Keep Your House in Tip-Top Shape: An Incredibly Handy Home Maintenance Checklist

Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. Just like your car, your home needs TLC. An effective home maintenance plan is the key to avoiding future problems.

Home maintenance can feel like an uphill battle-especially if you are a first-time homeowner. To avoid issues, create a home maintenance calendar. Jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend.

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of some common home maintenance tasks that you need to do monthly, quarterly, and biannually. Take a look.

 Monthly Tasks 

➢       Inspect and clean HVAC filters: If HVAC filters become too clogged with dust, pollen, dander, debris, and other pollutants, the blower will have to work harder. Not only will you have hot and cold spots in your home, but your system could overheat and eventually stop working. To prevent these issues, clean or replace your filters every month.

➢       Clean range hood filters: Mix degreaser with hot water and use the solution to clean your range hood filters. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

➢       Clean kitchen sink disposal: Freeze some vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run the cubes down your disposal. Vinegar will dissolve dirt, grease, grime, and mineral deposit, while ice will sharpen the blades.

 Quarterly Tasks

➢       Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: To test your detectors, push the test button. If the alarm works, your detector is working; if not, replace batteries. Check for corrosion on battery terminals and clean if required. Test again. If the alarm is still not working, you will likely need a new detector.

➢       Flush toilets you do not use frequently: Periodically flush the toilets that you do not regularly use to prevent grime.

➢       Test your garage door’s auto-reverse feature: All automatic garage doors should have an auto-reverse feature. To test your garage door’s automatic reverse feature, place a piece of wood on the ground where the door closes. If your garage door is working properly, it will reverse within a second of hitting the piece of wood.

 Bi-Annual Tasks

➢       Thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your house: Give your house a deep clean every six months by thoroughly cleaning high-touch surfaces, appliances, furniture pieces, doors, and windows.

➢       Vacuum refrigerator coils: Your fridge can account for up to 15 percent of your home’s power usage. Vacuuming refrigerator coils is an effective way to keep your refrigerator functioning efficiently.

Holly & Associates is a renowned luxury home builder in Napa. We are also one of the most trusted general contractors for fire rebuilds in Napa. We go the extra mile, if required, to amaze and delight our clients. To make an appointment, call 707-541-0700.