Twice Yearly Checklist

Check the roof for any leaks. Pay close attention to vents, skylights, and chimneys since they are prone for leaks. If you notice any leaks during your home maintenance check then repair them right away to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Make sure you clean any gutters and drain pipes so they don't become clogged with leaves. Also make sure all the drain pipes are draining away from the house. If you live in a cold climate area now is also a good time to drain any outside faucets.

Clean ashes out of your fireplace. During the fall season check for loose or missing mortars on the chimney and have it professionally cleaned. Once this is done make sure the damper is closed tightly. Then in the spring season you should leave the damper open for better ventilation if you don't have air conditioning in your home.

Clean and replace any filters as needed. This includes the dryer vent, the air conditioner, stove hood, and any room fans. Make sure no furniture or draperies are covering any heating or cooling vents.

Check all safety equipment to make sure they are working properly. This includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries or items as necessary or at least twice a year.

If you live in a cold climate area then during the fall season you should remove window air conditioners or at the least put a weatherproof cover on them.

Check the door seals on your refrigerator. The best way to do this is to close the door over a dollar bill. If you can't easily pull out the bill then the seals are airtight. You may need to replace the seals or adjust the latch. If you have a coil-back refrigerator then you should vacuum them twice a year. Having clean coils will allow your refrigerator to run more efficiently. Also make sure your refrigerator is full because it will use less energy than an empty refrigerator.

Make sure the faucets in the bathroom(s) and kitchen aren't leaking. If needed replace the washers.

Check all doors and windows. Seal them if they are drafty. If needed you can replace the seals. Just a few small cracks can add up and soon you are wasting the same amount of energy as you would with the windows open.

Check the storm windows and screens. In the fall, take down the screens and replace them with storm windows. In the spring, remove, clean, and store the storm windows. Patch all the door and window screens if they need it.

Check for cracks or holes in the house siding or paint. If necessary replace the caulk. You can cut away the old caulking easily with a carpet knife.

Check for dampness on the basement walls and floor. Use a dehumidifier to clean regularly if you have a basement.

In the fall, have your heating system serviced and the filters changed.

In the fall, drain your hot water heater and clean any sediment from the bottom of the tank.

What to Look For During Home Maintenance

When it comes to doing your home maintenance checklist, there is more than just performing tasks. You need to know what to look and listen for in order to spot problems before they happen. First you need to listen carefully. Not just for sounds like creaking or dripping faucets, but also to make sure the cooling and heating unit sounds all right when it starts.

You also need to take the time to carefully look at things around your house. There are plenty of things that you just walk by everyday and don't take a close look at. These include the paint, the gutters, the deck or fence, and the sinks. Take a close look at things you use or pass everyday and make sure it looks okay and works fine.

If something doesn't look or sound right then take the time to investigate it. Feel around and try to see what the source of the problem is. Then determine if you can apply a simple fix yourself or if you need to hire a professional to come assess and correct the problem. All of these home maintenance tips will go a long way to increasing the life of your home and improving the appearance.