Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Kansas City

Kansas City's weather demands year-round home maintenance. From spring storms to winter freezes, staying ahead of seasonal challenges can save you money and protect your home. Here's a quick breakdown of what to focus on each season:

• Spring: Clean gutters, check for exterior damage, tune up your HVAC, and prep your garden.
• Summer: Maintain sprinklers, repair decks and patios, and monitor foundation cracks.
• Fall: Clear gutters, winterize your HVAC, and seal windows and doors.
• Winter: Insulate pipes, test safety devices, and manage snow and ice.

Regular upkeep can reduce repair costs by up to 70% and lower energy bills by 15-20%.

After winter's harsh conditions, it's time to tackle these essential tasks to prepare your home for spring storms and summer heat. These steps will help keep your home in great shape.

Clean Gutters

Spring showers mean your gutters need to be in top condition to protect your home's foundation. Here's what to do:

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters.
• Check downspouts for any blockages.
• Run water through the system to ensure proper drainage.
• Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future buildup.

If your home is surrounded by trees, you might need to clean your gutters more often, even monthly.

Check for Exterior Damage

Winter's freeze-thaw cycles can take a toll on your home's exterior. Inspect these areas carefully:

• Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles and loose flashing.
• Siding: Check for cracks, warping, or loose panels.
• Foundation: Look for new or widening cracks that may need attention.
• Windows and Doors: Inspect seals and gaps that could let in air or moisture.

Service Your HVAC System

Make sure your HVAC system is ready for warmer weather by scheduling a professional tune-up. Key tasks include:

• Cleaning or replacing air filters.
• Inspecting and cleaning evaporator coils.
• Checking refrigerant levels.
• Testing electrical connections.
• Ensuring your thermostat is working properly.

Get Your Lawn and Garden Ready

Spring is the perfect time to revive your lawn and prep your garden. Focus on these steps:

• Soil Testing and Treatment: Test your soil's pH and adjust it to the 6.0-7.0 range. Use a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
• Lawn Care: Aerate compacted soil, overseed bare spots, and remove thatch to encourage strong grass growth.
• Tree and Shrub Maintenance: Prune dead branches and shape shrubs before they start growing. Keep vegetation trimmed at least 3 feet away from your home's walls.
• Garden Preparation: Opt for native plants that thrive in Kansas City's climate. Take advantage of the city's free mulch program to prepare garden beds.

Summer Home Maintenance Tasks

Kansas City summers often bring temperatures above 90°F, making it important to keep your home in good shape to stay comfortable and protect your property.

Maintain Sprinkler Systems

Keep your irrigation system running efficiently to save water during the dry season:

• Inspect sprinkler heads for damage, misalignment, or clogs.
• Check valves and pipes for leaks.
• Test rain sensors to avoid overwatering.
• Examine the backflow preventer for any issues.

A well-functioning sprinkler system not only conserves water but also helps stabilize the soil around your home’s foundation.

Repair Decks and Patios

Outdoor surfaces take a beating during summer, so regular care is key. While you're at it, keep an eye on your foundation for any signs of heat-related stress.

Here’s how to keep your outdoor spaces in top shape:

• Power wash to remove dirt and mildew buildup.
• Apply a sealant every couple of years to protect surfaces.
• Tighten loose railings and boards to ensure safety.
• Inspect for wood rot, especially in damp areas.
• Fill cracks in concrete with proper masonry products.

Taking care of these areas not only extends their life but also boosts your home’s curb appeal.

Check Foundation Cracks

If you noticed cracks during spring, now's the time to revisit them. Keeping an eye on these can help you avoid costly structural problems.

Use this checklist for your inspection:

• Walk around your home to spot new cracks.
• Monitor existing cracks to see if they’ve expanded.
• Check for uneven floors inside your home.
• Test doors and windows to ensure they open and close smoothly.

To protect your foundation during the heat:

• Keep soil moisture levels consistent.
• Use soaker hoses if needed.
• Repair cracks as soon as possible.

These steps can save you from bigger headaches down the line.

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Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

As summer fades, it's time to get your home ready for the colder months. Here's what you need to tackle:

Get Gutters Ready for Winter

Before the first freeze, clear out your gutters to avoid ice dams and potential foundation damage. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your home. To cut down on maintenance and protect against ice buildup, you might want to invest in gutter guards (priced around $6-15 per foot).

Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

Wrap up your HVAC maintenance for the year by ensuring it's ready for winter. A properly maintained system can lower heating costs by 15-20% during Kansas City's chilly season. Here's what to do:

• Schedule a furnace inspection with a professional.
• Replace air filters with high-efficiency ones.
• Clean vents and returns to ensure good airflow.
• Add attic insulation, aiming for R-38 to R-49 levels, to keep the heat in.

Seal Up Doors and Windows

Sealing gaps around your home is a must to conserve energy and cut heating costs - up to 20% in Kansas City's climate. Here are some effective methods:

• Add weatherstripping to doors and windows that open.
• Use caulk to seal stationary gaps.
• Install door sweeps to block drafts at thresholds.
• Apply window insulation film for an extra layer of protection.

Pay close attention to common trouble spots like:

• Window frames and sills
• Door frames and thresholds
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Pipe and cable entry points

These steps will help keep your home cozy and efficient as temperatures drop.

Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

Kansas City's chilly winters require taking steps to protect your home and keep everyone safe. These tasks build on fall preparations and tackle challenges brought on by freezing temperatures.

Prevent Pipe Freezing

Frozen pipes can cause serious flooding issues. Here's how to keep them safe:

• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (like basements or garages) with foam pipe insulation.
• Keep your home's temperature at least 55°F, even if you're away.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks during extreme cold to let warm air circulate.
• Let faucets drip slightly when temperatures drop below 20°F.
• Check for foundation cracks you noticed earlier in the year to avoid cold air seeping in.

For outdoor plumbing:

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Use insulated covers on exterior spigots.
• Shut off and drain irrigation systems completely.

Test Safety Devices

Heating systems and reduced ventilation increase risks during winter. Make sure these devices are working:

• Test monthly: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
• Replace as needed:
  • Smoke detectors (every 10 years)
  • Carbon monoxide alarms (every 5–7 years)
  • Fire extinguishers (every 12 years)

Clear Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can cause damage and safety hazards if not managed properly.

For your roof:

• Remove snow if it piles up beyond 6 inches.
• Use a roof rake with a long handle to clear snow safely from the ground.
• Deal with ice dams as soon as they form to avoid damage.

For walkways and driveways:

• Shovel snow promptly after it falls.
• Use pet-safe ice melt products.
• Keep sand or kitty litter on hand for better traction.

Larson Real Estate emphasizes regular winter maintenance to safeguard your home and keep your family safe during the colder months.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

Keeping up with these ongoing tasks can help ensure your home stays safe and runs efficiently throughout the year.

Change HVAC Filters

Replacing HVAC filters regularly can cut energy usage by 5-15% annually, according to Larson Real Estate's guidelines.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Basic fiberglass filters: Replace every month.
• High-efficiency pleated filters: Replace every 2-3 months.
• Homes with pets or allergies: Check filters monthly and replace as needed.

A quick test: Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time for a new one. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to stay consistent.

Check for Plumbing Leaks

Spotting leaks early can save you from expensive water damage and inflated utility bills. Keep an eye on these areas:

• Monthly: Look under sinks for moisture, check toilets for running water, and listen for odd noises in your pipes.
• Quarterly: Inspect basement walls, water heaters, and look for water stains or mineral buildup.

Want to check for hidden leaks? Read your water meter, avoid using water for two hours, then check it again. If the reading changes, it’s time to call a plumber.

Clean Dryer Vents

Maintaining your dryer vents reduces fire risks and keeps your dryer running smoothly. Watch for signs like longer drying times, burning smells, or excess lint buildup.

Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Schedule professional vent cleaning once a year.
• If you do a lot of laundry, clean vents every 6-8 months.
• Make sure the exterior vent is clear of debris.
• Regularly check vent connections to ensure they’re secure.

Conclusion: Seasonal Maintenance Importance

Taking care of your home regularly is essential to safeguard your investment, especially in Kansas City's climate. Homes in the area that are well-maintained tend to sell for 3-5% more, and keeping up with HVAC maintenance can lower energy bills by up to 15% each year.

"Consistent seasonal maintenance is not just about preserving your home; it's about protecting your largest investment and ensuring your family's comfort and safety year-round", says John Smith, President of Kansas City Home Inspectors Association.

Kansas City's weather brings specific challenges, making routine upkeep even more necessary. Tasks like cleaning gutters in spring and insulating pipes for winter are key. Larson Real Estate provides guidance to help homeowners tackle these local concerns effectively.

"In the Kansas City market, well-maintained homes consistently command higher prices and sell faster", adds Sarah Johnson, Chief Economist at Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors.

Using a seasonal checklist ensures you're prepared for these unique challenges, helping to protect your property while keeping your home safe and efficient.