Articles and advice on how to maintain your home, including seasonal maintenance, HVAC servicing, and pest control

Seasonal Maintenance:

• Spring Cleaning: Perform a thorough spring cleaning to remove dust, mold, and allergens that may have accumulated over the winter.
• Gutter Cleaning: Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, especially before heavy spring rains.
• Roof Inspection: Examine your roof for damaged or missing shingles, and address any issues promptly to prevent leaks.
• Air Conditioning Maintenance: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning system before the summer heat arrives.
• Check for Foundation Cracks: Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks or signs of settlement and address any concerns promptly.

Summer Maintenance:

• Lawn Care: Maintain your lawn by mowing regularly, watering as needed, and addressing any pest or weed issues.
• Exterior Painting: If needed, repaint or touch up exterior surfaces to protect against the summer sun and humidity.
• Deck Maintenance: Inspect and clean your deck, and consider resealing or staining it to protect it from the elements.
• Window and Door Seals: Check and replace weatherstripping around windows and doors to improve energy efficiency.

Fall Maintenance:

• Furnace Maintenance: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and maintenance for your heating system before the winter months.
• Chimney Cleaning: If you have a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent chimney fires.
• Sealing Gaps: Seal gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior to prevent drafts and keep energy costs down.
• Leaf Removal: Regularly remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ice dams.

Winter Maintenance:

• Frozen Pipe Prevention: Insulate pipes in unheated areas and keep faucets dripping on extremely cold nights to prevent frozen pipes.
• Heating System Filters: Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly to ensure efficient heating and improve indoor air quality.

Year-Round Maintenance:

• Pest Control: Implement a year-round pest control plan to keep common Missouri pests like ants, spiders, and rodents at bay.
• Inspect Attic and Crawlspace: Periodically inspect your attic and crawlspace for signs of leaks, pests, or insulation issues.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
• Appliance Maintenance: Maintain and clean appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher to extend their lifespan.
• Landscaping Maintenance: Trim trees and shrubs away from your home to prevent damage from falling branches and maintain good airflow around your property.

Remember that these maintenance tasks are essential for preserving the value and safety of your home in Missouri’s climate. While some tasks can be done by homeowners, it’s a good idea to consult with professionals for tasks like HVAC maintenance and pest control to ensure they are done correctly.