As the seasons change, you might be focused on things like updating your wardrobe or preparing for the next big holiday. However, the change of the seasons is also a great time to perform routine home maintenance tasks. By doing the following tasks four times a year, you can keep your home, appliances, and other belongings in excellent condition.
Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
Your home should have several smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to monitor for fires or a gas leak. Without fresh batteries, these alarms will do you no good. Therefore, change the batteries in them about every six months, usually in the spring and fall. You’ll also want to dust them off and do an alarm test every season to make sure they’re not malfunctioning in any way.
As for a fire extinguisher, you should make sure the fire-stopping device is accessible and that all seals are intact. Test the pressure using a test indicator if you have it, and make sure there’s no damage to the exterior.
Clean the Refrigerator Coils
Keeping your fridge clean on the inside is always a must, but do you also clean the coils along the back or bottom on the outside? These coils extract the heat from the fridge to keep it cold inside. If the coils get dirty from grime, pet hair, or dust, they won’t work as well, causing your fridge to use more energy to produce the same chilling results. Consider reading a complete fridge deep cleaning guide to get a better idea.
Therefore, keep them clean by vacuuming them with an upholstery tool to suck away larger chunks of food or dust. Then, take a coil brush and sweep out any remaining debris, using the vacuum to suck any pieces up as they fall.
Perform HVAC Maintenance
The transition between seasons is especially important for your HVAC system, as it will probably need to switch between heating and cooling. Pay special attention to this system to prevent costly breakdowns or extreme energy consumption.
First, do a walk around the outdoor unit to make sure it’s free from any debris, such as sticks, dirt, or kids’ toys. You’ll also want to replace your air filters on a quarterly basis, as a clogged filter can cause the motor to overwork, creating an overload that shuts the system down. Most important of all, schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment with a professional, as they’ll be able to thoroughly clean, calibrate, and lubricate the unit for optimum efficiency.
Power Wash the House
Is your house looking a little grimy? Freshen up your vinyl siding, decking, or patio with some power washing. Get a power cleaner with at least 2.3 GPM to ensure you have enough of a blast to remove dirt. Always wear eye protection, and use a detergent to clean the surface. Spray off the cleaner from top to bottom to avoid dirt drips.
Naturally, these are just a few things you should be doing for your home on a quarterly basis. It’s a good idea to make a checklist so you won’t forget just what’s next on the list.
