Spring isn’t the only season for cleaning and repairs. Stay on top of home maintenance seasonally, and you can avoid big surprises and price tags later. And a well-maintained home will definitely improve your resale value later.

Follow Abio’s home maintenance guide:

SPRING

• Check exterior drainage and look for standing water
• Clean gutters
• Have an arborist inspect tree health and trim dead branches
• Reseed lawn and plant perennials
• Clear dead shrubs and leaves from house
• Check for exterior winter damage like peeling paint and pavement cracks
• Wash windows and check screens for rips
• Wash winter grime off deck, or refinish if needed
• Schedule a chimney checkup
• Inspect roof for damage
• If you have a septic system, have a professional inspect and pump the tank
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for cracks
• Vacuum lint from dryer vent
• Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters
• Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

SUMMER

• Check sprinkler and irrigation system for leaks or poorly aimed sprays
• If you need exterior painting done, summer is a perfect time
• Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters
• Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

FALL

• Inspect gutters and clear debris
• Clean and close pool for winter
• Get furnace and HVAC inspected by a pro
• Vacuum dryer vent, and/or have an HVAC specialist inspect and clean it
• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
• Have fireplace inspected if you didn’t do it in the spring
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Replace old drafty and inefficient windows
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing if you live in a region with freezing temperatures
• Inspect siding and repair or replace as needed
• Inspect fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

WINTER (before the weather gets too wild)

• Trim dead tree limbs so they don’t fall and damage your home during a storm
• Inspect gutters and clear leaves and other debris
• Test your sump pump if you have one
• Check your emergency kit for bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, radio, and a smart phone charger
• Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise position to push heated air down
• Flush hot water tank to remove sediment
• Inspect fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

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Want more homeowner tips? Contact Abio Properties at 888-400-ABIO (2246) or [email protected].

Photo credits: Hard hat with tools, Mark Hunter; DIY tools, Creative Commons CCO

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