Handyman – Seasonal Maintenance
Maintenance Activities to Do Around the House
Anytime Activities
You may want to change the locks on your interior and/or exterior doors. This is one of my specialties and I would love to help you with this!
Summer Maintenance
Seasonal tasks are scheduled quarterly according to the seasons on your calendar. By using the seasons as your guide, you won’t miss doing the critical jobs that take care of your home and keep it safe, secure, and in good order.
These tasks are usually scheduled about once or twice a year. When duties are assigned to each of the seasons, you won’t be repeating them more than needed, but you won’t forget either. Especially if you don’t write it down. Although, it’s highly suggested you put these things in your calendar so that you don’t skip them or put them out of your mind. It’s easy to lose track of time and brush off these tasks.
The trick in getting this philosophy to work is to have a permanent list. The list should be imputed into your calendar so that you can get a reminder. If you connect your schedule to your smartphone, you’ll get reminders right in the palm of your hand. This list of tasks is suggested particularly for the summer solstice. Summer officially begins on June 20th.
Change A/C Filter Again
On that day as early as you can, in the morning, change the filter to the A/C system. Depending on the type of air conditioner filter that you buy, you will on average change it every 90 days. If using celestial reminders, you can go ahead and change the filter each solstice and equinox because at a minimum it should be replaced 4 times a year. You can replace filters more often if necessary, but by making sure, you do so on the calendar events. If you do, at least know that you should be good in that regard.
Do the Windows
Windows should be cleaned at least once a year thoroughly. If you did not have time to do it in the Spring, it’s a good idea to do it in summer. Although, depending on where you live it may be too hot to work outside. However, if you did not do it in spring, you need to do it now.
Several websites such as Angie’s list, say that this is the thing to do for the summer. The weather allows windows to be open in most places. Be sure not just to clean the glass but also the sills and tracks which will collect dirt, bugs, and if you have them animal hair. While you’re doing the windows, Angie’s list recommends opening the outside light fixtures to clean out the bugs as part of your window duties.
Weather Permits Doing the Outside Chores
Summer gives you the opportunity to do the exterior work like washing the siding. Likely the south side of the house will be fine, but mold likes to appear on the north side. You may get lucky with only having to deal with one wall. This is the time you want to check the siding and clean it if needed.
Remove Clutter and Old Clothes
The warm time of year is also an excellent time to throw away any clutter and things you don’t use at home. Go through the closets, pantries, and cabinets. Get rid of empty containers of cleaners, toiletries, expired medications, and old food that you’re never going to eat. You know those old socks without matches that you have stopped wearing but just shove in a laundry basket for later and whatever else that may be stacking up. Any old clothes you don’t wear or that no longer fit into can be donated.
For the summer you are going to strive to get clean, breath clean, and gain some space. It’s the perfect thing to do when the weather is good, the sun is shining, and your energy is at maximum level due to all the sunshine you’re getting.
Fall Maintenance
Seasonal calendar events are a great way to schedule home maintenance and cleaning. In the fall that season starts by the calendar on or about September 23rd. These seasonal reminders are a great way to remember your obligations to do the periodic tasks that you would forget otherwise if left to memory.
These tasks are usually scheduled about once or twice a year. Specific jobs are generally assigned to each of the seasons so that they don’t have to be repeated more than needed and if tasks are spread out like this you can avoid a pileup of things to do.
Always Change The A/C Filter
Since your AC filter needs to be changed often, depending on the type you have, changing it with the seasons is a good idea. It’s quick and easy to do. It takes about 2 minutes to replace the A/C filter. If you’re changing it in the fall, then it should be at least the third time for the year. Do it each seasonal change. And remember that changing the filter four times a year approximates the recommended 90-day change that most filter types allow for today.
Secure Faucets and Hoses
If your done using the outside hoses for the year go ahead and place covers over the outdoor faucets. Waiting till winter might be risking damage if you get caught unaware by severe cold and a freeze. Seriously, if you’re not using the outside faucets, there is no reason not to cover them. Covering also protects the hardware from wear due to sun and corrosion. Then store the hoses to preserve them and your yard as well.
Look Where Water May Enter Then Seal. Inspect for Termites
Before even colder weather arrives, check for gaps in seals around windows and doors and re-caulk when necessary. It’s important not to have water seep in seals and freeze. Freezing can widen cracks. Also, moisture can rot wood and attract termites. If you have not set aside any of the other seasonal events to have a termite inspection, then have it done in the fall. The milder weather helps make it easier for the inspector. Typically, checks will be arranged by the pest control service you contract with but don’t forget to have it arrange if you are not doing so already.
You Know You Have to Rake the Leaves
Last and indeed least desired but most unavoidable is to rake the leaves. You didn’t need to check the calendar to do that but don’t neglect it. The less you have to blow around the yard, the better off your gutters will be in the spring. Check your gutters and clean now also. Sure, they’ll get dirty through the winter again, but at least you have ensured they drain well enough to prevent rot to the eves and fascia boards of your roof.
Walk Around the Outside and Check Roof and Siding
Every fall since you’re out there, anyway, do a general inspection of your siding and roof. Take note of the age of the roof and if it is getting to be about twenty years or more pay close attention as to how the shingles lay. Check inside ceilings for stains caused by water. Check the siding for cracks and seal if necessary. If a problem exists this would be the time to repair before winter comes.
Checking and repairing these problems fast usually takes very little time and effort but if you wait, it can be very costly and time-consuming. If you take the time to schedule them into your calendar according to the seasons, you won’t forget anything important, and you’ll be taking better care of your investment.
Winter…
When you schedule seasonal maintenance activities around your house, it is a way to help you remember to do it. Even if you don’t put it the tasks in your calendar if you make it a habit of doing things on a schedule you get used to it and it becomes second nature.
Check Your AC Filter
First on the list because it’s usually the easiest is to replace the A/C filter. Be honest, you’re not changing it every month as some people or filter manufacturers suggest. If you are using the type that is good for 90 days, then you are observing the recommended requirement. Consider that a success.
Check if You Need to Get a Chimney Sweep
If you have a fireplace, get the chimney clean or at least inspected. A chimney fire can be severe, not to mention frightening. Thankfully, with periodic inspections and professional cleanings, it can be avoided. Don’t let the creosote build up to where it will burn. This is not as much of a problem if you are burning the right type of wood, but don’t neglect this task for years on end if you use your fireplace regularly.
Close Out the Vents in the Crawl Space
If you have a crawl space check for winterizing sealing. Some vents auto-close while others are manual. Check to see if they are closed. You want to protect your pipes from freezing by shutting them. While you’re there, if necessary, check your pipe’s insulation and heat tape lines if you use them. If you do use heat tape on your pipes go ahead and turn them on so you don’t forget.
Check the Gutters
Inspect the gutters again. This is an essential task because it will help avoid problems that can develop when the gutters aren’t kept clean. Be sure they are clear and drain well. In colder climates this helps prevent ice dams from forming. In heavy winter climates, it is suggested to remove heavy snow off the roof after a storm. A roof rake can be purchased for this purpose.
Are the Trees Going to Harm the House in a Storm?
Check for tree limbs that could collect ice or snow and then snap. Cut the limbs that may strike the house. Do not prune anything that is near an electrical line. Call the power company to get them to do it. If you don’t have snowy weather where you live, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check because some areas, for example in Arizona, monsoons can cause high wind and trees do fall and break onto roofs and destroy homes unnecessarily.
Snow? Buy Salt
If it snows or ices in your area, have salt on hand for sidewalks, steps, and driveways. Even if you don’t go outside in that type of weather, you usually must do what you can to prevent slips on your property because you are responsible for anyone who is hurt even if they weren’t invited. The one thing you don’t need is someone getting injured. Speaking of that, it’s also a good idea to check your insurance coverage.
Check Insurance Coverage
Check your insurance coverage in case someone slips and gets injured on your property. Sometimes salt may not always work, and the way the laws work in most areas is if a person slips and falls on your property your property insurance, not their medical insurance, will have to pay. In fact, in many cases even if you fall your home insurance will pay for your injury, not your medical insurance.
By scheduling these tasks seasonally instead of picking random days, you’re going to get into a habit of doing them on time. You will not forget even if you don’t look at your calendar. AT first, do use technology by entering in the tasks you want to do regularly into it so that you will get reminders.
Spring…
Seasonal calendar events are a great way to be reminded to do periodic tasks around the house. Individual tasks can be assigned to each of the seasons so that they don’t have to be repeated more than needed. The trick in getting this philosophy to work is to have a permanent list set up in your calendar to remind you.
Set Aside A Particular Day for The Most Important Tasks
The usual seasonal events we note are the solstices and equinoxes. These are the days set aside on the calendar when we call it officially summer, winter, fall or spring. On or near those days designate these tasks to be completed that need to be done. All these tasks can be done on a single day. So, start early in the morning to finish them all.
Change the Smoke Alarm Batteries
Change smoke alarm batteries yearly. However, the smoke detector should be checked monthly. When you designate one particular season to change the batteries, you’ll prevent wasting money on replacing them unnecessarily. Tip: If the current year ends in a “0” then change out the whole smoke detector because they should be replaced every 10 years. You’ll never remember the last time you changed the detector or the batteries any other way. Think of it like a smoke detector holiday that has a leap year every decade.
Clean Your Gutters
After the batteries have been changed, and since it’s Spring, this is the best time to clean the gutters. For one thing, it should still be early in the morning because the smoke alarm batteries don’t take all that long to change, and usually, you want to complete the task before it gets hot with the sun overhead. When you clean gutters in the spring you get the biggest bang for your buck for the length of time your gutters stay clean. Leaves from the fall should all be gone by then, and no more are expected until late fall. Cleaning gutters may take longer than the other tasks depending on the size of your home so don’t wait until late in the day to start.
Clean Your Windows
Spring is the time of year most people enjoy opening their windows, letting the breeze in, and looking out the window at the gorgeous weather and views. Cleaning your windows thoroughly is quite a job to do, but it won’t take you that long if you have a plan. This job may require an extra day along with your regular cleaning. It really depends on what type of windows you have. Making it a habit of cleaning them in the Spring will ensure that you notice any issues such as rotting window fascia. This is all part of owning a home. Even if you live in an apartment, it’s a good idea to clean the windows regularly too so that you can enjoy your views.
Ensure That Your A/C System Is Ready for Summer
Next up is getting your AC ready for the summer. You need to service the A/C evaporator coil you might have in the house. This task is straightforward because it’s only suggested to pour in about ¼ cup of bleach into the system every six months to prevent the chance of the bacterium that causes legionaries disease from growing in the system.
You might have been told how to do the task if you were present when the system was installed. Do not guess how to do it, look it up. You might even find some videos on YouTube but always read your manufacturer’s directions. If you can’t figure it out, leave it alone and call a specialist to show you. It is usually a case of pulling an un-cemented cap off a piece of pipe and pouring the bleach in it.
The pipe just leads to your systems condenser and runs down to where there is a pan that collects the water condensate. The pan has a pipe leading to the outside to remove the condensation. The bacterium that causes Legionaries needs moisture. That’s why you attack it there. After you’re done, change out the A/C filter. It should be changed several times a year so just do it because you’re there.
Well, that’s about it other than the usual spring cleaning you can do for the rest of the day. You can take your time for that and spend several days to get it done but the tasks slated for spring equinox can be completed on that one day.
