Tips for Maintaining Your Home Year-Round

Summer can be a great time for sprucing up your home since there's not a lot of bad weather to worry about. However, your home needs more than just a simple summer sprucing. Your home needs to be maintained year-round unless you want to spend big bucks on some major repairs. Check out these seasonal tips to help minimize major repairs and keep your home looking great.

Summer

· Give carpets and rugs a thorough cleaning to remove dust and mold buildup.

· Check fire extinguishers and recharge if needed.

· Check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if needed.

· Sweep your chimney and check for any problems you may need to have professionally taken care of.

· If you have a furnace, replace the filter.

· If you have central air, replace the filter or have your ac unit checked professionally.

· Check the basement or crawl space for water leaks and damage.

· Check the roof for any loose or damaged shingles.

· Clean gutters, and down spouts and seal with a rust proof seal.

· Check windows and doors for loose or damaged weatherstripping. Replace where necessary. Re-caulk windows and doors if needed.

· Have your home professionally inspected for termites.

Fall

· Check and clean your basement's sump pump.

· Clean or replace your furnace's filter.

· Insulate any outdoor water pipes.

· Check chimney for any animals and nests.

· Clean all humidifiers and replace filters if needed.

· Replace storm windows and doors if necessary.

· Clean gutters and down spouts.

· Check and recharge fire extinguisher.

· Check and replace batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

· If you own a septic tank, check to see if the tank needs to be emptied.

· Clean the coils on your refrigerator.

Winter

· Check and replace your furnace's filter.

· Check and recharge fire extinguisher.

· Check and replace batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

· Check dryer vents and clean if necessary.

· Keep roof free of snow and ice when possible and check for any leaks.

Spring

· Check your basement and exterior's wall and floor foundation for any cracks. Repair where necessary.

· Check roof for any missing or damaged shingles. Repair if needed.

· Check patio and decks for any cracks or wood rot. Replace and repair where needed.

· Clean gutters and down spouts.

· Check and recharge fire extinguisher.

· Check and replace batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

· Check windows and doors for loose or damaged weatherstripping. Replace where necessary. Re-caulk windows and doors if needed.

· Check air conditioners for any problems and replace filters.

· Sweep your chimney and check for any problems you may need to have professionally taken care of.

· If you have an attic fan, check to see that it is working properly.