Home Maintenance Checklist by Season for Northwest Indiana Homeowners

Northwest Indiana homeowners face unique challenges due to the region’s distinct four seasons, each bringing its own weather conditions and potential damage to your home, if you’re not prepared.

Proactive home maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners and can result in last minute emergencies that hit the budget hard. Proper seasonal maintenance ensures your home remains safe, energy-efficient, and beautiful year-round by addressing issues before they happen.

Like anything. The better you care for your home, the longer it lasts.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through each season:

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring marks the transition from cold winters to warmer days. It’s the ideal time to inspect and repair any damage caused by snow and ice and preparing your home for the summer heat.

• Roof and Gutters: Inspect for loose or missing shingles and clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. Check for loose gutters that might need to be tightened. If you had any water damage or slight leaks during the winter, now is the time to schedule repairs.

• HVAC System: Schedule a professional inspection and replace air filters to prepare for increased usage in summer. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running optimally throughout the year.

• Lawn and Garden: Rake away debris, fertilize the lawn, and check irrigation systems for leaks, if applicable.

• Windows and Doors: Wash windows, check screens for tears, and inspect weather stripping for wear. If you noticed any ice buildup around windows during winter, call a professional to come consult on how to keep this from happening in the future.

• Exterior Repairs: Look for cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, or damaged siding due to winter wear and tear. Even the most minor damage can expand in summer heat causing a bigger problem in colder months.

• Pest Prevention: Seal any openings to keep out insects and rodents.

• Deck Repairs: Spring is an ideal time to take a look at your deck for any damage from snow. If the deck is wood, it is really important to regularly oil it or else it won’t last as long. If there are any loose boards, call a professional to replace them.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer is perfect for outdoor projects and preparing your home for fall and winter.

• Air Conditioning: Ensure your AC is running efficiently; consider a tune-up if necessary. This can also be done in spring with a simple HVAC maintenance inspection.

• Deck and Patio: Clean and reseal wooden decks, have repairs made and pressure wash patios and outdoor furniture.

• Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes away from the house to prevent pest issues and damage from storms.

• Attic and Insulation: Check for proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup. This is also a good time to ensure that insulation is up to snuff for winter months as well. While in the attic, be sure to check for any openings where squirrels and birds might enter, as well as any damage from winter.

• Plumbing: Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for leaks.

• Safety Check: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.

• Exterior: If you have bushes or trees close to the house, check root growth to ensure they are not making their way into the foundation.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

In autumn focus on winterizing and making your home more energy efficient for the cold months ahead.

• Roof and Gutters: As late in the season as possible, clear gutters of leaves and debris and look over the roof again for shingles or damage from strong summer storms.

• Heating System: Schedule a furnace inspection and replace filters. This is a good time to give it a test to ensure it is running properly.

• Chimney and Fireplace: Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.

• Weatherproofing: Install storm windows and check seals around doors and windows.

• Outdoor Furniture: Store or cover patio furniture to protect it from snow and ice.

• Lawn Care: Aerate the lawn and apply fall fertilizer. While leaves can offer a natural compost and fertilizer in the spring, it’s good to clear them from around the house or places where they can become a problem.

• Deck: Fall is a great time to apply oil or new stain to a wood deck.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Winter in Northwest Indiana can be harsh or mild, depending on whether you’re closer to Lake Michigan or further inland. Focus on safety and preventing damage from snow and ice.

• Snow Removal Tools: Ensure shovels, snow blowers, and ice melt are ready and accessible.

• Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and leave faucets, especially those on outside walls, dripping during extreme cold temperatures to prevent freezing.

• Roof and Gutters: Monitor for ice dams and clear snow buildup to prevent damage. For a quick fix, use heating chords to help ice build up in gutters and then have the roof looked at in spring.

• Heating System: Keep the thermostat consistent to avoid stress on your furnace. Limit extremes in temperature inside as well to keep expenses lower.

• Safety Measures: Make sure that fire extinguishers are operational.

• Driveway and Walkways: Keep them clear of ice and snow to prevent accidents.

By following this seasonal home maintenance checklist, you’ll protect your home, save on energy costs, and ensure a comfortable living environment all year, especially in the temperature extremes of Northwest Indiana.

Consistent care not only improves your quality of life but also enhances the value and longevity of your property.