Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Your home is an extension of yourself. You take care of yourself by going to annual doctors appointments and practicing self-care, taking care of your house is just as important! Maintaining your home not only keeps it looking its best, but it also helps save money and prevents major damages in the long run. 

The thought of household chores might seem challenging and daunting, but you can take care of different tasks throughout the year so you’re not doing them all at once. In fact, you can break down the tasks quarterly, biannually, and yearly, by downloading our Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to make sure you are doing everything you can to take care of your home. 

Spring is a time for new beginnings and deep cleanings. Give your home a good once-over every spring so you can be ready to enjoy more time outdoors as the weather warms up. Here are a few tasks that we recommend: 

HVAC System: Clean your HVAC system every quarter, but spring is a great time to get your cooling system serviced. Contact a professional to come out and make sure things are in working order ahead of the summer months so you’re not left sweating in the heat.

Check Your Roof and Siding: The exterior of your home can face many issues in the winter as snow and ice buildup can lead to leaks, damaged shingles, or torn siding. Check the roof while safely on the ground to prevent falls, and contact a professional for any repairs required. 

Clean Gutters: We recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year to prevent clogs from flooding or causing leaks in other areas of your home. If no one in your home can get high enough to safely clean out the gutters, Brothers has a dedicated gutter team for all your needs. 

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors: This is another twice annual task, but it’s important to do in the spring before the weather gets warm. Seal any open space between windows and doors so you aren’t increasing your energy bill by releasing cool air from the air conditioner.

Many homeowners enjoy the longer days of summer by spending time outside, going on vacations, and taking a break from their regular schedules, so household chores are not at the top of mind. Our list of summer home maintenance tasks is short so you can spend most of the season doing what you enjoy the most.

Clean Refrigerator Coils: If you want to keep your home as energy efficient as possible, cleaning your refrigerator coils is a must. The coils help cool your fridge, and if dust and debris collect around the coils then your fridge has to work harder and the coils have no way to release the heat. This could lead to higher energy bills and end even a broken fridge.

Flush Water Heater: Our plumbing team suggests flushing your water heater once a year to release sediment build up that could have solidified within the system. If not flushed out at least once a year, you could be facing expensive repairs, system malfunctions, or even total failure.

The weather starts to cool down in the fall, and it’s a great time to perform many home maintenance tasks in preparation for winter. You want to make sure your home is ready for the winter weather and all the fun the holiday season brings!

Clean Dryer Exhaust: According to the US Fire Administration, 2,900 fires start from clothes dryers every year. You can reduce your chances of a fire starting in your laundry room by cleaning out the lint buildup in your dryer vent once a year.

Inspect Grout/Caulking: Grout fills the space between tiles in your home, while caulk seals  the space between a shower or bathtub from other surfaces. These two items don’t need replacing every year, but twice-a-year inspections can ensure there are no cracks that could be a sign of leaks or mold growth. 

Heater System Maintenance: Just like you want to check your air conditioning in the spring before it gets too hot, you want to check your heating system in the fall before it gets too cold. Have a professional come out and check the system to ensure everything is working well and energy efficient.

Many of your efforts to stay warm in the winter months happen before the weather gets too cold, but there are a few things you can do to keep your house running smoothly at the end of every year. 

Test Sump Pump: Many homes in our area have sump pumps that help prevent ground water from flooding the basement or crawl space. Sump pumps should be tested to ensure they are working properly and keeping water out of your home.

Winterize HVAC Unit: Maryland winters can bring plenty of snow and ice, so it’s important to winterize your HVAC unit to protect the system from damage. A few tips for winterizing your HVAC include insulating exposed pipes, changing filters, and cleaning air vents. This also helps prevent critters from climbing in and nesting in your HVAC unit.

There are many things you can do to your home throughout the year to ensure it’s running smoothly. The home maintenance tasks we’ve described are just a sample of what we recommend you do to keep your home secure, safe, and energy efficient. For the complete list of chores, download our Annual Home Maintenance Checklist. 

Most of the tasks we’ve outlined can be done by any adult member of your household, but there are times when it’s good to call in a professional. For maximum safely, we advise calling a licensed tradesman for all plumbing and electrical needs. Depending on your situation, you might want to hire someone to clean your gutters or check your roof for any problems. No matter what your home needs, Brothers is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with us today so you can enjoy your home as long as possible.