Owning a home can be a very exciting thing but also a very time consuming thing. The responsibilities in necessary maintenance required throughout the year for your home can be overwhelming to keep track of.
As a homeowner in Fairfield County, we know that the summers are warm and humid while the winters are very cold, wet, and windy, which can take a toll on your home. That’s why it’s important to create a home maintenance calendar so that you stay on top of what needs to be done during all seasons for your Fairfield County home.
Fall
Take care of trees and rake
With so many beautiful fall leaves that make up Connecticut, once those fall colors fade, make sure you rake all the leaves. It is important to trim the dead off of trees to protect soon-to-be dormant trees from getting diseases in the winter. Hire a pro to spot signs of poor health early on to prevent tree loss, and know how to prune properly to avoid falling limbs in winter storms.
Seal gaps to keep critters out
It only takes a small hole for bugs, mice, and other creepy crawlers to enter in your house and with colder months coming, you’ll want to make sure any holes and gaps are covered to keep the wildlife outdoors.
Shut off exterior faucets, irrigation system, and hoses
Make sure you shut off water to exterior faucets and irrigation systems before the weather dips below freezing to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. Drain hoses and store them indoors.
Winter
Check furnace filters and clean your chimney
Winters in Connecticut can get cold and we know the warmth of fire can keep be cozy. Before you use your fireplace, you’ll want to make sure your chimney and furnace are cleaned, maintained and in working order before you need to turn on the heat as an important safety measure.
Inspect Insulation
Adequate insulation for your Fairfield home will ensure your home is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By adding some insulation to your attic, walls, and crawlspace, you can save money on heating costs.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Since we bump up the heat the most in the colder months, and it is also the time when the most home fires occur. Check all of your smoke detectors to make sure they are working and that they have good batteries. The HVAC inspection will also ensure your furnace and water heater are properly vented, in addition to monitoring your carbon monoxide levels in the house.
Spring
Check sprinkler and irrigation systems
Spring is a beautiful time in Fairfield with flowers blossoming and birds chirping. If you have a beautiful luscious garden or hedges in your backyard, you’ll want to make sure you check your sprinklers or irrigation systems to save water and save your plants.
Check gutters
Clogged gutters could expose your home to more water damage so with the rainy season upon your home, make sure the water is still being moved away from the house.
Fertilize your lawn
Large open Connecticut backyards appear green and lush as they pop up for the spring.
Spring is a great time to lightly fertilize your lawn so it’s healthy and ready for warmer weather.
Inspect your roof
Your roof is the first line of defense in protecting your home from water damage and after winter, you’ll want to make sure that there are no problem areas that need fixing.
Summer
Inspect driveways and paths
Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and other hardscaping materials, especially after a harsh Connecticut winter. Take a walk around your property to look for damage to walkways, paths and driveways, and schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely.
Check your A/C Unit
While everyone goes to Fairfield Beach, you’ll want to have your air conditioner checked and serviced. Regular A/C maintenance can extend the life of your unit and may reduce the need for costly A/C repairs.
Check windows for leaking
Re-caulk seals on doors and windows. This can help increase your home’s energy efficiency. If you need to have window AC units, make sure to clean off the filters before using them.
Some of these items such as checking your A/C unit and checking your gutters will be tasks you’ll want to do multiple times a year.
