Every season there are home maintenance and safety items that should be done to make certain that a home continues to run properly and will not incur damages in the long run. Many homeowners skip over these basic home maintenance necessities because of busy schedules or sometimes because they are unsure of what tasks to accomplish along the way. Simply keeping up on these small tasks can ensure that your home will function better in the long run. Seasonal home maintenance will also ensure that you have less overhaul or major expense repairs than homeowners who do not keep up on small season maintenance. These small maintenance items can also protect your home from fire, flooding, or other damages caused by neglect. To keep from being overwhelmed by the task of home maintenance, it is best to separate these tasks into seasonal chores. For those who live in an area where there are four definite seasons, it is best to follow a logical task schedule that works with necessary maintenance for the different seasons. If possible, set up a schedule of cleaning and maintenance tasks for each season. Try to maintain that schedule throughout the years. This will ensure that the tasks are not forgotten from one year to the next. Winter Tips Tasks that should be accomplished at the onset of every winter season are those that make certain your home will be protected from the cold or the damp weather. Even for those who live in a warmer climate zone, the winter season brings on more rain and chilly weather, so making sure the home is safe from damp and cold is the best bet for the winter season. Winter tasks should include: * Removing screen doors and windows and replacing with storm windows * Checking insulation of pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces and reinsulating if necessary * Storing firewood in a dry spot near the home for easy access * Checking and cleaning the clothes dryer and kitchen exhaust systems and cleaning the clothes dryer duct space * Checking attic for proper ventilation for running of the furnace * Checking all the water hoses connecting to appliances, water heater and water softener to make sure there are no cracks or air bubbles. Repair if necessary. Spring Tips While winter brought on the cold, the spring brings on the cleaning out season. It also brings on a peak in spring lightening and thunderstorms, so routine maintenance tips should include prevention methods against electrical damage. Start with spring tasks such as: * Checking all the homes electrical systems * Testing all the ground fault receptacles * Making sure all power surges are in place on the appliances * Inspecting and replacing necessary smoke and carbon monoxide detectors * Replacing or repairing any extension cords used in the home that may be damaged or becoming worn * Replacing the much used furnace filter from the winter * Checking the roof for possible damages that may not have been noticed in the wintertime to prevent spring rain leaks * Making sure all gutters are cleaned and all outdoor drainage systems are working properly Summer Tips While you can get out and about and enjoy the outdoors during the summer months, it is best to focus summer maintenance on outdoor tasks. These tasks may include: * Cleaning and repairing all outdoor power tools, such as the lawnmower, weedeater, or hedge trimmer * Checking the patio and deck for possible deterioration and fixing and performing any necessary repairs * Inspecting the roof for possible damage and water leaks if this was not done in the spring time * Checking the brick, siding and cement areas on the home for shifting in the foundation or cracks or chips in the siding or brick * Taking time to seal the cracks in the garage floor and driveway Fall Tips The fall is a great time to make preparations for the oncoming winter season before it is too late, so focus maintenance on things to keep the home safe and warm during the winter. These tasks can include: * Having a professional inspection on the entire heating unit, especially the furnace * Replace the furnace filter if necessary * Reexamine the home for potential water leaks in the roof, basement, and even the appliances such as the dishwasher, washer, or refrigerator * Examine and replace any caulking that has begun to wear away in the doorways, windowsills and even in the bathrooms to prevent winter leaks Outdoor maintenance that should be performed before it gets to chilly outside: * Empty out the gasoline and clean out the outdoor power tools before placing in storage for the winter * Making sure the generator works in case of winter power failure * Have a professional chimney inspection and cleaning of the chimney flue. Have repairs done before the winter or before using These tips should help ensure the safety of your home, your property within, and your family. The list may seem overwhelming, but just tackle them one at a time.