home-maintainance-tasks.md

Home Maintenance Checklist

JANUARY

• Clear all snow from the driveway and sidewalks every time is snows.
• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Vacuum the coils on the back and bottom of your refrigerator.
• Run dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack.
• Grind ice cubes, baking soda, & lemon peel through garbage disposal.
• To prevent ice dams, use a roof rake to remove excess snow from the edges of the roof.
• Knock icicles off eaves.
• Clear snow from outdoor dryer vent and other exhausts.

FEBRUARY

• Clear all snow from the driveway and sidewalks every time is snows.
• Check caulk around showers and bathtubs; replace if needed.
• Remove shower head and sink aerators and soak in vinegar to dissolve hard water deposits.
• Check basement for leaks during thaws.
• Remove excess snow and icicles from roof.
• Keep snow cleared from outdoor exhausts and window wells.
• Clean & maintain your sump pump to get ready for spring showers.

MARCH

• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Change batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in years that end in 2 and 7.
• Drain and flush hot water heater when you set the clocks forward.
• Inspect roofing for damaged shingles and leaks, and schedule repair if necessary.
• Schedule spring air conditioning and/or sprinkling system maintenance.
• Perform or schedule lawnmower tune-up and blade sharpening.

APRIL

• Schedule licensed specialist to have the yard sprinkler back-flow checked & certified.
• Sweep garage floor.
• Wash and/or vacuum curtains and blinds.
• Wipe down baseboards and moldings. Touch up paint if needed.
• Dust ceiling fans.
• Remove door/window screens and hose them down. Repair/ replace any damaged screens.
• Remove covers from and reconnect water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Rake yard and cut back any dead plants in garden.
• Remove leaves from gutters and window wells.

MAY

• Have the sprinkler back-flow checked & certified (required by the city).
• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Vacuum out dryer vent pipe.
• Inspect hoses on washing machine, dishwasher, and
• icemaker for leaks.
• Check sinks and toilets for leaks and replace washers or seals as needed.
• Apply fertilizer to lawn.
• Check and clean outdoor lights.
• Repair and/or refinish the desk and porch railings.

JUNE

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Check grout in tile floors and repair as needed.
• Wash and wax wood floors (or schedule refinishing).
• Oil garage door tracks.
• Trim tree branches away from house.
• Maintain lawn and garden, adding mulch if necessary.
• Spray out the inside of indoor trash and recycling bins.
• Spray off or power-wash any dirty exterior walls.

JULY

• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Check doors for squeaky hinges and lubricate if needed.
• Flip the switch on ceiling fans so air blows down.
• Run dehumidifier in basement if necessary.
• Maintain lawn and garden.
• Clean your grill. Use a brush on the grate, and empty or replace the drip pan.
• Repair and/or repaint your fence.

AUGUST

• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Run dehumidifier if necessary.
• Check foundation and basement for ants or termites.
• Mend cracks in the driveway.
• Maintain lawn and garden.

SEPTEMBER

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Drain and flush hot water heater.
• Schedule inspection of heating system.
• Apply fertilizer to lawn.
• Prune trees and shrubs.
• Touch up exterior paint as needed.
• Wash windows and replace screens with storm windows.

OCTOBER

• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Vacuum heat registers.
• Inspect attic insulation and replace or add more if needed.
• Seal gaps in window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping.
• Check fireplace for damage and schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.
• Flip the switch on ceiling fans so air blows up.
• Turn off water supply to outdoor faucets and put on winter faucet covers.
• Drain and store hoses for the winter.
• Winterize air conditioning system, covering unit to protect from leaves and snow.
• Rake leaves and cut back dormant plants in garden.
• Sweep garage floor.
• Aerate lawn.

NOVEMBER

• Sweep garage floor.
• Use outlet covers to prevent heat loss.
• Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent.
• Wrap insulation around hot water pipes in basement.
• Clean refrigerator and oven before the holidays.
• Inspect roof and replace any damaged shingles.
• Add weather-stripping to doors.
• Check furnace exhaust for leaf, snow and ice obstructions.

DECEMBER

• Clean the coffee-maker.
• Clear all snow from the driveway and sidewalks every time is snows.
• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Check date on fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
• Regularly check gutters for ice dams and icicles.
• Fill bird feeders.

Started with list from: https://www.amerifirst.com/amerifirst-blog/what-does-it-take-to-maintain-a-home-each-year