12 New Year’s Resolutions For You And Your Home.
Maintaining a home can feel like a full-time job, and as we step into 2026, it might not be at the top of your priority list. However, with a little planning, you can keep your house in excellent condition without overwhelming yourself—and potentially avoid costly repairs down the line.
In the spirit of the New Year, let’s create a unique homeowner’s resolution. Instead of focusing on a single goal, why not set 12 resolutions—one for each month? These simple, actionable tasks will help you manage essential home maintenance throughout the year.
Here’s a list to get you started:
January: Do a Safety Check.
Kick off the year by ensuring your home is safe for your family. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as needed. Additionally, check that your kitchen is equipped with a functioning fire extinguisher.
February: Check for Leaks.
Winter is an ideal time for indoor maintenance. Inspect areas around your shower, tub, and toilet for any leaks, and recaulk as necessary. Don’t forget to check dripping faucets, as they can inflate your water bill.
March: Seal Windows and Doors.
Cracks around windows and doors can lead to heat loss, resulting in higher utility bills. Inspect these areas for gaps and apply weather stripping where needed.
April: Power-Wash the Exterior.
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside! After decluttering, focus on the exterior. Power-wash your siding and windows to refresh your home’s appearance. Aim to clean after most spring pollen has settled but before fall debris arrives.
May: Service Your A/C Unit.
With summer approaching, ensure your A/C unit is ready for the heat. Contact a professional HVAC service to check your system, and consider scheduling a fall appointment to prepare your heater for winter.
June: Spruce Up Your Deck.
Summer is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Prepare your deck by pressure washing it to remove debris and resealing it to prevent water damage.
July: Check for Insect Activity.
Summer brings increased insect activity. Watch for pests like termites and carpenter ants that can threaten your home. Consider a pest control plan and regular inspections to keep these unwelcome visitors away.
August: Inspect Your Roof.
Examine areas around eaves and gutters for leaks and water damage. A roof leak can lead to significant issues, including mold. Check for loose or missing shingles and replace them as necessary.
September: Prepare Your Fireplace.
As fall approaches, it’s time to inspect your fireplace. Remove ashes, ensure the flue damper operates smoothly, and clean any smoke or soot stains.
October: Inspect Siding and Paint.
Take advantage of mild fall weather to touch up your home’s exterior. Look for chipped paint and cracks in siding, and apply new caulk where necessary. This is also a good time to check for foundation damage.
November: Rake Leaves and Clean Gutters.
Falling leaves can be beautiful but also a hassle. Regularly rake your yard to prevent grass from dying, and trim bushes away from your home to deter insects. Clean your gutters after most leaves have fallen to prevent ice dams in winter.
December: Prepare for Cold Weather.
Before winter hits, remove window screens to prevent snow damage. Insulate your pipes to avoid freezing, and if insulation isn’t possible, let faucets drip during extreme cold.
Beyond Your Resolutions.
Following these guidelines will help you avoid costly repairs and sleepless nights. However, wear and tear is inevitable, and unexpected issues can arise.
To be truly prepared, consider a home warranty from American Home Shield this year. A home warranty is an annual service contract that covers repairs or replacements for essential appliances and systems that break down over time. With plans starting as low as $34.99 per month, you’ll receive protection regardless of the age or condition of your covered items, with no maintenance records or inspections required.
If you think a home warranty might be beneficial for you this year, visit American Home Shield to explore their flexible plans that fit your home and budget!
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Maintaining a home can feel like a full-time job, and as we step into 2026, it might not be at the top of your priority list. However, with a little planning, you can keep your house in excellent condition without overwhelming yourself—and potentially avoid costly repairs down the line.
In the spirit of the New Year, let’s create a unique homeowner’s resolution. Instead of focusing on a single goal, why not set 12 resolutions—one for each month? These simple, actionable tasks will help you manage essential home maintenance throughout the year.
Here’s a list to get you started:
January: Do a Safety Check.
Kick off the year by ensuring your home is safe for your family. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as needed. Additionally, check that your kitchen is equipped with a functioning fire extinguisher.
February: Check for Leaks.
Winter is an ideal time for indoor maintenance. Inspect areas around your shower, tub, and toilet for any leaks, and recaulk as necessary. Don’t forget to check dripping faucets, as they can inflate your water bill.
March: Seal Windows and Doors.
Cracks around windows and doors can lead to heat loss, resulting in higher utility bills. Inspect these areas for gaps and apply weather stripping where needed.
April: Power-Wash the Exterior.
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside! After decluttering, focus on the exterior. Power-wash your siding and windows to refresh your home’s appearance. Aim to clean after most spring pollen has settled but before fall debris arrives.
May: Service Your A/C Unit.
With summer approaching, ensure your A/C unit is ready for the heat. Contact a professional HVAC service to check your system, and consider scheduling a fall appointment to prepare your heater for winter.
June: Spruce Up Your Deck.
Summer is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Prepare your deck by pressure washing it to remove debris and resealing it to prevent water damage.
July: Check for Insect Activity.
Summer brings increased insect activity. Watch for pests like termites and carpenter ants that can threaten your home. Consider a pest control plan and regular inspections to keep these unwelcome visitors away.
August: Inspect Your Roof.
Examine areas around eaves and gutters for leaks and water damage. A roof leak can lead to significant issues, including mold. Check for loose or missing shingles and replace them as necessary.
September: Prepare Your Fireplace.
As fall approaches, it’s time to inspect your fireplace. Remove ashes, ensure the flue damper operates smoothly, and clean any smoke or soot stains.
October: Inspect Siding and Paint.
Take advantage of mild fall weather to touch up your home’s exterior. Look for chipped paint and cracks in siding, and apply new caulk where necessary. This is also a good time to check for foundation damage.
November: Rake Leaves and Clean Gutters.
Falling leaves can be beautiful but also a hassle. Regularly rake your yard to prevent grass from dying, and trim bushes away from your home to deter insects. Clean your gutters after most leaves have fallen to prevent ice dams in winter.
December: Prepare for Cold Weather.
Before winter hits, remove window screens to prevent snow damage. Insulate your pipes to avoid freezing, and if insulation isn’t possible, let faucets drip during extreme cold.
Beyond Your Resolutions.
Following these guidelines will help you avoid costly repairs and sleepless nights. However, wear and tear is inevitable, and unexpected issues can arise.
To be truly prepared, consider a home warranty from American Home Shield this year. A home warranty is an annual service contract that covers repairs or replacements for essential appliances and systems that break down over time. With plans starting as low as $34.99 per month, you’ll receive protection regardless of the age or condition of your covered items, with no maintenance records or inspections required.
If you think a home warranty might be beneficial for you this year, visit American Home Shield to explore their flexible plans that fit your home and budget!
