Keeping up with home maintenance is easy to do, but it’s just as easy not to do it.
That means that things can get away from you pretty easily.
Stay on top of your homeowner responsibilities with this checklist of maintenance tasks you should perform about every 3 months, or 4 times per year.
To make it easier, divide tasks into batches, and make note of what you’ve already done this quarter.
Routine Home Maintenance Tasks to Perform Every Quarter
You might decide to do some of these things more frequently, and a couple might be better left for annual or seasonal maintenance.
It’s your home, after all.
Manage it however you see fit.
Check HVAC Filters
Depending on where you live, you might want to check your air filters every month.
Dustier areas tend to clog filters more quickly, and if you have pets or allergies, frequent filter changes are recommended.
Just don’t forget to look at your HVAC filters at least quarterly to see if they need a change.
Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal
If you have a sink disposal, you probably keep it clean to prevent odors and build up.
Every few months, though, it’s smart to deep clean your kitchen disposal unit with something like vinegar ice cubes, lemon halves, baking soda, or the cleaning method of your choice.
Check Fire Extinguishers
You have fire extinguishers in your kitchen and bedrooms, right?
Inspecting your fire extinguishers regularly isn’t an arduous task – just make sure you can get to them, and that they have pressure.
Check Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should have “test” buttons that let you ensure they’re in working order.
If you push the button and nothing happens, change the batteries.
If nothing happens even after a battery change, you might need to clean corrosion from the battery terminals, or you might need a new smoke detector.
It’s a simple effort that might save your life!
Run Water in Any Unused Spaces
Guest bathrooms, laundry sinks you don’t frequently use, or other lesser used sinks and toilets can build up grime and water scale if they’re left to sit too long.
Preventing grit and build up is simple.
At least quarterly, run a little water in unused sinks, flush those toilets, and get things moving.
Disuse and neglect can be expensive, so keep track of maintenance.
Check Your Water Softener
For houses with water softeners, you’ll need to add salt on a regular basis to keep them working.
It only takes a few seconds to check, and you’ll keep your plumbing running the way it’s supposed to and prevent hefty repair costs later on.
Deep Clean Your House
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, choose some deep cleaning task to tackle every few months.
Maybe you’re going to scour your kitchen.
Perhaps it’s time to get into the nooks and crannies in your bathrooms.
Spreading out the major cleaning tasks helps you stay on top of things.
Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils
Your fridge is one of the biggest energy users in your home, so keep it running at peak efficiency with regular maintenance.
As the coils at the back of your refrigerator get dirty, it works harder to keep the air inside cool.
Simply vacuuming them every 3 to 6 months can save you as much as $100 per year.
Clean Your Garage
Nobody wants to be faced with the task of clearing out 5 years worth of stuff from a garage.
Garages become catch-all storage spaces for the extra clutter in your home.
Keep up with your clutter by cleaning out, organizing, and clearing things from your garage every few months.
Clean Your Shower Heads
Debris and sediment can build up in your shower heads, causing water pressure problems and scaly buildup.
Remove and clean your shower heads every few months, and your showers will run better, longer, and cleaner.
