BBRRRRR! It’s cold outside. Frigid temperatures can do a number on your home. It is important to protect your home and provide careful maintenance, especially during the winter months, to help not only the structure of your house but also your property’s value. A well cared for home is always more enticing to home buyers than one that has been ignored. It truly does make a difference!
Here’s Your Winter Home Maintenance Guide: What To Do in January, February, and March to Care For Your Home
every month
- Vacuum + dust HVAC
- Put ice (to sharpen), baking soda and citrus fruit rinds (to freshen) through garbage disposal
january
- Clean and polish kitchen cabinets
- Vacuum behind fridge and clean coils
- Clean stove and oven
- Check and clean range hood fan
- Clean dishwasher drain bin
february
- Repair grout on sinks, showers, and tubs
- Clean and vacuum curtains; dust window blinds
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Check for leaks on supply lines to sinks and toilets
- Test and reset all ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles; check all extension cords
- Change air filters
march
- Clean out roof gutters and check for damage
- Clean baseboards and doors, and touch up with paint
- Check batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Check and clean range hood fan
- Check windows, and re-caulk any cracks
- Clean dishwasher drain bin
The Benefits are Long Term
We know home maintenance is hardly anyone’s favorite pastime, but performing the tasks above can truly extend the life of your home, adding value long term. Our advice? Take it one task at a time. Vacuum behind the fridge, then take a break with a cup of coffee. Then, tackle the stove and oven, and drink another cup of coffee. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting in self accomplishment with a caffeine buzz to boot, and your home with thank you in the long run.
BONUS: checking for leaks every other month could help you save money on your water bill, while checking vents and fans can save thousands on electricity.