Your Homeowner's Complete Checklist: What You Need to Do Every Month, Seasonally, and Beyond!

Being a homeowner offers many benefits; however, with these benefits also comes a lot of responsibility. The regular maintenance and cleaning tasks can seem like an overwhelming task, especially for those who are new homeowners—it could be daunting.

The proper regular maintenance tasks all through the year will save the cost of repairs and can extend the lifespan of the parts that make up your house. We've created a helpful guide to assist you in determining what you need to do and when:

Monthly Maintenance

Just a few small maintenance tasks every month can prevent costly repairs later. They are typically 5 minutes tasks, or less, and don't require any specific knowledge.

• Make sure to replace and check HVAC filters (if necessary). Certain guidelines suggest that you replace the filters on your HVAC every month. However, many times it isn't necessary. If you suffer from allergies or have pets, every quarter of a month could be necessary; however, each three month period is enough. Make sure you check it often because dust and pollen levels will fluctuate through the year, and the filter might need to be cleaned more often.

• Clean up the kitchen sink disposal. This frequently overlooked appliance can be very dirty with food waste and other food particles sitting in the moist. There are a variety of commercially available cleaning tablets for this, which you could buy at any grocery shop or at the grocery store. However, you can make it yourself by freezing an ice tray full of vinegar and then using the cubes to clean the disposal. This dual-purpose product also functions as a sharpener for blades of the disposal.

• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure the life-saving devices are ready with a simple test. Read the instructions of the manufacturer first, but the majority of devices simply require pressing an icon onto the detector. If it's a sound, it is safe to use it.

• Check the sinks and toilets for leaks. A quick look and feel under the sinks and around toilets could possibly save you from expensive and costly repairs. A small leak that is not detected could cause thousands of dollars of damage and could even affect the structure of your home. The presence of moisture in the sinks and around toilets needs to be examined and also any sounds of running or gurgling that persist after the toilet has been flushed.

The Annual and Seasonal Tasks

Some things don't require attention each month, while other things must be completed in the changing seasons. Making these tasks checked off each quarter in line with the seasons:

• Examine the water softener and include salt if necessary. Often it is a simple task that needs a peek beneath the lid on the softener and taking an inspection. Add salt as required.

• Clean the gutters (spring and maybe late fall). In the event that you own a lot of trees in your yard, it could be a two-time-a-year chore. Clean out debris and leaves by hand and flush them with the pipe.

• Clean and examine windows screens (winter/spring). To prepare for winter, you should remove your screens from the windows to store. The accumulation of snow can occur between windows and screens and can cause damage. In the spring, clean them using dish soap or outdoor cleaning solution and a hose. Examine for holes or damage and replace the screens.

• Make an appointment for heating system maintenance (including chimneys if you own one). Make sure your furnace is cleaned and checked by a professional at least once every two years and, for your chimney, in the event that you have one checked annually. If you're using steam heat, make sure to drain your boiler to eliminate any sludge.