Annual Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Protect Your Home
As a homeowner, identifying problems around your house early on can save you time, trouble, and money in the long run (and who doesn’t love saving money?) Minor issues in the home can quickly add up if not addressed in a timely manner. For example, inspecting electrical wiring may not be something that comes to mind often, but routine maintenance can ultimately save you from dangerous circumstances that may not be covered fully by home insurance. A well maintained home is a happy home. Our maintenance checklist will help keep your home in good shape over time, as well setting you up to get maximum value for your house if you ever decide to sell. Keep this "Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist" handy by posting it on your refrigerator. Checking off each item annually will help you to properly care for your home, so you can continue to be a proud owner year after year.
Plumbing
From the kitchen to the bathroom, you’re going to be putting those pipes to work on the daily. Regularly inspecting your plumbing system including pipes, faucets, toilets, and drains, is absolutely crucial to prevent potential water damage and costly repairs to your home. Any undetected leaks can lead to a spike in utility bills and major plumbing issues that are difficult to resolve. Performing these few tasks per year will keep you in the clear:
Toilet
Regularly inspect the toilet tank for any signs of leaks or cracks to help avoid water damage
Clean toilet regularly with appropriate cleaners
Avoid flushing non-flushable items
Sinks/Faucets/Drains
Keep all three clean from mineral deposits and soap scum on the daily
Inspect and clean the drain stopper
Check for any leaks or drips around the faucet
Refrigerator
Clean coils in the back or underneath the fridge to help improve energy efficiency and prevent overheating
Check and adjust temperature settings to ensure food preservation
Clean and organize the interior now and again
Regularly replace the water filter
Inspect door seals for any leaks or damage
Washer/Dryer
Clean dryer lint trap after each use
Regularly inspect your washing machine’s filter and detergent dispenser to help prevent clogs
Periodically check and tighten hose connections
Water Heater
You know those stress-relieving hot showers you get to take after a long day of work? Let’s make sure we keep those in the daily rotation. That means proper water heater maintenance:
Regularly flush the tank to remove sediment buildup to help maintain efficiency and prevent corrosion
Check and replace the sacrificial anode rod when necessary to prevent tank corrosion and extend the lifespan of your water heater
Regularly inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is functioning correctly for safety purposes
Garbage Disposal
The only kind of clogs you should have in life are the ones you wear on your feet (and even those are debatable). Take these steps to make sure your garbage disposal is running smoothly to prevent any unwanted clogs or odors:
Regularly run cold water while operating the disposal to flush away food particles and keep the blades clean
Avoid putting non-food items, fibrous materials, or hard objects into the disposal to prevent damage
Periodically grind ice cubes or citrus peels to help freshen and remove any built-up debris
Home Heating and Fire Response Systems
Preventing any fire hazards in your home should always be high up on your home maintenance priority list. While you may think that this situation can only be caused by a scenario such as a candle left burning, there are many other areas of the home that can result in gas leaks or faulty wiring if not regularly monitored. Be sure to keep tabs on the following areas of your home in order to minimize the risk of accidents and be prepared to respond effectively in the event of any emergency:
Chimney
Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to remove creosote buildup and ensure proper ventilation
Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping the firebox
Avoid burning wet or unseasoned wood
Install a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace to monitor gas emissions
Fire Extinguishers
Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and near fire-prone areas
Familiarize yourself with the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for using a fire extinguisher effectively
Regularly check the pressure gauge of fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and functional
Understand the types of fires different extinguishers are designed to combat and have the appropriate extinguisher for each area
Smoke Detectors
Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas
Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually
Clean smoke detectors regularly to remove dust or debris
Replace smoke detectors every 10 years to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology
HVAC Systems
Schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system, including cleaning, inspection, and filter replacement
Regularly check air vents and registers to ensure they are clean and unobstructed
Keep flammable objects away from heating equipment and ensure proper clearance around the system
Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors near your HVAC system to detect any potential leaks
Wall Furnace
Have your wall furnace inspected and serviced annually by a professional technician
Keep the area around the wall furnace clean and clear of any flammable materials
Regularly check the pilot light and burner for proper operation and a clean flame
Ensure proper ventilation by not blocking or covering the air vents or grilles
Range Hood
Clean the range hood and filter regularly to remove grease buildup
Check the range hood fan and light regularly to ensure they are functioning properly
Ensure that the range hood is properly vented to the outside to remove cooking odors, smoke, and fumes
Keep flammable items away from the range hood while cooking
Interior/Exterior Caulk and Seal
Caulking and sealing are important for maintaining energy efficiency, preventing water intrusion, and improving overall comfort in your home. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help identify areas in need of attention and ensure a well-sealed and protected living space.
Interior Caulking
Inspect the interior caulking around windows, doors, and baseboards for any cracks or gaps
Use a caulk gun to apply a new bead of caulk to seal gaps
Smooth the caulk with a caulk smoothing tool or a moistened finger
Choose a paintable caulk if you plan to paint over it to match the surrounding surfaces
Exterior Caulking
Check the exterior caulking around windows, doors, vents, and other openings for signs of deterioration or gaps
Remove any old or damaged caulk using a putty knife or caulk remover before applying new caulk
Use a high-quality, waterproof exterior caulk suitable for your specific needs
Apply caulk in a continuous bead, ensuring full coverage of gaps and joints, and smooth it for a tight seal
Window Sills, Door Sills, and Thresholds
Inspect the window sills, door sills, and thresholds for cracks, gaps, or deteriorated caulking
Clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying new caulk to ensure proper adhesion
Apply a generous amount of caulk to seal the gaps and create a watertight barrier
Consider using a clear or color-matched caulk for a seamless appearance
Window and Door Weather Stripping
Check the condition of weather stripping around windows and doors for wear, tears, or gaps
Replace any damaged or worn weather stripping
Install weather stripping tightly and ensure proper alignment for effective sealing
Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts
Keeping the roof over your head well-maintained includes, you guessed it, performing regular maintenance on the roof!
Roof
Inspect the roof regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, sagging areas, or loose flashing
Clear away debris, such as leaves, branches, and moss, from the roof surface
Schedule professional roof inspections every few years to identify and address any underlying issues early on
Ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent excessive heat buildup
Gutters
Clean the gutters at least twice a year to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris
Check for any leaks, loose connections, or damaged sections in the gutters and repair or replace them as needed
Consider installing gutter guards or screens to prevent debris from entering and clogging the gutters
Ensure that the gutters are properly pitched towards the downspouts to ensure efficient water flow and drainage
Downspouts
Inspect the downspouts for any blockages or obstructions and clear them out using a plumber's snake or a garden hose
Ensure that the downspouts direct water away from the foundation of the house
Secure the downspouts firmly to the side of the house to prevent them from becoming loose or detached during heavy winds
Consider adding extensions or splash blocks at the bottom of the downspouts
If you’re a homeowner, we know you already have a pretty solid basis of responsibility. However, we know how hectic life can get! Home insurance is great, but even better when you’re not having to submit claims all the time.
