15 Home Maintenance Tasks To Complete Regularly

No matter the size or style of your home, regular home maintenance tasks are essential. Taking care of your home helps keep it in good condition all year. Think of it as protecting your investment. Regular upkeep keeps your home comfortable and helps maintain its value. Some home maintenance tasks, like cleaning the exterior and testing smoke detectors, are easy to do yourself. 

Here are a few home maintenance tasks that you can do by yourself.

What are Home Maintenance Tasks?

Home maintenance tasks are routine activities and repairs that help keep your home in good condition. These tasks ensure that your home remains safe, functional, and valuable over time. Here are some common home maintenance tasks:

• Clean the gutters by removing leaves and debris to prevent water damage.
• Check the roof for any damaged or missing shingles and look for leaks.
• Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Change the filters in your HVAC system and schedule professional maintenance.
• Clean the outside of your house to remove dirt and mildew.
• Check your plumbing for leaks and make sure the water pressure is good.
• Look for drafts around windows and doors, and seal them with caulk.
• Take care of your lawn and garden by mowing the lawn, and trimming bushes
• Test your electrical outlets and circuit breakers.
• Clean out your water heater to remove sediment and improve efficiency.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean and clear of blockages.
• Inspect your foundation for any cracks or signs of water damage.

Some Tasks to Do Around the Home

Here are some important home maintenance tasks to do:

Check and Clean Heating Systems

One of the essential home maintenance tasks is to hire a professional to inspect your heating system before it gets cold. They will test the furnace and thermostat, change air filters, and check radiators. If you have a fireplace, clean it thoroughly and consider hiring a chimney sweep. A dirty chimney can cause house fires.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Regularly testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is known as routine home maintenance checklist tasks, especially in winter when you’re using your furnace frequently. It might release harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide or cause fires. Keep your family safe by replacing old batteries and checking that your fire extinguisher works.

Seal Windows and Doors

Sealing windows and doors is an important home maintenance task to keep your home warm in winter. Seal any cracks that let cold air in. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.

Drain Water Features

Draining your sprinkler systems, ponds, and fountains is a necessary home maintenance tasks to prevent them from freezing in winter. Frozen water can expand, causing explosions and equipment damage.

Clean Gutters

Cleaning gutters is a vital home maintenance task. Falling leaves and debris can clog your gutters, blocking water flow and causing it to pool on your roof. This can lead to leaks and roof damage. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent this.

Clean Dryer Exhaust Duct

Cleaning the lint buildup in your clothes dryer exhaust duct is another important home maintenance task. This prevents your dryer from working inefficiently and reduces the risk of house fires. If the duct is accessible, you can clean it yourself by vacuuming thoroughly.

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Vacuuming the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator at least once a year is a key home maintenance task. This removes dust and debris, helping the appliance run smoothly.

Clean Interior Spaces

Deep cleaning interior spaces, including the garage, basement, and bathrooms, is a useful home maintenance task during the cold weather. While you’re at it, check for leaks.

Check Roof for Damage

Inspecting your roof for any dents, holes, or debris is a crucial home maintenance task. Remove branches and trim trees close to the house. If you notice sagging spots or visible damage, call a roofer for repairs to prevent further damage.

Hire a Pro to Inspect HVAC System

Hiring an HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioning system is an essential home maintenance task before summer arrives. They can change filters and make any necessary repairs, ensuring your system is ready for the warm weather.

Make Driveway Repairs

Inspecting and repairing your driveway is an important home maintenance task. Look for damage such as cracks, potholes, or uneven areas. Repairing it in the spring will prevent trips and falls and ensure it’s ready for heavy summer use.

Flush Hot Water Heater

Flushing your hot water heater annually to remove sediment buildup in the tank is a vital home maintenance task. This keeps your water heater running efficiently, prevents leaks, and extends the appliance’s life. Regular maintenance prevents costly water heater repairs or replacements in the future.

Seal Decks

Sealing your deck or patio before winter is an important home maintenance tasks. It protects the structure from harsh winter weather. Do this once a year if you live in a wet climate. If it’s dry where you live, you can do it once every three years.

Repair and Paint Siding

Inspecting and repairing your home’s siding annually is a key home maintenance tasks. Repair cracks, holes, and warping, and add a fresh coat of paint every year or two to keep your exterior looking new.

Clean Carpets

Cleaning your carpets at the end of summer is a useful home maintenance tasks. Vacuum, steam, and shampoo the carpets to remove dirt and allergens. Don’t forget your rugs; if you can’t clean them yourself, take them to a professional.

Learn to Keep Your Home Clean

Doing these home maintenance tasks regularly is important to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year. From checking heating systems to cleaning carpets, each task plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and appearance of your home. By staying on top of these tasks, you can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your appliances, and ensure your family’s safety. So, make sure to schedule these tasks annually and stay proactive in taking care of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions