Keeping your home in good shape takes more than just the occasional deep clean or repair job. A seasonal maintenance routine ensures your home stays efficient, safe, and comfortable year-round—while helping you avoid costly surprises down the road. From checking your roof before winter to prepping your garden in spring, here’s your ultimate guide to what to tackle each season.
Spring: Refresh and Inspect
As winter fades, spring is the perfect time to inspect your home for cold-weather damage and start prepping for the warmer months ahead.
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Inspect the roof and gutters: Look for missing shingles, water damage, or debris buildup. Clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
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Check exterior walls and foundation: Look for cracks, chipped paint, or signs of pests. Touch up paint where needed and seal gaps to keep moisture out.
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Service the air conditioning system: Schedule a professional inspection and replace air filters. Clear any debris around your outdoor unit.
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Test outdoor faucets and irrigation: Freezing temps can damage plumbing. Turn everything on and check for leaks or weak water pressure.
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Clean windows and screens: Wash both inside and outside surfaces, and repair or replace torn screens.
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Declutter and deep clean: Tidy up storage spaces, clean behind furniture and appliances, and donate items you no longer use.
Summer: Prepare for Heat and Enjoy the Outdoors
With long days and warm weather, summer is the ideal season for tackling projects you might put off during cooler months.
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Check and clean ceiling fans: Make sure blades are dust-free and rotating counterclockwise for better airflow.
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Inspect weatherstripping and insulation: Keep cool air inside by checking for gaps around doors and windows.
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Power wash exterior surfaces: Siding, decks, patios, and driveways often collect grime—summer is a great time to clean them.
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Maintain landscaping: Trim overgrown trees or shrubs, refresh mulch, and water plants consistently. Keep bushes away from your home’s siding to prevent moisture issues.
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Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Do this every season, but especially before vacations when you might be away from home for extended periods.
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Seal your driveway or deck: Hot, dry weather provides the ideal conditions for applying sealant and protecting surfaces from wear.
Fall: Prep for Cold and Conserve Energy
Fall is all about getting your home ready for colder weather. Proper preparation now can save you money on energy bills and prevent winter-related headaches.
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Clean and inspect the furnace: Schedule a tune-up, replace the filter, and make sure the thermostat is working correctly.
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Inspect your chimney and fireplace: If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected before use.
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Drain and store garden hoses: Shut off outdoor water valves and store hoses to prevent freezing and bursting.
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Check weatherproofing: Seal up drafts around doors and windows with caulking or weatherstripping.
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Rake leaves and aerate the lawn: Keep your yard healthy by removing debris and improving soil drainage.
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Stock up on winter supplies: Make sure you have ice melt, shovels, and emergency supplies in case of severe weather.
Winter: Protect and Monitor
Cold weather can be tough on your home. Winter maintenance is about staying vigilant and ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently.
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Inspect pipes and plumbing: Insulate exposed pipes and know how to shut off the water in case of a burst. Leave cabinets open under sinks on especially cold nights.
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Reverse ceiling fans: Change the direction of fan blades to clockwise to push warm air down into the room.
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Check attic insulation: Prevent heat loss and reduce energy use by ensuring your attic is properly insulated.
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Test backup systems: If you rely on a generator, make sure it’s operational and safely stored. Check your sump pump if your basement is prone to flooding.
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Monitor indoor air quality: Keep filters clean and consider a humidifier to combat dry indoor air.
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Stay alert for ice dams: After heavy snow, watch for signs of ice buildup on the roof, which can lead to leaks and damage.
Maintaining your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking tasks into seasonal checklists, you can stay ahead of wear and tear, improve energy efficiency, and create a safer, more comfortable living space. A little effort throughout the year adds up to big savings—and peace of mind.