Maintaining your home helps prevent repairs and to protect your home's value. Here are some helpful seasonal tips to keep your home looking beautiful throughout the seasons.

Monthly Care Tips: Check fire extinguisher to see if fully charged and recharge if necessary. Test the smoke detector batteries and replace if needed. Clean out debris from sink and tub stoppers. Flush out garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda. Test relief valve on hot water heating system and replace if needed. Check pressure in garage expansion tank and drain if needed. Clean air conditioner and replace filter. Clean condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain. Bi-Yearly Care Tips: [Back to Top] Check for cracks and moisture in the foundation, and repair if needed. Check for leaks and moisture in the toilet, and repair if needed. Inspect caulking around tub, showers and sinks, and replace if deteriorating. Drain water heater until clear of sediment. Inspect flue assembly. Tighten garbage disposal drain connections and fasteners. Clean clothes washer inlet filters. Check hoses and replace if leaking. Clean refrigerator drain hole and pan, more often in the warm weather. Wash door Gasket and vacuum condenser coils. Clean grill and exhaust fan blades. Wash fan blades and housing on range hood. Winter Care Tips: [Back to Top] Clean chimney if needed. Repair any cracks in flue, or any loose or crumbling mortar. Clean thermostat heat sensor, contact points and contacts. Check accuracy and replace if necessary. Adjust heating vents in multi-level homes by partially closing those on upper level to allow warm air to be re-directed to lower level. Have roof inspected, especially after storms and high winds. Have heating and cooling systems professionally inspected. Test, clean and replace batteries in smoke detectors. Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) type outlets. Make sure interior door hinges are lubricated. Inspect tile for loose or missing grout, cracks, chips, or damaged caulking. Regrout if necessary. Replace/repair broken tiles. Caulk damaged areas. Review your fire escape plan with your family. Check electrical holiday decorations to ensure tight connections, and not overloading circuit. Inspect fencing for rust and standing water. Sand and paint rust spots and fill areas where water is standing. Spring & Fall Care Tips: [Back to Top]   Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves and softies. Repair if needed. Clean debris from gutters and down spouts more frequently if needed. Inspect and repair weaknesses. Check for proper drainage. Fill cracks in windowsills, doorsills and thresholds with caulk and repaint if required. Clean window and door screens and repair or replace. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn or missing hardware. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers. Lubricate hot-water heating system circulating pump and motor. Inspect exterior paint. If repainting is required, use the same color for better coverage. Homes with wood exteriors usually need repainting every two to four years, and more frequently for walls exposed to direct sunlight. Repair driveways that are cracked, broken or uneven for safe walking. Check the shut-off valves at all plumbing fixtures to make sure they function. Lubricate garage door hardware to ensure doors travel smoothly. Replace brittle, worn or damaged extension cords. Review your fire escape plan with your family. Check for leaks under cabinets and hot water heater. Check flow of water in faucet aerators. Clean aerator screens if water levels are reduced. In rooms where sinks, showers or bathtubs are not often used, run water into drains to keep sink traps filled. Summer Care Tips: [Back to Top]   Adjust the air conditioning vents to evenly cool a multi-level home. Partially close the vents on the lower level so more cool air is directed to the upper level. Drain your water heater to remove sediment. Clean wood-burning fireplaces. Oil hinges and locks on exterior doors. Clean kitchen exhaust hood and air filter. Check all window and door locks for proper operation. Review your fire escape plan with your family. Inspect air conditioning/furnace air filters for dust, and clean and replace as needed. Replace the air filter every month for the first year of your new home, and every other month afterwards. Every other year check water hoses on your clothes washer, refrigerator, icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.