your detectors functioning properly because freezing temperatures might cause them to fail.  By replacing the batteries, cleaning the sensor, and testing the alarm, you can keep your carbon monoxide detectors in excellent condition throughout the winter months. 

A home maintenance checklist, like the one above, may help both new and experienced homeowners keep organized. 

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