Your Home Maintenance Checklist—Year-Round Tips for a Happy Home
Howdy, y'all! It's your favorite Dentonite, Chrissy the #DentonRealtor, comin' atcha with some year-round maintenance tips to keep your home ready for the elements in the great state of Texas .
With temperatures fluctuating it's crucial to keep our homes in tip-top shape. Plus, if you’re looking to sell, these tips will help you ensure your home is in tip top shape.
So grab a sweet tea, sit back, and let's mosey through this fun and handy maintenance checklist!
1. HVAC TLC
Let's talk about the heart and soul of a Texas home in—your air conditioning and heat, your HVAC unit! You don't want your system giving out so here's what you need to do:
Change Those Air Filters!
Your filters need a good swap every 3 months at minimum, but when the unit is working in overdrive, you want to keep them in fighting shape, so consider replacing them every month during the high highs and low lows. A clean filter means cool, clean heat and air blowing through your home 24/7.
Clear the Area Around the Unit
Make sure there are no debris or plants crowding your outdoor unit. It needs space to breathe! If you’ve noticed that a bunch of crud has gotten into the unit itself, it might be time to call in the pros.
Have a Local Denton Pro Take a Gander
Get a Denton pro to give your HVAC unit at least a once-over. They'll clean the coils, check the refrigerant levels, and make sure everything's running smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy!
2. Seal the Deal with Windows and Doors
There’s nothing worse than that cold air or heat slipping out through cracks in your windows and doors! Here's how to keep that heat and air inside where it belongs.
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
Check for any worn-out or missing weather stripping around windows and doors. Replace as needed.
Plug Gaps and Cracks
Walk around your home and look for gaps or cracks where air might escape. Use some exterior caulk to seal any issues up.
Clean Your Windows
It’s not all about saving every penny! Dirty windows can block natural light, which will pump the temperature up a bit during those cold months, but you might as well take advantage of the one big benefit of Texas heat—that beautiful sunlight!
If energy is a big concern, consider getting some solar screens to block UV rays and keep the heat down.
3. Give Your Lawn Some Love
A lush, green lawn is the pride of every Texan home, but depending on the season keeping it gorgeous takes a bit of tender loving care.
Remember that all the hard work you put in now will pay off —you don’t want to end up with huge patches of dead grass that will cost an arm and a leg to replace.
Mow Regularly
Keep your grass at the right height—usually about 2.5 to 3 inches. This helps shade the soil and keep roots cool.
Water Wisely
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Aim for about an inch of water per week, and make sure it soaks deep into the soil. If your sprinklers aren’t cutting it, remember that hand-watering with a hose the old-fashioned way is allowed any time of the week.
Weed and Feed
Keep those pesky weeds at bay and give your lawn a little fertilizer boost to stay green and healthy.
Grab Some Color
Whether it’s mums in the fall or hanging plants in the summer sprucing up your yard with a pop of seasonal florals can be just the right touch to make all your hard work feel worthwhile.
4. Deck and Patio Perfection
Texas patios means grillin' and chillin'! But your patio needs to make it through the heat and all the way into winter—and you might even use it then! Here’s what you need to do to make sure your deck or patio is ready for all those backyard shindigs.
Inspect for Damage
Look for any loose boards, nails, or screws that need tightening. Repair any damage to keep your deck safe and sound.
Power Wash
Give your deck or patio a good power wash to remove dirt, mildew, and grime. It'll look fresh and inviting for all your summer gatherings!
Seal or Stain
If you have a wooden deck, consider resealing or staining it to protect against the beatdowns the Texas sun and rain are going to throw its way! Not to mention that it'll keep your deck looking fabulous for years to come… or heck, at least through the winter!
5. Pest Patrol
Nobody likes uninvited guests, especially the creepy-crawly kind. Here's how to keep those critters at bay.
First, check for gaps and cracks around your home where pests might sneak in. Seal 'em up tight! Next, make sure food isn’t being left out and trash bins are sealed tight.
Then, try to identify what pests you have so you can buy some bait at the store. Sometimes a little bit of pet-safe insect bait is all you need to knock them on their tiny butts and keep them there!
However, if you're battling a serious invasion or don’t feel safe DIYing it, don't hesitate to call a Denton pest control professional. Sometimes you need a little extra firepower for dangerous insects, like hornets, wasps, and fire ants (oh my!).
6. Outdoor Lighting Magic
Outdoor lights take a beating throughout the year. Start by dusting off those light fixtures and replacing any burnt-out bulbs. If you don’t have any energy-friendly lights, now is the time to install them and save some cash.
Next, make sure all your wiring is in good condition and safely tucked away. If you notice frayed or loose wires, and especially if you notice bitemarks from critters, it’s probably time to call in a professional electrician (and a pest control company on top of that!).
7. Roof and Gutter Check-Up
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and given how crazy the storms have been lately, you might have some damage that you just haven’t noticed yet.
First, look for missing or broken shingles and get 'em fixed pronto. Most insurance companies will pay for a professional to come out, fix the damage, and transform your home back into a waterproof fortress.
Next, clear out leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, it’s time to call in the pros! Finally, make sure your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. It'll help keep your home at the ideal temps and your energy bills lower.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
There you have it, folks! Your ultimate maintenance checklist to keep your home comfy in the Texas weather. Remember, a little bit of upkeep now can save you a whole heap of trouble later.
So put on your work gear, roll up your sleeves, and let's get to work! And if you’re looking to sell your home, I’ve got your back—learn more about how it all works here.
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Meet Chrissy Mallouf: Denton's Premier Real Estate Agent and TV Host
Chrissy Mallouf is your trusted Denton County Realtor, bringing over 16 years of banking experience and a deep connection to her community into her real estate career. Since earning her real estate license in 2008, Chrissy has become one of Denton’s top agents, recognized as Keller Williams Realty Denton’s #1 agent and a ten-time "Best of Denton" honoree. A passionate community leader, she actively serves on several non-profit boards and is a proud host of The American Dream, where she showcases Denton's unique charm. When it comes to real estate, Chrissy blends expertise with a true love for her hometown.
