Seasonal Home Care Tips and Safety
By Curb Appeal Design LLC

Investing in seasonal home care maintenance and safety can pay off in peace of mind, utility cost savings, durability, and even resale value.

Spring Maintenance tips for Your Home
Spring tips

Replace your furnace filter
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Check your electrical system
Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage
Review your fire escape plan with your family
Consider installing a lighting protection system on your home
Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
Check for damage of your roof
Run through a severe- weather drill with your family
Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to help provide a level walking surface
Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
Check all fascias and trim for deterioration
Check your water heater
Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
Clean Clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Summer maintenance tips for your home
Summer tips

Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips.
Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration
Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
         Check exterior siding.
Check all window and door locks for proper operation
Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Check your home for water leaks
Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Check your water heater
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Socialize your dog to help reduce potential dog bites
Fall maintenance tips for your home
Fall tips
Check all window and door locks proper operation
Check your home for water leaks
Review your fire escape plan with your family
Make sure there are safety nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
Protect your home from frozen pipes
Replace your furnace filter
Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
Test your emergency generator
Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

Winter maintenance tips for your home
Winter tips

Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic
Store fire wood at least 30 feet away from your home
Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other of appliance valves
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
Check the attic for adequate ventilation
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets

Keep your home protected while you’re away

Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly picked up by a trusted neighbor
Ask a trusted neighbor to check your home
Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shut-off is located in the event of a broken pipe
Set timers on interior lights to deter burglars
Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges
Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation
Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe deposit box
Turn off water valves to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher
Arrange for lawn care while you are away