Year End Home Maintenance: Preparing for a Clean New Year

As the year winds down, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. We reflect on the past months, maybe make some resolutions, and dream about the new year. It’s a perfect time for fresh starts, not just for ourselves but for our homes, too. That’s where year end home maintenance comes in.

Think of it like this: the end of the year is a good idea for a reset, right? We clean out closets, organize our lives, maybe even treat ourselves to a professional carpet cleaning from Accents in Cleaning to welcome the new year with a truly fresh slate. But beyond the deep clean, our homes also crave a little attention to make sure they’re ready for the upcoming year. This is where year end home maintenance comes into play. We are talking about more than just tidying up. This is about showing our homes some love so they can keep us safe, sound, and cozy, no matter what the coming year brings.

Winter is Coming: Preparing for the Cold

Depending on where you are, winter weather might already be in full swing or just around the corner. For many of us, that means colder weather, maybe even some snow and ice. It’s beautiful, but these winter months can be tough on our homes. Year end home maintenance is essential to ensure your home is ready to withstand the season. Getting prepared for the cold is a priority. Let us make sure we are ready.

Heating System Check-up

Now is the perfect time to schedule a check-up for your HVAC system. Incorporating year end home maintenance into your routine ensures your home is ready for the colder months ahead. It is, without a doubt, one of the most essential tasks you can do to prepare for the cold. A professional can make sure everything is running smoothly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely. 

And while you’re at it, check those air filters. Replacing a dirty air filter is a simple thing that can make a big difference in your air quality, as well as your system’s performance, meaning you will be doing your part to extend the life of your heating system. It will save you money in the long run.

Insulation and Drafty Windows

Next up, insulation. When talking about a well-insulated home, always think about a warm, snug blanket on a cold night.  Check the walls and attic for insulation that’s up to snuff.

What about those drafty windows? No one wants a cold breeze. Walk around your house and try to feel for any drafts. Some weatherstripping or a bit of caulk can make all the difference. This is an excellent time to remember that sealing those drafts not only keeps you warmer, but it also helps your heating system work more efficiently. You may also want to check your windows for any water damage.

Fireplace and Chimney Care

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, you know there’s nothing quite like a crackling fire on a cold night. You wouldn’t light your first fire of the season without first cleaning your fireplace and chimney.

Make sure that your chimney doesn’t have any debris, lint, or even twigs in it. Large objects frequently fall into the ashes and build up at the back. A professional chimney sweep can take care of this for you and check the firebox for any damage. This will prevent chimney fires and make sure that things stay properly vented. You want to make sure that your vents and chimneys have been cleaned out.

Preventing Water Damage and Ensuring Flow

Water is great, but it can be a real pain if you let it go everywhere. Because melting snow and ice are notorious causes of water damage during the winter months, now is the time to take steps to prevent damage.

Water Damage Prevention

Water damage can be sneaky when we don’t see it. Common causes of leaks are heavy rain, melting snow, and ice dams. Walk around your house, inside and out, looking for leaks. Pay special attention to the areas around windows and doors. Incorporating year end home maintenance into your routine can help identify and address any signs of dampness, which need investigating.

Gutters and Downspouts

Let’s talk gutters. You don’t have to be a professional to know gutter cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s necessary this time of year as part of your year end home maintenance. Water can’t flow freely out of clogged gutters full of leaves, twigs, and other junk. They can also cause ice dams, which can damage your roof, shingles, and the exterior of your home.

Be sure that your gutters are clean and acting as they should and that your downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. This simple step can save you a world of trouble. If you don’t take care of your gutters, it could end up costing you down the road.

Water Heater Maintenance

A water heater is generally something we take for granted until it breaks down, and then we discover how much we rely on it, especially during the cold months.  Check it for any leaks or wear and tear around the hose connection. You also want to make sure it’s set to the correct temperature. While you are doing this, it might be a good idea to have your plumbing looked at, too.

Safety First: Detectors and Alarms

Alright, let’s talk safety. That’s one area where we don’t want to cut corners.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• As our fireplaces burn and our heating systems kick into overdrive, it’s essential that our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless, is extra dangerous.
• Test your detectors once a month and replace the batteries. It is a good idea to replace these detectors every few years, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This small step could literally be a lifesaver. No doubt about it, these detectors are one of the most important items on your home maintenance to-do list.

Outdoor Spaces and the Exterior

Although we spend less time outside when it’s cold, we can’t forget about our outdoor spaces. A little regular upkeep now will ensure you won’t be caught out when the warmer weather arrives.

Outdoor Spaces

Whether or not you plan on hosting any barbecues in the near future, it’s worth spending a few minutes cleaning up your outdoor spaces. Put away any furniture and equipment that could be damaged by snowfall or ice.

Exterior Check

Do a quick check of your home’s exterior. Take a closer look under all the siding and in the attic. Check for any damage that may have occurred over the past year, like loose shingles or cracks in the siding. Minor problems can become big problems later, so it’s important to take care of them now. It’s all about being proactive.

A Fresh Start with Accents in Cleaning

You’ve now done all the hard work of getting your home ready for winter and the start of a new year. So how about adding that extra sparkle and shine? That’s where we come in, Accents in Cleaning.

Think of us as your support system to help you achieve a truly clean and welcoming home. With our carpet, upholstery, and natural stone cleaning services, it’s the perfect time to refresh your living spaces and kick off the new year right. 

You can be assured that we use only the safest, most effective cleaning methods. And as part of your year end home maintenance, our services ensure your home is spotless and ready for the months ahead.

Having a clean home is about more than just appearances. It is about creating a healthy and comfortable environment for you and your loved ones. We can take care of the deep cleaning so you can simply enjoy your well-cared-for home.