Regular house maintenance promises optimum security, safety, functionality, and aesthetic value. From checking the HVAC system to a timely inspection of the roof and siding of your house, several things can be on the monthly and annual house maintenance checklist. The average house maintenance cost per year can be 1% to 4% of the total house’s value.
There can be multiple house maintenance tasks that you need to undertake, and an essential home backup like the Jackery Solar Generator can be helpful. However, several house maintenance tasks might be difficult to handle simultaneously besides ensuring consistent power. Here is how you can tackle them.
Key Takeaways
- A monthly maintenance routine can increase asset lifespan, enhance safety, and reduce repair costs.
- A monthly maintenance checklist should include inspecting the HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, garbage disposal, exterior drainage, etc.
- Jackery Solar Generators can be an ideal power backup for home appliances when maintenance is underway.
Monthly House Maintenance Checklist
Monthly house maintenance ensures optimized equipment performance and prevents costly repairs. The best part is that it is DIY-friendly and inexpensive.
Inspect and Clean HVAC Filters
Your HVAC system performs best with clean filters. Ensure you monitor the HVAC filters, as they need replacement or cleaning within 1-3 months.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
High smoke and CO levels can threaten the lives of the occupants. Test the workings of these detectors every month, and remember to replace their batteries every six months.
Check for Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can lead to mildew growth and structural damage. Inspect and fix these leaks by cleaning the clogs, applying epoxy putty, or installing pipe clamps.
Clean Garbage Disposal
If not cleaned well, garbage disposals can smell nasty after some time. To ensure they are cleaned properly, grind ice cubes in them and flush them with baking soda and warm water.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers can be lifesavers in an urgent fire crisis. Ensure your house fire extinguisher holds proper pressure, has no dry-rotted hose, and does not need replacement.
Check Water Softener
A properly working water softener can prevent scale buildup, preventing appliance, pipe, and fixture damage. You can avoid this by checking and refilling the salt levels if required.
Inspect Caulking and Grout
Check for voids and cracks between tiles and in the bathtub, and fill them with grout. Also, look for worn-out weather stripping and air gaps around windows and fill them with caulk.
Lubricate Garage Door Components
Lubricate the garage door components, such as hinges, springs, and chains, for smooth operations. If necessary, change the batteries.
Inspect Electrical Cords and Outlets
To ensure electrical safety, check electrical cords for wear and tear. Test the GFCI outlet for automatic power shut-off. Plug a light into the outlet. Press the test (the light should go off) and then reset (the light should turn back on) to avoid any electrical incident.
Energy-Efficient Appliance Maintenance
For maximum energy efficiency, prioritize the maintenance of your home appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, air conditioner, etc. Invest in an essential home backup like the Jackery Portable Power Station to ensure crucial appliances remain powered.
Annual House Maintenance Checklist [On Quarterly Basis]
The monthly house maintenance list is just one part of the process. With changing weather conditions and personal needs, the usage of different household equipment varies.
Winter Quarter House Maintenance Checklist (December, January, February)
You must take care of some critical maintenance tasks during the winter quarter:
- Inspect and remove the ice ridges to prevent water damage to the roof.
- Drain outdoor faucets, garden hoses, and exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Invest in a deicer to break the ice and turn snow into slush.
- Seal air gaps and cracks with caulk and close foundational vents to stay warm during a winter power outage.
- Test the working of the sump pump in the basement and cover any outdoor air-conditioning units.
Spring Quarter House Maintenance Checklist (March, April, May)
Spring is the perfect time to carry out any major renovations or replacements in the house.
- Check gutters and downspouts for debris and leaves. If the gutter is sagging, get it repaired to ensure proper drainage.
- Replace weather stripping and caulking around the doors and windows.
- Get your air conditioning unit checked and fixed for the summer.
- Drain the water heater and remove lint from the dryer vent.
- Prepare the pool and clean the deck, patio, and driveway to remove grime and mildew.
Summer Quarter House Maintenance Checklist (June, July, August)
Summer is the best time to enjoy the outdoors. Hence, you must take care of some crucial outdoor house maintenance tasks to make the most of it.
- Check your HVAC systems, trim any grass and weeds growing around them, and change your AC’s air filters.
- Clean the pool periodically and check the sprinkler system for dirt.
- Trim the overgrown branches and shrubbery to reduce the risk of damage during storms.
- Inspect caulk and weatherstripping—clean refrigerator and freezer coils.
- Inspect the deck for peeling paint, protruding nails, and rough areas. Hammer down the nails and apply a fresh layer of paint.
Fall Quarter House Maintenance Checklist (September, October, November)
The weather in the autumn season is agreeable; you can carry out these house maintenance jobs easily.
- Empty the pool and cover it while shutting down the sprinkler system.
- Inspect the gutters, downspouts, and your roof to remove any obstacles that may trap snow and water.
- Get the chimney inspected by a professional for better air quality and zero fire hazards.
- Check doors and windows for drafts to ensure zero heat exchanges when the temperature drops.
- Check if your heating system, such as a furnace or boiler, is in working condition.
House Maintenance Cost: Quarterly and Annually
The total monthly house maintenance cost varies based on the season, location, frequency of the maintenance, number of tasks, etc.
Winter Quarter Maintenance Cost
To stay warm and cozy in winter, seal air gaps, prevent water leakage, de-ice, and use a solar generator. The house maintenance cost will be $500 to $1,000.
Spring Quarter Maintenance Cost
The maintenance tasks for summer preparation begin in the spring quarter, such as gutter cleaning, pool preparation, and air conditioning checks. The overall maintenance cost of these tasks is $1,200 to $2,800.
Summer Quarter Maintenance Cost
From managing your pool and sprinkler systems to optimizing the HVAC systems and getting an essential home backup like Jackery Solar Generator, the house maintenance cost in the summer can be $800 to $2,000.
Fall Quarter Maintenance Cost
Preparing your house for the winter is the primary goal in the fall or autumn. House maintenance tasks, such as preparing the heating system, inspecting the chimney, sealing doors and windows, etc., can cost $700 to $1,600.
|
Quarter of the Year |
Total House Maintenance Cost |
|
Winter Quarter Maintenance |
$500 to $1,000 |
|
Spring Quarter Maintenance |
$1,200 to $2,800 |
|
Summer Quarter Maintenance |
$800 to $2,000 |
|
Fall Quarter Maintenance |
$700 to $1,600 |
Based on a simple calculation, the average house maintenance cost per year is $3,000 to $7,500. There can be some emergency repairs or replacements, too. Keep 1% to 3% of your house’s price as a backup to cover these expenses.
Note: These house maintenance costs are estimates. They are subject to change based on factors such as the size of the house, its condition, age, personal preferences, location, extent of maintenance required, type of replacement or renovation, etc.
Home Power Consumption: Monthly Energy Use Breakdown
A typical household uses several appliances, such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, TV, hair dryer, water heater, and dishwasher.
Consider the necessary appliances in a typical U.S. household, such as an AC, refrigerator, TV, water heater, lighting, ceiling fans, and dishwasher. Their respective wattages and estimated use times during the day would be:
- AC (2000W)*4H = 8,000Wh
- Refrigerator (800W)*8H = 6,400Wh
- TV (200)*2H = 400Wh
- Water Heater (2000W)*2H = 4000Wh
- Lighting (50W)*5H = 250Wh
- Ceiling Fan (75W)*18H = 1,350Wh
- Dishwasher (1200W)*2H = 2,400Wh
The total energy consumption here is 22,800Wh, or 22.8kWh per day, or 684kWh per month.
The average annual electricity consumption of a U.S. household is 10,500kWh, which is 875kWh per month. The cost per month is 875* 0.1626 = $142.
The cost of 684kWh is $111. This is overwhelming, but using a solar generator and portable solar panels can significantly reduce it.
Jackery Solar Generators for Home Appliances
Jackery is a manufacturer of solar power products focused on bringing green energy to everyone. Solar generators and portable power stations are highly durable, emission-free, and produce relatively less noise. Due to its portable and compact design, a solar generator is easy to set up for basic house maintenance tasks and is great as an essential home backup.
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a dependable product with tremendous power capacity. In case of a power outage, it can act as an essential home backup for most of your appliances. It can also help with house maintenance jobs by powering the tools for cleaning the yard, renovating the roof, and landscaping.
Appliances Running Time
- Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 3.4H
- Drill Machine (1000W) = 4.1H
- Electric Chainsaw (1500W) = 2.8H
- Pressure Washer (2500W) = 1.7H
- Induction Cooktop (1500W) = 2.8H
Customer Review
“This is awesome. I am able to power my entire house for up to 15 hours. Great for power outages” - IVAN.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another reliable product that can provide the power needed for tasks on your house maintenance list. It has ample power capacity that you can expand based on your requirements. It is portable and does not emit any fumes. The foldable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels can recharge the power station, further ensuring uninterrupted power supply for an extended time.
Appliances Running Time
- Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 1.4H
- Drill Machine (1000W) = 1.7H
- Electric Chainsaw (1500W) = 1.1H
- Refrigerator (2500W) = 1.7H
- Induction Cooktop (900W) = 1.9H
Customer Review
“With this model, I’m able to run my AC overnight and run my Creality 3d printer. I really enjoy how fast it charges and how long it lasts.” - Vincent Lara.
FAQs for House Maintenance
What kind of maintenance does a home need?
A home needs maintenance of its appliances, roof, yard, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and pool, among other things. It may not require all of these at the same time.
How do I create a maintenance list?
To create a house maintenance list, check the necessary assets and appliances. Mention what needs to be repaired or replaced.
What is the formula for home maintenance?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach here. The type of preventative measures is decided based on the condition of the house, its age, the health of its appliances, its location, the season, etc.
What is the monthly maintenance cost?
The total monthly house maintenance cost depends on the time of the year and the assets that require maintenance. You can expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000.
How much money do you allocate per year to home maintenance?
If you allocate a fixed amount for home maintenance per year, it must be at least 1% to 4% of the total house cost.
Conclusion
Periodic inspection and house maintenance can save costs, boost equipment life, prevent sudden mishaps, and ensure safety. Implement the methods and tips discussed to get the most out of your maintenance process. Ensure you have an essential home backup system, such as a Jackery Solar Generator. It can power your appliances in case of a power outage or while house maintenance is in progress.
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