Home Maintenance Checklist

Home maintenance is usually one of the first things to get pushed to the back burner. You have a lot of things to take care of everyday nevermind trying to fit in a house chore. You hear about how it’s important to take time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Self- care awareness has finally been given the attention it deserves. But have you considered applying that same concept to your house? Self-care for your home!

If you regularly take care of your home then it will take care of you. I’ve brainstormed a few ways for you to give your home some love and keep up with the home maintenance.

Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace filter is something that should be done twice a year (or more depending on your furnace model) in order to maintain clean air in your home. It cuts down on dust and allergens as well as improving your furnace efficiency- a major step in caring for your home. Bonus! Most home improvement stores have their furnace filters on sale in January!

Also, you should change your furnace filter after any home renovations. All the drywall dust and sawdust in the air can really clog up your filter and slow things down. Get that dirty dust out of your furnace system with a clean filter.

Check Your Plumbing

There’s not always a need to open up the cabinets under all the bathroom or kitchen sinks. This simple step can save you some big headaches down the road. A slow leak or drip won’t get a lot of attention but can make a big mess. It’s a good idea to check any exposed drains and joints every 3 months to monitor for any loose parts or slow leaks. And always keep an eye out for out of place water spots or signs of water damage. Some leaks can stay hidden for a long time.

Clean Your Dryer

This is something that should be done at least twice a year. The lint trap doesn’t catch everything. Instead, the extra-fine lint will coat the inside of your dryer and vents. This is a major fire hazard. And lint is extremely flammable. In fact, we use it as a quick fire-starter when we go camping. Give yourself peace of mind by giving your dryer a regular cleaning. You can get attachments for your vacuum to help you do a more thorough job.

Test Your Detectors

Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors monthly to make sure they are working. You should preemptively replace the batteries every year too. It’s best to do it on a specific day every year, such as New Years Day or the first day of Spring. Every level of your home should have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, as well as the furnace room and every bedroom.

I also recently discovered that most smoke detectors have an expiry date! Check yours to make sure they aren’t past their prime. Fire safety is not something you want to slack on.

Wipe Down Cabinets

Wiping down your kitchen cabinets will extend the life of the finish on them. Everyday cooking leaves a greasy build-up on them that you don’t notice from day to day. But cleaning them once a year can take off a pretty good layer of greasy cooking build-up. A mild detergent and microfiber cloth should do the trick, but you may need to use a diluted degreaser right above the cooktop.

Check Your Lights

Once a year you should wipe down your light fixtures. Not just dusting them but washing or wiping with a damp rag to remove greasy build-ups and cleaning out trapped bugs. While you are up there, give them a good looking over too. Make sure the light fixture isn’t showing signs of electrical issues such as discoloured bases or prematurely burnt bulbs, and are still snug without any loose parts or screws.

Check Windows

Give all of your windows an inspection. You want to make sure they aren’t leaking around the window framing or the sealed glass itself. Watch for things such as humidity and water spots. The windows are already a source of heat loss and you want to keep them as energy-efficient as they can be. The right blind style can help with that too.

Check Your Basement

If you don’t go into your basement or cellar often, make sure you start giving it a look over when you do. If you have water seeping in from somewhere, or a leaking water tank, you want to find it sooner than later. Wet seasons can be monitored more closely than dry seasons.

Sort Through Clutter

Sorting through your clutter not only helps your room have more breathing space, but it’s a safety factor too. If there’s ever a fire, stacks of boxes will hold onto the heat and make it more dangerous for first responders. It’s also easier to maintain a house when you can see the floor and wall surfaces. If an issue arises then you’ll notice it immediately and be able to give it your attention. A bonus to that is also knowing where something is when you need it.

Related: Declutter Challenge

Love Your Home

When you set up a consistent schedule it is easier to tackle the home maintenance tasks. And by keeping up with the regular maintenance you help your home to function better, work properly, and stay in shape. It doesn’t seem like such a chore when it fits into your routine instead of being stacked on top of it. This will also give you peace of mind, and allow you to enjoy your home (and your time) even more. Love your home, take care of it, and it will take care of you.