Home Maintenance Checklists by Season
Home Maintenance Checklists by Season AARP Livable Communities
Keep a blanket, shovel, sand and first aid kit in your car
Stock up on canned goods and household items, including lightbulbs and batteries. Buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Although they cost more than incandescent bulbs, they're more energy efficient and last longer
Check for proper lighting inside and outside the house
Check any holiday lights inside and outside the house and make sure they are in good working order
Make sure space heaters work properly, and never leave them on unattended or placed too close to furniture or draperies
Check sinks, bathtubs and toilets for leaks in the faucet or tank
If you live in an area that may experience freezing tempatures, turn off the water pipes that lead to outdoor faucets. Then open the outdoor faucets to ensure that no water remains inside the pipe or hose bid. Water that freezes inside pipes can cause pipes to burst, and burst pipes cause extreme damage. Fixing up your home?
Replace storm windows with screens
Change batteries in smoke detectors
Look for fire hazards, such as overloaded extension cords
Check or install carbon monoxide detectors
Make sure all exits, hallways and stairs are clear of clutter
Clear debris from the gutters, yard, driveway, walkway and other outdoor spaces
Clean out the garage, shed or carport
Clean the basement and attic
Clean your dryer’s vent system. (Lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy. Even worse, lint buildup in the vent can lead to a fire.)
Make sure all indoor and outdoor stairs are slip-proof, well-lit, and in good condition
Fix broken or uneven pavement on stairs, walkways, the driveay and other outdoor surfaces
Have someone inspect the roof for leaks, loose shingles or debris
Check indoors and outside for signs of pests, such as termites or rodents. Call a professional if you suspect an infestation problem
Fix broken doors, gates and fences Fixing up your home?
Have an arborist remove weak, dead, or rotten trees or large branches that may fall on the house
Install window air conditioners or have central air system inspected
Check all door locks and doorknobs to be sure they’re in good working order. Install deadbolts on doors, if you don’t have them
Check the home security system or consider installing one
Check screens in doors and windows and repair or replace as needed
Check all outside lights and replace bulbs as needed
Clean outdoor lawn furniture and grill
Check garden hoses for leaks and replace as necessary Fixing up your home?
Clean and inspect gutters, downspouts and eaves
Weatherize the house (including the attic and basement) for cool and cold weather with, as needed, insulation, weather stripping, caulk, plaster, or replacement windows
Check and clean the furnace and replace air filters
Put away unused lawn furniture, hoses, planters, grills and other outdoor items
If you live in a cold climate, buy and store salt, sand, a snow shovel and snow blower
Drain outdoor water faucets and irrigation pumps
Clean your clothes dryer’s vent system. (Lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy. Even worse, lint buildup in the vent can lead to a fire.)
Create and store an emergency survival kit for bad weather
Include batteries, candles, water and canned or packaged food that won’t spoil
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, inspect and clean the hearth and stock up on firewood. Hire a chimney sweep if you haven’t had the chimney flue cleaned in a while or if you regularly use your fireplace or wood stove
Change screens to storm windows and remove and clean window air-conditioning units
Fill oil or propane tanks
Keep walkways, paths and the driveway clear of leaves and debris
Change batteries in smoke detectors
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Home Maintenance Checklists by Season
Here' s what needs doing — every winter spring summer and fall
When it comes to your home, protect it — don’t neglect it!Checklist for Winter br
Keep paths and driveways clear of snow and iceKeep a blanket, shovel, sand and first aid kit in your car
Stock up on canned goods and household items, including lightbulbs and batteries. Buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Although they cost more than incandescent bulbs, they're more energy efficient and last longer
Check for proper lighting inside and outside the house
Check any holiday lights inside and outside the house and make sure they are in good working order
Make sure space heaters work properly, and never leave them on unattended or placed too close to furniture or draperies
Check sinks, bathtubs and toilets for leaks in the faucet or tank
If you live in an area that may experience freezing tempatures, turn off the water pipes that lead to outdoor faucets. Then open the outdoor faucets to ensure that no water remains inside the pipe or hose bid. Water that freezes inside pipes can cause pipes to burst, and burst pipes cause extreme damage. Fixing up your home?
Checklist for Spring
Clean windowsReplace storm windows with screens
Change batteries in smoke detectors
Look for fire hazards, such as overloaded extension cords
Check or install carbon monoxide detectors
Make sure all exits, hallways and stairs are clear of clutter
Clear debris from the gutters, yard, driveway, walkway and other outdoor spaces
Clean out the garage, shed or carport
Clean the basement and attic
Clean your dryer’s vent system. (Lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy. Even worse, lint buildup in the vent can lead to a fire.)
Make sure all indoor and outdoor stairs are slip-proof, well-lit, and in good condition
Fix broken or uneven pavement on stairs, walkways, the driveay and other outdoor surfaces
Have someone inspect the roof for leaks, loose shingles or debris
Check indoors and outside for signs of pests, such as termites or rodents. Call a professional if you suspect an infestation problem
Fix broken doors, gates and fences Fixing up your home?
Checklist for Summer br
Mow the lawn and trim the bushesHave an arborist remove weak, dead, or rotten trees or large branches that may fall on the house
Install window air conditioners or have central air system inspected
Check all door locks and doorknobs to be sure they’re in good working order. Install deadbolts on doors, if you don’t have them
Check the home security system or consider installing one
Check screens in doors and windows and repair or replace as needed
Check all outside lights and replace bulbs as needed
Clean outdoor lawn furniture and grill
Check garden hoses for leaks and replace as necessary Fixing up your home?
Checklist for Fall br
Rake leavesClean and inspect gutters, downspouts and eaves
Weatherize the house (including the attic and basement) for cool and cold weather with, as needed, insulation, weather stripping, caulk, plaster, or replacement windows
Check and clean the furnace and replace air filters
Put away unused lawn furniture, hoses, planters, grills and other outdoor items
If you live in a cold climate, buy and store salt, sand, a snow shovel and snow blower
Drain outdoor water faucets and irrigation pumps
Clean your clothes dryer’s vent system. (Lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy. Even worse, lint buildup in the vent can lead to a fire.)
Create and store an emergency survival kit for bad weather
Include batteries, candles, water and canned or packaged food that won’t spoil
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, inspect and clean the hearth and stock up on firewood. Hire a chimney sweep if you haven’t had the chimney flue cleaned in a while or if you regularly use your fireplace or wood stove
Change screens to storm windows and remove and clean window air-conditioning units
Fill oil or propane tanks
Keep walkways, paths and the driveway clear of leaves and debris
Change batteries in smoke detectors
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AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures