‘Tis the season to share your love … especially with your home. If your feet are the foundation of your mobile, physical life, your home is the foundation of your physical and mental well-being (and yes, you should take good care of both).

And whether you’re making your current home last longer or looking to make a new buy (in either just-built or been-around-the-block shape) withstand the test of time, I’ve found these tips to be very helpful with homes. They may sound like chores, but trust me, these every-so-often actions will make your house happy, and long-lasting. Time to start showing some home love!

Things you can do monthly to give your house the age edge:

-Inspect/change out air conditioning filters and fire extinguishers (that second one you probably haven’t checked in a looooong time)

-Clean out range hood filters and kitchen sink disposals (these see more use than you think, and need some good ole lovin’ too)

Things to do quarterly:

-Check your smoke/carbon dioxide detectors (this is something that saves lives; you should typically change out the batteries twice a year, too, not just when the detector goes off at the end of its current battery life)

-Run water in places that don’t see much use (such as guest bathrooms; make sure to flush toilets too)

-Add salt to the water softener, if needed

Things to do biannually:

-Inspect the pressure of your water heater’s relief valve (this prevents leaks and mineral/corrosion buildup)

-Vacuum refrigerator coils since that appliance takes up 15% of a home’s power, when running clean and efficiently (dirty coils need more power)

-Deep clean! (this truly does lengthen the life of a home; dirt/dust/grime can do real damage over time)

Things to do annually, by season:

SPRING

-Check exterior drainage, home exterior, damaged window screens, leaks in roofing, etc.

-Consider servicing your AC in preparation for the summer season (especially in Texas)

-Get the shrubbery back into shape (they can cause cracks and damage when left to their own devices; also keep an eye out for new tree growth that could mess with electric lines)

SUMMER

-Clean out the garage, window wells (dirt builds up there really quickly, damaging window tracts), grout in both the bathrooms and the kitchen, the deck/patio, the dryer vent along with other exhaust vents outside of the home

-Inspect plumbing for any type of damage

-This is also a great time to fix insect problems since this is when they’ll show their ugly heads the most and alert you to your home’s weak points

FALL

-Flush your hot water heater to get rid of sediments and prepare your heating system for the possible cold (you can also winterize that AC system)

-Clean out chimneys

-Look for cracks that may have made their way into your pavement

-Flush out outdoor water faucets (and turn them off when it starts to get chilly)

WINTER

-Test electricity when possible

-Tighten up often-used handles, knobs, racks, and the like

-Inspect and possibly replace locks and deadbolts (for both doors AND windows)

-Check caulking in showers and bathtubs and remove showerheads to clean out sediment (this improves water pressure as well as lengthening the life of the plumbing)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Article Citation: Anderberg, Jeremy. (October 8, 2013.) “Keep your house in tip-top shape: an incredibly handy home maintenance checklist.” The Art of Manliness. Retrieved February 7, 2016 from: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/10/08/keep-your-house-in-tip-top-shape-an-incredibly-handy-home-maintenance-checklist/.
Picture Citation: http://www.pirikan.xyz/img/2014/8/86_0_rustic-valentines-decor-with–valentines-home-decor.jpg