Northeast Seasonal Maintenance Guide

In this guide, we'll give you a gameplan to prepare your house for every season!

Winter

Inspect and Clean the Fireplace and Chimney

Before the cold sets in, have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. A clean chimney reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide buildup. Plus, it ensures your fireplace operates efficiently, keeping you cozy on those chilly nights.

Check for Drafts and Apply Weatherstripping

Feel around windows and doors for cold drafts. These are areas where warm air escapes and cold air sneaks in, making your heating system work harder. Applying weatherstripping or using draft stoppers can seal these leaks, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, flip it when you start using your heat. Fans running clockwise at a low speed gently push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a draft. This is especially useful in rooms with high ceilings and can help reduce heating costs.

Protect Outdoor Faucets and Pipes

Water freezing in outdoor faucets and pipes can cause them to burst, leading to expensive repairs. Disconnect garden hoses, drain water from outdoor faucets, and consider covering them with insulated faucet covers. For added protection, insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages or basements.

Service or Replace the Humidifier

Winter air can be dry, affecting your home's comfort and health. If you have a humidifier, clean it and replace the filter before turning on your heating system. If you don't have one, consider using portable humidifiers in key areas, like bedrooms, to maintain comfortable humidity levels.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Winter storms can lead to power outages. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, and blankets. Knowing you're prepared can provide peace of mind during severe weather.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With your home closed up for the season and the heating system running, it's crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Test them and replace batteries if necessary. These devices are vital for your safety, alerting you to dangerous conditions in your home.

Adding these tasks to your winter maintenance guide will help homeowners keep their homes safe, efficient, and cozy throughout the cold season.

Spring

Inspect and Repair Roof and Gutters

Winter storms and freezing temperatures can damage your roof and gutters. In early spring, inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and repair as necessary to prevent leaks. Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

Service Air Conditioning Units

Before the heat arrives, have your air conditioning unit serviced by a professional to ensure it's operating efficiently. Replace filters, clean coils, and check for any issues that might impede performance. This can extend the life of your unit and lower your energy bills.

Check and Repair Exterior Woodwork

Inspect decks, fences, and other exterior woodwork for damage or rot. Winter moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause wood to deteriorate. Repair or replace damaged wood, and consider resealing or repainting to protect it from the elements and extend its life.

Prepare Lawn and Garden Equipment

Get your lawn mower, trimmer, and other garden tools ready for the growing season. Change the oil, replace spark plugs, and sharpen blades to ensure your equipment is in top condition. This is also a good time to stock up on necessary supplies like fertilizer and mulch.

Refresh Landscaping and Lawn

Remove any debris that has accumulated over winter, such as fallen branches and leaves. Aerate your lawn to promote healthy growth, seed any bare spots, and start early weed control measures. Trim bushes and trees to encourage new growth and prevent them from obstructing pathways or windows.

Clean Windows and Screens

Brighten your home by cleaning windows inside and out. Remove, clean, and repair screens before installing them to improve air flow and keep out pests. Consider washing or replacing window treatments to refresh each room's appearance.

Update or Check Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Ensure your home's safety by checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries in detectors and test them to confirm they're working. Check the expiration date on fire extinguishers and replace if necessary.

Declutter and Organize

Spring is the perfect time for a thorough cleaning and decluttering. Sort through closets, basements, and attics to donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. Organizing your space can improve your home's aesthetics and functionality.

Summer

Maintain the Exterior Paint

Summer is an ideal time to inspect and touch up the exterior paint on your home. Look for any signs of peeling, cracking, or fading that can occur from the harsh winter conditions. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also provides a protective barrier against moisture and sun damage.

Care for the Lawn and Garden

Regular lawn maintenance is crucial during the summer months. Mow the lawn at the recommended height for your grass type to encourage healthy growth and prevent weeds. Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and ensure deep soil absorption. Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Check Irrigation Systems

Inspect sprinkler and irrigation systems for leaks or broken heads and make necessary repairs. An efficient watering system saves water and ensures your lawn and plants receive the hydration they need without waste.

Inspect and Seal Decks and Patios

Examine your deck, patio, or any other outdoor living space for signs of wear or damage. Repair any loose boards or unstable areas, and seal or stain your deck to protect it from the summer sun and rain. This not only prolongs the life of your deck but also keeps it looking its best.

Clean and Inspect the Pool

If you have a pool, early summer is the time to clean it thoroughly and balance the chemicals for the swimming season. Check pumps, heaters, and filters to ensure they are functioning correctly. Consider a professional inspection if you're not comfortable performing maintenance tasks yourself.

Pest Control

Summer brings out a variety of pests that can invade your home. Inspect your home's exterior for any entry points for insects and rodents, sealing gaps around windows, doors, and utility entries. Consider natural or professional pest control solutions to keep your home pest-free.

Prepare for Summer Storms

Ensure your home is ready to withstand summer storms. Check the condition of your roof, windows, and doors. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent damage from broken branches. Secure outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage during high winds.

HVAC System Check

Even though you've serviced your air conditioning unit in the spring, continue to check and replace the air filters regularly throughout the summer for optimal efficiency and air quality. Ensure that the area around the outdoor unit is clear of debris and vegetation to allow for adequate airflow.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space

Finally, summer is the time to enjoy the outdoor spaces of your home. Whether it's barbecues on the deck, evenings by the fire pit, or relaxing in a hammock, take the time to enjoy the comfort and beauty of your well-maintained home.

Fall

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

After the leaves fall, clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage on your roof and foundation. Check for proper alignment and secure fastenings to ensure they handle winter storms effectively.

Inspect and Prepare Heating Systems

Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it is clean, and functioning efficiently before the winter. Replace the furnace filter to improve air quality and efficiency of your heating system.

Seal Gaps and Cracks in Exterior

Walk around your home's exterior and check for cracks and gaps in the siding, windows, and door frames. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them, preventing cold drafts and moisture from entering your home which can save on heating costs.

Winterize Lawn and Garden

Fertilize your lawn to prepare it for the coming cold, and prune trees and shrubs. Cover sensitive plants, and store outdoor gardening equipment after cleaning them thoroughly. Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses. Shut off outdoor water valves to prevent pipe freezing.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is a good time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to prepare for the increased use of heating appliances.

Check Roof and Perform Repairs

Inspect your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may lead to leaks during winter storms. Consider hiring a professional to repair any significant damages to ensure your home is protected from the elements.

Service Chimney and Vents

Have your chimney, flue, and vents inspected and cleaned by a professional. This reduces the risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup from blocked heating vents.

Install Storm Windows and Doors

Replace screens with storm windows and doors to provide an extra layer of protection from the weather. This can help reduce heating bills by minimizing cold air infiltration.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Update or create an emergency kit that includes supplies like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, and blankets. Fall is the perfect time to prepare for winter-related emergencies such as power outages.