At a Glance
- Home maintenance protects health, saves money, and preserves home value.
- Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, 70% in homes.
- 75% of existing homes are projected to still be in use in 2050.
- Why it matters: Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and improve daily living.
Many people set new-year goals to boost health, organization, and finances, but one often overlooked resolution is home care. Experts explain why routine and seasonal maintenance matters for health, money, and safety. This guide shows what tasks to tackle this year.
Why Home Care Matters
Early and routine home maintenance goes beyond fixing visible damage. It helps ensure a healthy living environment, extends a home’s life, and protects its long-term value, says real-estate professionals.
Amanda Reddy said:
> “Maintaining the homes that we have is really essential to protecting our health and our well-being.”
She added that keeping homes dry, clean, pest-free, well-ventilated and safe is the goal, regardless of ownership.
On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, 70% inside a residence, which makes home care a valuable investment.
Reddy said:
> “It’s not just that we spend time indoors, but at home. If you are older, very young, have health concerns, or work from home, it is likely more than that.”
Daily tasks can be simple-wiping counters, sweeping floors, opening windows, clearing clogged filters-while big projects may need professional help.
Daily vs. Seasonal Maintenance
Home care includes both everyday decisions and seasonal tasks. Prioritizing areas where we spend time, such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, attics, and basements, ensures nothing is overlooked.
- Wipe counters and surfaces
- Sweep or vacuum floors
- Open windows for ventilation
- Clear clogged filters and drains
Seasonal maintenance should be planned throughout the year to prevent environmental stressors from damaging appliances and systems.
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
Spring and summer focus on preparing for warm weather, while fall and winter concentrate on cold-weather readiness.
| Season | Focus | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | Warm-weather prep | AC check, dryer vent cleaning, sprinkler testing, garden care, paint/remodel |
| Fall/Winter | Cold-weather prep | Heating check, air filter cleaning, CO detector test, seal leaks, pest control, roof/chimney repair, drainage inspection |
Experts recommend checking air conditioning systems, cleaning dryer vents to prevent fire hazards, testing sprinkler systems, tending gardens, and inspecting appliances, electrical equipment, and plumbing fixtures in spring.
In fall and winter, focus on heating systems, clean air filters, ensure CO detectors work, seal air leaks, prioritize pest control, repair roofs and chimneys, and inspect drainage.
Reddy said:
> “At the end of the day, doing any preventative maintenance at all matters more than doing it perfectly or at exactly the right time. But timing can make a big difference. A lot of these tasks are seasonal or annual, and you’re not just going to do it one time. Homes are stressed differently by different times of the year, so seasonal maintenance helps us catch problems before they’re made worse by environmental stressors.”
Reddy said:
> “What happens outside the house rarely stays outside the house. What’s outside gets inside, what’s inside builds up.”
Reddy said:
> “For most people, the seasonal rhythm not only makes sense because of those stressors, it also just is more realistic and effective than trying to tackle a long, overwhelming checklist all at once.”
Key Takeaways
- Home care protects health, saves money, and preserves value.
- 90% of time spent indoors makes regular maintenance essential.
- Seasonal tasks prevent costly repairs and improve safety.
By integrating these simple and seasonal tasks into your routine, you can keep your home healthier, safer, and more cost-effective all year long.
