Seasonal home maintenance

{{whyLabel}}: Clogged gutters cause water to overflow, leading to foundation damage, basement leaks, and wood rot.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use a sturdy ladder and a gutter scoop to remove leaves and debris.
• Flush the gutters with a garden hose to ensure downspouts are clear.
• Check for sagging sections and tighten loose brackets.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water flows freely through all downspouts and away from the foundation.

{{whyLabel}}: Winter ice and wind can loosen shingles, leading to slow leaks that cause mold and structural rot.

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• Use binoculars from the ground to look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
• Check the flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps or rust.
• Look for 'granule loss' (sand-like deposits) in the gutters, which indicates aging.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A visual inspection is completed and any damaged shingles are identified for repair.

{{whyLabel}}: Early maintenance ensures efficiency and prevents the unit from failing during the first summer heatwave.

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• Clear grass, weeds, and debris from around the outdoor condenser (maintain 2 feet of clearance).
• Gently clean the fins with a soft brush or vacuum.
• Schedule a professional tune-up to check refrigerant levels and electrical components.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The unit is clean, unobstructed, and tested for cold air flow.

{{whyLabel}}: Damaged screens allow pests in, while failed seals increase cooling costs by letting air escape.

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• Remove screens and wash them with soapy water; patch any holes with a screen repair kit.
• Check the caulking around window frames for cracks or peeling.
• Ensure windows open and close smoothly without sticking.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All screens are clean/repaired and window frames are airtight.

{{whyLabel}}: Soil settles over time, potentially directing water toward your foundation instead of away from it.

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• Walk the perimeter during or after rain to identify pooling water.
• Ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation (at least 6 inches of drop over 10 feet).
• Add fill dirt to low spots near the house walls.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Ground is graded away from the house and no standing water remains near the foundation.

{{whyLabel}}: Leaky sprinkler heads or broken lines can waste thousands of gallons of water and damage landscaping.

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• Turn on each zone manually and check for broken or clogged heads.
• Adjust spray patterns to ensure water hits the lawn, not the house siding or windows.
• Check the controller battery and update the watering schedule for spring.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All zones function without leaks and spray patterns are optimized.

{{whyLabel}}: Small cracks can be signs of settling or water pressure; catching them early prevents major structural failure.

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• Walk the interior (basement) and exterior foundation walls.
• Look for 'hairline' cracks vs. wide cracks (wider than 1/4 inch).
• Mark any cracks with a pencil to monitor if they grow over the coming months.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Foundation is inspected and any significant cracks are documented for professional review.

{{whyLabel}}: Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires and reduces dryer efficiency significantly.

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• Disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer.
• Use a vent cleaning brush to remove lint from the entire length of the pipe.
• Ensure the exterior vent flap opens and closes freely.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The vent pipe is clear of lint and the dryer dries clothes in one cycle.

{{whyLabel}}: Clean filters improve air quality and reduce the workload on your blower motor.

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• Locate the filter slot in your furnace or air handler.
• Check the size and replace with a MERV 8 to MERV 11 rated filter.
• Note the date of replacement on the filter frame.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A new, clean filter is installed.

{{whyLabel}}: Unsealed wood or concrete can crack and rot due to UV exposure and summer rain.

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• Perform the 'water test': pour water on the surface; if it soaks in, it needs sealing.
• Clean the surface thoroughly with a deck cleaner.
• Apply a UV-resistant sealer or stain according to manufacturer instructions.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water beads on the surface of the deck or patio.

{{whyLabel}}: Summer is peak season for wood-destroying insects that can cause thousands in hidden damage.

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• Look for mud tubes on the foundation or 'sawdust' (frass) near wooden structures.
• Check for swarming insects near windows or doors.
• Ensure no wood-to-soil contact exists around the home's perimeter.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Perimeter is inspected and no signs of active infestation are found.

{{whyLabel}}: Running fans counter-clockwise creates a downdraft that makes the room feel 6-8 degrees cooler.

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• Turn off the fan and wait for it to stop.
• Locate the small toggle switch on the motor housing.
• Flip the switch so the blades spin counter-clockwise (leading edge up).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Fan creates a noticeable downward breeze.

{{whyLabel}}: Faulty sensors can cause the door to crush objects or people, posing a major safety risk.

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• Place a 2x4 piece of wood or a sturdy box in the door's path.
• Close the door; it should automatically reverse upon hitting the object.
• Clean the 'eyes' of the photo-sensors with a soft cloth.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The door reverses correctly when an obstruction is detected.

{{whyLabel}}: Dusty coils make the compressor work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening the fridge's life.

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• Unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall.
• Locate the coils (usually at the bottom or back).
• Use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust and pet hair.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Coils are free of visible dust and debris.

{{whyLabel}}: Removing dirt, mold, and mildew prevents permanent staining and protects the paint/finish.

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• Use a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush with a mild detergent.
• Avoid high-pressure power washers on wood or vinyl as they can force water behind the siding.
• Scrub from the bottom up and rinse from the top down.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Siding is clean and free of green mold or dark dirt streaks.

{{whyLabel}}: Small cracks in concrete or asphalt expand during freeze-thaw cycles, leading to expensive replacement.

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• Sweep the surfaces to reveal all cracks.
• Use a concrete or asphalt crack filler for any gaps wider than 1/8 inch.
• Ensure there are no tripping hazards from uneven slabs.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All significant cracks are filled and sealed.

{{whyLabel}}: High AC usage in summer accumulates dust faster; a fresh filter maintains airflow.

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• Replace the existing filter with a new one of the same size.
• Check for any whistling sounds which might indicate a poor fit.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A new filter is installed for the peak cooling season.

{{whyLabel}}: Prevents carbon monoxide leaks and ensures the furnace won't fail during a freeze.

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• Schedule a professional inspection to clean burners and check the heat exchanger for cracks.
• Vacuum out the blower compartment and check the fan belt for wear.
• Ensure all vents and registers are unobstructed by furniture.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: System is certified safe and operational by a technician or thorough DIY check.

{{whyLabel}}: Creosote buildup in the chimney is highly flammable and is the primary cause of chimney fires.

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• Hire a certified chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
• Inspect the damper to ensure it opens and closes tightly.
• Check the chimney cap for bird nests or debris.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Chimney is swept and the damper is functional.

{{whyLabel}}: Water trapped in pipes can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe inside your walls.

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• Disconnect all garden hoses and drain them before storage.
• Turn off the interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets.
• Open the outdoor tap to let any remaining water drain out.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All outdoor lines are drained and shut-off valves are closed.

{{whyLabel}}: Air leaks can account for up to 30% of heating energy loss.

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• Feel for drafts around door frames and window sills on a windy day.
• Replace worn foam or rubber weatherstripping.
• Install a door sweep on the bottom of exterior doors if light is visible underneath.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: No visible light or felt drafts around exterior openings.

{{whyLabel}}: Matted leaves can kill grass and provide a damp environment for mold and pests near the foundation.

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• Rake leaves or use a mulching mower to shred them into the lawn.
• Clear dead annuals and trim perennial plants back.
• Ensure no piles of leaves are touching the house siding.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Lawn is clear and debris is removed from the home's perimeter.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper insulation prevents 'ice dams' on the roof and keeps heat inside the living space.

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• Ensure insulation is level and covers the floor joists (at least 10-14 inches deep).
• Check that soffit vents are not blocked by insulation, allowing for airflow.
• Look for signs of moisture or pests in the insulation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Insulation is adequate and vents are unobstructed.

{{whyLabel}}: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to rust through.

{{howLabel}}:

• Drain a few gallons of water from the drain valve into a bucket.
• If the water is cloudy or contains debris, perform a full flush of the tank.
• Check the Pressure Relief Valve by briefly lifting the lever to ensure water flows.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water from the drain valve runs clear.

{{whyLabel}}: A failed sump pump during a winter thaw or spring rain can lead to a flooded basement.

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• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump.
• Ensure the pump activates and discharges water away from the house.
• Clean the intake screen of any debris.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The pump triggers and clears the pit successfully.

{{whyLabel}}: Preparing for the heavy heating season ensures the furnace operates at peak efficiency.

{{howLabel}}:

• Replace the filter before turning on the heat for the first time.
• Check that the arrow on the filter points toward the furnace unit.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A fresh filter is in place for winter.

{{whyLabel}}: Heating systems and closed windows increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning in winter.

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• Press the 'Test' button on every unit in the house.
• Replace batteries if the unit chirps or fails the test.
• Check the manufacture date; replace any unit older than 10 years.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All alarms are tested and functional.

{{whyLabel}}: Pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces or garages are prone to freezing and bursting.

{{howLabel}}:

• Identify copper or PEX pipes in unheated zones.
• Wrap them with foam pipe insulation sleeves.
• Use duct tape to secure the seams of the insulation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All vulnerable pipes are covered in foam insulation.

{{whyLabel}}: Mineral buildup reduces water pressure and can harbor bacteria.

{{howLabel}}:

• Unscrew the aerator from the tip of the faucet.
• Soak the parts in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve calcium.
• Scrub with an old toothbrush and reassemble.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water flow is steady and aerators are free of white crust.

{{whyLabel}}: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters protect you from electric shock in wet areas like kitchens and baths.

{{howLabel}}:

• Press the 'Test' button; the 'Reset' button should pop out.
• Plug in a small lamp to ensure the power is off.
• Press 'Reset' to restore power.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All GFCI outlets trip and reset correctly.

{{whyLabel}}: An expired or empty extinguisher is useless during a kitchen or holiday fire.

{{howLabel}}:

• Check the pressure gauge (needle should be in the green zone).
• Ensure the pin is intact and the nozzle is not clogged.
• Shake the extinguisher to prevent the powder from settling.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All extinguishers are charged and accessible.

{{whyLabel}}: Winter condensation or leaks can lead to hidden mold growth behind walls.

{{howLabel}}:

• Check corners and floor-wall joints for dampness or white powdery 'efflorescence'.
• Use a dehumidifier if humidity levels are above 50%.
• Smell for musty odors which indicate mold presence.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Basement is dry and humidity is controlled.

{{whyLabel}}: Grease buildup in range hoods is a fire hazard, and dirty dishwashers harbor bacteria.

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• Clean the range hood grease filter in hot soapy water.
• Run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher with a specialized cleaner.
• Vacuum the area behind the stove to remove dust and food debris.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Appliances are clean and free of grease buildup.

{{whyLabel}}: Winter storms often cause power outages; a non-starting generator leaves you in the dark.

{{howLabel}}:

• Change the oil and spark plug if not done recently.
• Run the generator for 20 minutes to ensure it holds a load.
• Check that you have fresh fuel and stabilizer on hand.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Generator starts easily and runs smoothly.

{{whyLabel}}: Indoor air quality is critical in winter when the house is sealed tight.

{{howLabel}}:

• Replace the filter to ensure maximum airflow during the coldest months.
• Consider a higher MERV rating (11-13) if family members have allergies.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A clean filter is installed for the final stretch of the heating season.