Going through a home maintenance checklist is not the way most of us want to spend a Saturday. “I can’t wait to flush out the hot water heater today,” said no one, ever. But for most of us, our home is our biggest investment. Maintaining it is a must. Let leaves fill the gutters or paint flake off the shutters, and you could end up with big repair bills.
Home maintenance can feel overwhelming, especially for a first-time homeowner who is accustomed to the landlord doing that work. But it doesn’t have to be daunting. Plan on doing one set of small chores by the month and other chores by the season. Follow this natural pattern all year long, stay on top of the little stuff and your house will run smoothly.
Monthly to-do items
Clean your furnace filter. Clean filters help your HVAC run more efficiently, lessening the wear and tear on the system. This can also help you avoid expensive repairs and cleaning costs. You may want to replace your filters monthly or every few months depending on factors like whether you have allergies or pets, and the quality of the filter.
Vacuum heat registers and vents. Dirt, dust and debris collect in registers, which obstructs airflow and makes your HVAC work harder to maintain the temperature indoors.
