Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s easier to maintain something than to completely fix it

It’s hard to find the motivation to complete home maintenance tasks in the winter months. It’s freezing — the last think you want to do is be outside. However, home maintenance is vital during cold weather — the heat is running 24/7, and your family is spending an increased amount of time inside. At ECB, we like to use a seasonal checklist to ensure we keep our homes running efficiently.

A seasonal checklist breaks down the work into manageable sections and helps you stick to a schedule. It also helps you catch small issues before they become major problems that are costly to fix.

Check out our seasonal maintenance checklist, and print or save to use for your home.

Winter

In the coldest months, you’ll want to focus on winterizing your home to protect it from extreme temperatures (this is less relevant if you live in a climate that’s moderate to warm year round). Start with the major inspections and move on to the things that are less crucial.

1. Check HVAC filters and change if needed.
2. Check the fire extinguisher pressure and check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Winterize your air conditioning system.
4. Test GFI outlets, circuit breakers and shutoff valves
5. Flush outdoor water spigots/store hoses.
6. Test the pressure relief valve on water heater.
7. Unplug refrigerator and dust coils.
8. Pull oven away from wall and sweep and mop underneath.
9. Check the locks on all windows and doors.
10. Clean kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans.
11. Tighten knobs and handles as needed.
12. Check grout and caulk, repair if needed.

Spring

1. Check HVAC filters and change if needed.
2. Check the fire extinguisher pressure and check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Inspect the roof for leaks or damage.
4. Consider having the air conditioning unit serviced.
5. Trim trees that are close to the house or power lines.
6. Touch up paint inside and outside.
7. Pressure wash driveway and house.
8. Remove dead plants/fertilize lawn.
9. Clean out gutters/downspouts and ensure water flows away from the foundation.
10. Repair or replace window screens.
11. Wash windows — inside and out.
12. Tune up grill and lawnmower.

Summer

1. Check HVAC filters and change if needed.
2. Check the fire extinguisher pressure and check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Make necessary repairs to deck/patio.
4. Spray for insects outside and around doors inside.
5. Flush all interior drains.
6. Drain or flush water heater.
7. Unplug refrigerator and dust coils.
8. Clean dryer vent/lint hose.
9. Monitor humidity in basement — under 60%.
10. Deep clean floors and wipe baseboards.
11. Trim shrubs and turn over soil.
12. Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.

Fall

1. Check HVAC filters and change if needed.
2. Check the fire extinguisher pressure and check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Fireplace: get chimney cleaned and/or check gas line.
4. Check and clean gutters if necessary
5. Rake leaves (especially off of concrete)
6. Seal any leaks around windows and doors.
7. Test sump pump (if applicable)
8. Flush hot water heater
9. Clean the drip pan underneath refrigerator
10. Check/prepare emergency preparedness kit
11. Organize yard tools and check shovel/show blower.
12. Check driveway for cracks and seal if necessary

Elite Custom Builders

While all of these tasks may seem like chores at times, it’s important to remember that it’s easier to maintain something than to completely fix it. If you encounter an issue that you’re unsure about (like a crack in the foundation) ECB can assess the problem and help you find a solution.

ECB is a premier residential contractor, specializing in building custom homes, home additions and renovations. We serve North Central West Virginia, including:

• Morgantown
• Fairmont
• Cheat Lake
• Clarksburg
• Bridgeport
• Weston
• Elkins
• Davis
• Preston county
• Wheeling

Thinking of a spring home remodeling project?