With new home sales on the rise, many first-time home buyers are discovering that the shift from apartment living comes with a lot of new responsibilities. This comprehensive guide breaks down essential home maintenance tasks and lawn care by season, helping you save money, improve your living space, and preserve your investment for the long run.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM OLD MAN WINTER’S MAYHEM
In most U.S. regions, winter brings frigid temperatures, bare trees, and scraggly grass that offer very little motivation to venture outside. Fortunately, there’s plenty to keep you busy inside the home as you cozy up and wait for springtime.

• Set monthly reminders to replace furnace and HVAC filters to avoid expensive clogs.
• As winter temps approach freezing, wrap any uninsulated exterior-facing pipes with heat tape. The night before a freeze, open under-sink cabinet doors to allow circulation and prevent frozen pipes.
• Purchase a snow blower or shovel, and stock up on firewood, road salt, food, and water in case of a winter storm.

As long as the exterior of your home is free from ice dams and clogged downspouts, your only major responsibility outside will be to shovel and salt walkways as needed to avoid slipping hazards.

KICK OFF THE WARM WEATHER WITH SPRING CLEANING INSIDE AND OUT
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the natives are restless to spend some well-deserved time outdoors. But before you head outside for the season, do a quick check of your HVAC system, plumbing, and windows. Once you’re satisfied winter didn’t wreak any major havoc, it’s time to slap on sunscreen and tackle spring cleaning.

• Clear patios, walkways, gutters, and downspouts of dead leaves and other winter debris.
• Have trees inspected by a certified arborist.
• Use a pressure washer to bring a satisfying gleam to exterior siding, windows, and doors.
• Apply fresh paint as needed to shutters and doors, and grease rusted hinges.
• Make sure your lawnmower is tuned, primed, and ready for a great mowing season.

MAXIMIZE YOUR FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN
Summer is all about protecting living things from scorching heat, and that starts with using a digital thermostat to keep indoor temps between 68 and 72 degrees.

When it comes to yard maintenance, you don’t need to spend all summer toiling over yard work. These lawn care tips can help you achieve a lush, green landscape to enjoy all season long.

• Hire a professional landscaper, or do a test run yourself to make sure your mower, weed eater, and sprinkler system are in good working order.
• Adjust your mower to the highest blade setting. This extra length will give grass vital shade and moisture protection it needs to thrive in the summer sun.
• Keep an eye on the forecast, and water your lawn and landscaping every 2 – 3 days depending on rainfall.
• If your sprinkler system is above ground, strategically place each unit to cover as much of your yard as possible.
• Invest in a time attachment for your hose, to avoid overwatering and keep utility bills low.

A LITTLE FALL CLEANUP GOES A LONG WAY
It might be tempting to retreat inside at the first sign of falling leaves, but autumn’s cooler temps are actually a perfect time to prep outdoor spaces for the winter season.

• Clean and store patio furniture to protect it from harsh winter elements.
• On your final mow, cut grass 1 – 2" shorter to give soil proper overwinter airflow.
• Have a local conservator test your soil and recommend any necessary fertilizer.
• Aerate, fertilize, and seed as needed, spreading additives evenly and filling bare patches.
• Rake and water your lawn to provide even cover from winter wind and pests.
• Hire a professional to check and clean all exterior chimneys and vents.
• Drain and remove outdoor hoses and faucet fixtures.

With outdoor winterization complete, you’re in the home stretch! As you transition from air conditioning to heat, it’s a great time to have your HVAC system checked, seal any drafty window or door cracks, and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Now, you’re ready to bundle up and enjoy a safe, comfortable, and cost-saving winter season.