## How to Put Your Home Maintenance on Autopilot This Year Source URL:: <https://lifehacker.com/how-to-put-your-home-maintenance-on-auto-pilot-and-keep-5844978> Home maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to forget or put off, because many tasks only need to be done once in a while or a few times a year. If you’re not careful, though, you can end up being that house in the neighborhood with the overgrown yard, peeling paint, and a list of expensive, but possibly… ### Highlights > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Tue Jul 18 2023 14:59:42 GMT-0400%% > > OutdoorsTake down window screens to store (label them for quickly putting up in the spring, and repair or replace now, if needed). After you wash your windows, replace with storm windows.Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and also check caulking (to help save on your heating bill). Replace seals as necessary.Check roof for leaks, damaged or missing shingles, and pests hiding in vents.While you’re up there, check chimney for leaks, bricks and mortar falling apart, and, again, pests.Yard cleanup. Trim trees and shrubs closer than three inches from your house.Check your outdoor faucet for leaks, then drain and turn them off. Store hoses.Clean gutters and downspouts. Gutter covers of some kind can also help keep debris out of your gutters.Clean, oil, and store garden tools. (You could also store them in a bucket of sand to prevent rust.)Clean and store patio furniture (or cover with weatherproof material). > [!danger]+ %%Updated on Tue Jul 18 2023 14:59:53 GMT-0400%% > > IndoorsCheck smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries, if needed. Also check fire extinguishers. This is a good time to do fire drills and review your emergency documents.Remove air conditioners or protect with weatherproof cover (if applicable).Check attic for insulation, leaks, hiding squirrels, etc. A simple attic inspection is easy to do when you know what to look for.Flush out water heater to get rid of the sediment. Here are some instructions from DIY Network.Bleed radiators if you have hot-water heat. Don’t do this when the system is use, because the water will be hot. Inspect kitchen, bath fixtures, and cabinets for leaks, and prevent water damage by re-caulking or re-grouting countertops and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom as necessary.