Congratulations you’ve moved into your new house! Now what? There are certain annual things you should do to keep your house running smoothly, efficiently, and safely! Read below for our best tips on how to care for and maintain your new home, and be sure to click the links for more detailed descriptions!
Fall Checklist:
- Annually:
- Schedule annual inspections: termite, HVAC, chimney/fireplace
- Fire-proof your home: inspect chimney and fire extinguishers
- Test devices and replace batteries: test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/replace batteries as needed
- Check your roof: inspect for any damage or leaks
- Prepare your home for hurricane season: test sump pump, make sure garage floor and driveway drains are clear, check homeowners/flood insurance policy, clean gutters
- Replace range hood filters: prepare your home for the holidays by replacing the range hood filters, so you are prepared for any extra cooking you might be doing
- Tree maintenance: note if any branches have grown over your electrical lines or the house, check for hazards such as broken, hanging limbs, dead trees, trees with hollow spots, trees leaning towards the house; consider hiring a tree specialist (~$60-90 for an inspection) who can check for the presence of disease or insects
- Quarterly:
- Change HVAC and water filters
- Monthly:
- Change air filters
- Spot for mold: look for mold patterns using a bright flashlight
Winter Checklist:
- Annually:
- Preventative maintenance: drain irrigation system (+ if haven’t in the fall have HVAC serviced, test sump pump to make sure working in case of storms, clean gutters)
- Snow preparation: purchase supplies such as water bottles, food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration, paper products, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and clock, a first aid kit, at least a four day supply of all prescription medications; and if you have babies or young children, be sure you have enough diapers, wipes and formula on hand for a few days
- Clean your gutters: make sure any fall leaves are cleaned up
- Clean your fans and filters: clean the bathroom fan and check for mold; change the filters in your microwave, water filtration systems, and clean your washer water line filter; and while you are at it, clean the dryer vent hose
- Biannually:
- Vacuum your fridge coils: to keep your refrigerator running efficiently
- Clean your dryer vents: to increase the lifespan of your dryer and keep it functioning properly
- Keep an eye on wall cracks: horizontal cracks are extremely concerning. They can evolve quickly and indicate severe structural issues. Cracks through bricks are also a sign of potential structural disturbance. Step cracks usually signify settling, which can be natural but should be monitored.
- Quarterly:
- Change HVAC and water filters
- Monthly:
- Change air filters
- Spot for mold
Spring Checklist:
- Annually:
- Spring cleaning: if you took screens out for winter, pull them out of storage and clean them along with your windows
- Refill termite canisters: termites can cause significant damage if left unchecked
- Optional: Marie Kondo your closet
- Quarterly:
- Change HVAC and water filters
- Monthly:
- Change air filters
- Spot for mold
Summer Checklist:
- Annually:
- Stop leaks: caulk and weatherstrip for significant energy savings
- Optional: Clean your carpets and floors
- Biannually:
- Quarterly:
- Change HVAC and water filters
- Monthly:
- Change air filters
- Spot for mold
Don’t forget there are some things you should do every 2-3 years:
- Test radon: Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is harmful when inhaled. It’s imperative to retest radon every 2 to 3 years especially if you’ve undertaken renovations like replacing windows or doors to make your home more energy-efficient. Radon levels can change and can be influenced by these modifications.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help!
Let’s chat over coffee!
