As a homeowner and a husband, I have a to do list of necessary home chore – work. Things I do annually to keep the house in tip-top shape and my wife happy. These are simple tasks that can be completed by yourself without the hiring of expensive contractors. Below is a list of annual tasks and home chores you should be doing multiple times a year in order to keep your home at its best.
Clean Furnace Air filters Easily One of the Most Important Home Chores
Replacing your furnace air filter is an important task that helps with the air quality of your home. This could be done once a month – say when you write your mortgage payment. At the minimum, this home chore should be done every 3-4 months. Check out this handy help video on this smart home chore. A clean filter also reduces the work the fan has to do, lengthening the lifespan of your furnace.
Inspect Washer and Dryer Connections
It is key that you are checking your washing machine hoses regularly to make sure there aren’t any leaks. Be sure that all the hoses are fit snug so that both machines are working properly and efficiently. Use a power vac to clean the dryer vent line or hire a professional. The lint that builds up in a dryer vent is highly combustible. Don’t forget to clean out behind appliances including your refrigerator and range oven.
Clean Your Gutters
Though consider a professional for this important and often forgotten home chore. Your roof is higher than you think. You should clear debris from your gutters at least once a year. Protect against excess water along your foundation. It will also protect your siding from water damage.
Every Spring, Check The Roof As A Preventative Home Chore
After the harsh winter months you want to check your roof. Make sure there are no missing shingles nor anything else out of the ordinary. These simple checks will ensure that there is no risk of leaks in your roof that can cause water damage. Keep in mind some roof materials, such as tile or concrete, can easily break under the weight of a person. If your home has a solar system, an additional home chores is prevent nesting by birds.
Garage Door
Checking your garage includes making sure that your garage door motion sensors are lined up. Safety is job #1. Make certain that your garage does indeed reverse when encountering an obstacle. This ensures that your garage is working safely.
Fire Alarms Need Batteries
Checking your fire alarms is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone within the home. It is recommended that you change the batteries in your fire alarm up to twice a year. Why not change them when you Spring Forward and Fall Back on the Daylight Savings time change – that’s an easy way to keep track of this lifesaving home chore.
Windows
You needn’t replace old windows. This simple annual home chore will preserve your windows for some time to come. In order to keep your home energy efficient one thing you can do is make sure your windows are sealed properly. If your windows are not sealed properly they can be fixed by simply applying a bead of caulk around the edge of your windows. This helps small home chore keeps your home cool in the warmer months and keep the warm air in during the colder months.
Oven
Keeping your oven running in proper order is fairly easy. All that is suggested is to run the self-clean mode a couple times a year to make sure the oven is working efficiently and prevent a build up of grease.
Servicing Air conditioning
It is important to check your air conditioning as warmer months approach. This is as simple as clearing any debris that may be surrounding you air conditioning unit in order to make sure it runs efficiently.
Paint
Going around and patching any paint chips on your interior and exterior walls is an easy, inexpensive home chore that keeps your home looking its best.
Fall Home Yard Work
With Colorado winters especially cold at night, be certain you’ve disconnected all garden hoses from faucets. Have your Sprinkler lines blown out to prevent freeze damage. These outdoor home chores can protect your home from water damage.
All these annual home chores are fairly simple. And cheap. Each is purposed to keep your home running as efficient as you can. Which one of these annual chores have you done so far?