Becoming a homeowner is surely exciting. After all, purchasing a house is one of the most significant investments in a person’s life. However, owning a home also comes with certain responsibilities. Just like regularly changing the oil is necessary to keep your car’s engine running smoothly, home maintenance is also unavoidable. Keeping your home in top shape can save you from future headaches.
A home maintenance checklist is usually tedious. Especially if you are a new homeowner, accomplishing the various tasks may seem intimidating. However, in the long run, you will be grateful that you paid attention to home maintenance since it can help you reduce stress, save money, mitigate risks, and increase property value.
Unfortunately, many homeowners make a common mistake – they overlook the importance of seasonal home maintenance. The truth is the upkeep of your home changes with the season. Put this way, how you maintain your home during the summers differs from how you should do it in the winter.
And while skipping some seasonal home care tips might not have repercussions immediately, you might notice adverse effects in the long run. So, if you’re looking for practical tips to keep your home well-maintained all year long despite any season, we’ve got you covered. Follow the tips and tricks shared below to ensure your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality:
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Pay attention to your roof
There’s no denying that seasonal fluctuations can strain your roof, no matter where you live. For instance, if you live in Littleton, Colorado, you will experience different seasons all year. Various elements, such as sun, rain, wind, snow, etc., will affect your roof. For example, extreme UV rays in summers can deteriorate your roof, whereas heavy snowfall can cause ice dam formation.
Whatever the issue, it’s better to inspect the roof and make appropriate improvements – whether it is repairing, roofing placement, or restoration. For this, you can get in touch with Littleton roofing company like National Home Improvement and let the experts tackle your home’s roofing needs.
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Clean the gutters
Cleaning the gutter can protect your home from water damage, increase the lifespan of your roof, and save you dollars. Experts recommend cleaning all the gutters at least twice yearly, after the spring and fall seasons. It is because plants shed more pollen and seeds during these times. But if you live in an area brimming with trees, you might need to clean your gutters more frequently. So, grab the ladder, get on the top and remove all the leaves, dirt, and debris from the gutter.
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Make cleaning a priority
The secret to a beautiful and comfortable home is cleanliness. Regardless of the season, it would be best if you always kept your home spotless. Doing so can save your home from attracting seasonal pests such as mosquitos, ants, termites, rats, etc.
The easiest way to clean every corner of your house is by vacuum cleaning it. Vacuum your carpets, wipe your windows with cleaning agents, clean the pathways, and ensure every place in your house is tidy and uncluttered.
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Don’t forget to trim the trees
During the winter and fall, you might have witnessed heavy storms or snow in your area. Due to this, there’s a high possibility that branches of the trees might become loose or even break. So, are there any dead overhanging branches at your property? Be sure to trim them and get a more constant stream of sunlight.
However, calling a professional is wise if the trees are interfering with the electric lines. Moreover, many leaves fall during autumn, so use a leaf blower or a rake to remove dried leaves from your yard.
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Use ceiling fans properly
Do you have a ceiling fan in your home? And are you using it correctly? In summer, the configuration of the blades should be in a way that they rotate counter-clockwise to force cool air downward. However, you would want the opposite effect when the winter and fall season arrives.
Meaning: the blades of your ceiling fans must be spinning clockwise. Swapping directions is easy; you can find the toggle switch present on the base of the fan to adjust it.
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Don’t forget to inspect smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
In addition to cleaning, your seasonal home maintenance tips must include safety checks. While we wish no one experiences an unfortunate incident in their homes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For this reason, performing regular safety checks is a must. Consider doing it two times a year.
Ensure your fire extinguisher is not expired. Otherwise, it will be of no use in case of emergency. Next, check the smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. If the alarm is working fine, you are good to go. If not, change the batteries immediately and test again. However, if it continues to malfunction, you will probably need a new detector.
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Your HVAC system needs maintenance
Before the icy chills hit your home or the sweltering summer heat intensifies the humidity levels, take some time to fine-tune the HVAC system. Check the condition of air ducts and furnace filters and repair them if required. While at it, refine the appliance’s insulation so that warm and crisp air can’t escape.
Moreover, shield the outside and inside of the system to prevent it from debris, dirt, and other elements. And hire professional services to get the radiators and boilers checked. These preventive measures can help pinpoint potential problems before they become significant issues and avoid costly breakdowns.
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Check the condition of the windows
Seasons shift all year round, but that doesn’t mean the performance of your house windows should also change. This essential part of your house should always provide privacy and withstand the seasonal elements, whether it’s fall, winter, spring, or summer.
So, assess the condition and watch for any signs of failed caulking, clattering, condensation buildup, or broken locks. If you find cracks or intermittent cold spots, it’s better to weather-strip your windows. Likewise, to avoid unnecessary heat loss and heat gain in the house, utilize window coverings. These coverings help reduce energy bills and keep bugs away from home.
Key takeaways
No wonder every homeowner strives to maintain the highest level of quality in their house. After all, becoming a homeowner is no easy feat. You must have worked day and night tirelessly to buy your dream house. However, becoming a homeowner is one thing, and maintaining its integrity is entirely different.
Let’s face it; home maintenance is a never-ending process. Seasonal changes throughout the year can create problems for your property. It might strain the roof, increase the risk of leakage, cause filtration and ventilation problems, and more. So, to avoid such issues, focus on proper seasonal home maintenance.
