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Fall
Don't fall down on the job when it comes to taking care of the following:
• Close your attic vents to conserve heat.
• Rake leaves that have fallen in the yard, or ground them into mulch.
• Keep your decks and walkways clear.
• Clean out your gutters.
• Have your heating unit serviced by a professional.
• Test your damper before lighting the first fire of the season.
• Inspect your chimney and have it professionally cleaned.
• If you have a window-unit air conditioner, remove it.
• Take down screens and replace with storm windows.
• Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Drain and store your garden hoses.
• Shut off the exterior water supply.
• Inspect your appliance cords and plugs and replace any that are worn out.
• Seal cracks around doors and windows
• Inspect your houses exterior, including the roof.
Winter
Be sure to keep the following items in mind during the winter months to keep everyone in your home safe and warm:
• Monitor your thermostat to make sure it is working correctly.
• Check the insulation around your doors and windows.
• If necessary, keep snow and ice off of your roof and gutters.
• Replace broken or cracked window glass.
• Inspect your attic for water stains, rot, mildew, fungus, and rodents.
• Insulate plumbing so it won't freeze during extreme cold.
• Clean out your gutters, especially if there are numerous trees around.
• Check your chimney to make sure no animals have taken up residence.
• Check your insulation, especially in an older home.
• Shovel snow from your driveway and walkways before foot or car traffic.
• Inspect the chimney for creosote buildup.
Spring
In addition to your usual spring-cleaning, be sure to give attention to the following:
• Open your attic vents for proper ventilation.
• Remove, clean and store storm windows (if applicable).
• Have your air conditioning system inspected by a licensed contractor.
• Inspect your porch and/or deck for loose nails and loose or rotted boards.
• Consider cleaning, staining and sealing your porches, decks and fences.
• Inspect your window screens for holes and tears and replace if needed.
• Look for cracking or peeling paint on the exterior of your home.
• Inspect the roof for damaged shingles.
• Clean out your gutters, especially if there are numerous trees around.
• Trim any trees or shrubs touching your home exterior.
• Inspect your foundation for cracks and water penetration.
Summer
Take care of the following items before you focus on summer fun:
• Clean and lubricate your sliding glass door and window tracks.
• Lubricate door hinges and locks.
• Patch driveway and other concrete.
• Eliminate any vegetation that is coming in contact with your home.
• Perform a check after dark to look for insect activity.
• Deep clean your carpets and rugs.
• Clean your ceiling fans and make sure they spin clockwise.
• Check your hot water heater for leaks.
• Pick a nice, dry, sunny day and air out your basement.
• Wash the exterior of your home using a garden hose and mild soap.
• Inspect for damaged bricks or crumbling mortar.
• Inspect recreational equipment such as swing sets for safety hazards.
• Clean the exhaust duct on your clothes dryer.
• Inspect your washing machine hoses and replace if needed.