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Dirt and debris can build up in your gutters and prohibit the flow of rain and melted snow. If the water backs up, it can cause damage to your home. Clean your gutters twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

You might remember to clean the dryer’s lint trap on a regular basis, but don’t forget that lint is also collecting in the exterior vent. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. Have your exterior vent checked an cleaned once a year, or when you notice that your laundry isn’t drying properly.

Dust collects on the coils on the back of your refrigerator, reducing the appliance’s efficiency. Make sure you clean the dust off the back of your refrigerator at least twice a year. A vacuum attachment works well for this.

Range hood filters get grimy fast. Use a degreaser to clean it, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Twice a year, inspect your roof as a proactive measure. Replace any shingles that aren’t in stellar condition, because ignoring this task could lead to leaks.

A dirty filter makes your air conditioner and furnace work harder, which not only boosts your energy bill but reduces the air quality and the life of your HVAC system. Replace your air filters every month.

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system helps keep your home’s interior climate comfortable. As long as it does it’s job most people tend to ignore this integral part of their home. If it fails you can end up having an expensive repair bill on your hands. By hiring a processional to take care of some basic preventative maintenance, you can keep your HVAC system running better, longer. Plan to have your system checked twice a year (spring and fall are best).

Sediment (sand, grit, and other minerals) collect at the bottom of your water heater. By flushing your water heater once a year, you enable your system to function at it’s best.

Water expands when it freezes, and this ice can lead to burst pipes. Before the cold winter arrives, turn off the shut-off valve and drain any water remaining in the line. You’ll also want to unhook your hoses and store them until the spring.

Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher, preferable more. One should stay in the kitchen within easy reach in case of a grease fire. Make sure you inspect it regularly and replace the extinguisher when it’s expired.

Smoke alarms can save your life in the event of a fire. Make sure you have one in every room of your home and test them / replace batteries at least once a year. Along with the smoke detectors, it’s also recommended that you install carbon monoxide detectors in each room. You can also purchase combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which can be easier to check on a monthly basis.

No matter how often you vacuum, there’s nothing like a good steam-cleaning to revive your carpets. The heat kills germs and other living organisms that stow away deep in the fibers. You’ll be amazed at the color and texture that springs back when you have your carpets professionally cleaned!  

Nothing improves your outlook quite like clean windows! You may not realize how much dirt has built up on your windows until you have a crystal clear, streak-free view. Clean your windows annually, inside and out. You should also test your windows for drafts every fall. About 80% of heat loss passes through cracks, so before cold weather hits make sure you’re not letting any drafts into your home. Check doors, windows, electrical outlets, and other spaces that may have leaks. Replace weatherstripping and recaulk areas as needed. Inspect your window screens for damage and give them a thorough cleaning as well. Plus, checking for tears or holes now means you can get them fixed before bugs start swarming.

Got a working fireplace? Now’s the time to clean it! Be sure to put down a tarp to protect your floors, furniture, and walls before diving in. (Note: Hire a professional to clean your fireplace chimney – don’t attempt this yourself.)

If caulking is new to you, don’t worry. It’s very easy. Just load the tube into your caulking gun, and cut 1/4” off the tip at an angle. Look for places where two different materials or sections come together, like the door or window frame and the wall, or brick and wood, around outside faucets and dryer vents The area should be dry before you caulk it. Don’t overdo the application. A thin bead of caulk is sufficient. After you apply it, run your finger along the bead to create a smooth line. Use a damp cloth to wipe your finger each time you lift it in order to keep that smoothness. Also wipe up any excess caulking before it dries. In areas where the caulk might show, avoid a white caulk. On brick for example, a clear caulk is a better choice. Around gray concrete floors or foundation, use a gray urethane or clear caulk. Bear in mind that elastomeric caulk goes on white but dries clear. Be sure to caulk every section on a window or door where parts come together: the sill, the trim, and between the glass panes and wood frame. Fill in gaps behind your fascia and soffits with caulk.

If your home has a pressure-treated wood deck, it will need to be resealed every two to three years to prevent wood rot and water manage. Pour a glass of water on the wood. If it beads up, the sealant is still protecting the wood. If not, reseal our deck to avoid having to replace it all together.

Check your sump pump to make sure it’s in good working order before the rainy season. Carefully inspect your basement, attic, and crawl spaces for moisture and mold.

It’s easy to overlook the branches hanging off your trees, but if you have a little time to go around your yard and clean up any stragglers a good clipping will help promote growth as well as keeping your landscaping looking gorgeous.

You might not see pests in your home, but by the time you do they are usually already a problem. Hire an exterminator to check your home once a year, inside and out, to avoid any damage and discomfort that can be caused by termites, rodents, roaches, fleas, bedbugs, and more.