The Philippines experiences two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities for homeowners to keep their houses in tip-top shape.
As the seasons change, it’s essential to follow a seasonal home maintenance checklist to ensure your home’s systems are running smoothly and to prevent costly repairs. After all, it’s better to be prepared for different scenarios and get potential savings rather than getting caught off guard.
Here is the ultimate seasonal home maintenance checklist for Filipino homeowners:
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist During Dry Season
1. Air Conditioning System
As temperatures rise, your AC system becomes vital. Ensure your air conditioning unit is ready for the warm weather by:
Cleaning or replacing your air filters regularly. You can clean lint buildup from your air filter by removing it from your air conditioning unit and immersing it with warm, soapy water (avoid using hot water so you don’t damage the filter). You should see dust and other debris separate from the air filter.
Inspecting and cleaning the condenser coils.
Checking the refrigerant levels.
Creating and sticking to an AC maintenance schedule.
2. Exterior Home Maintenance
The dry season is the best time to inspect and maintain your house exteriors. Key tasks include:
Checking for loose shingles and making necessary repairs.
Inspecting and cleaning the exterior siding.
Repainting exterior paint if needed to prevent weather damage.
Cleaning and repairing door screens and windows.
Reinforcing wiring lines. This is the perfect opportunity to inspect electrical cords that may run outside for any damages to help prevent fires, especially during the dry season.
3. Yard and Garden Care
Take advantage of the dry weather to maintain your yard and garden:
Trimming trees and shrubs to prevent damage to your house during storms. When you trim trees, make sure that you’re disposing of cut-off branches and dry leaves properly as these may become fire hazards.
Inspecting the sprinkler system for any leaks or damage.
Cleaning and repairing outdoor faucets.
4. Safety Checks
Ensure your home is safe by performing the following tasks:
Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers. If you don’t have one yet, it’s the best time to obtain a fire extinguisher.
Checking and replacing any worn-out electrical cords.
If you have smoke alarms, it’s the best time to do drills. Test smoke alarms for any smoke and carbon monoxide presence and speak with other house and family members to create an emergency plan should there be a fire.
5. Water Heater and Plumbing
Keep your water heater and plumbing in good working order:
Flushing the hot water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Checking for leaks and ensuring proper insulation to prevent energy loss.
6. Kitchen and Laundry Maintenance
Keep your kitchen, dining, and laundry areas efficient and safe:
Cleaning the refrigerator coils and drip trays. You should also defrost your refrigerator periodically to maintain clean drip trays and enjoy potential savings from your electricity consumption. A clean refrigerator helps keep costs down.
Inspecting and cleaning the dryer vent to prevent fires.
Cleaning the kitchen exhaust hood to prevent fires and mold build-up. Additionally, a dirty kitchen exhaust hood can also trap particles, like grease, which may wear down your kitchen equipment.
Checking the garbage disposal and grinding ice cubes with baking soda to maintain it.
Wet Season Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Roofing and Gutters
Luckily, the Philippines doesn’t get any snow falls. This means that you won’t have to deal with frozen pipes or wrap insulation. However, the Philippines does get plenty of rainfall.
Prepare your home for heavy rains and potential flooding:
Inspecting the roof for any damage or leaks and repairing loose shingles.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow and blockages.
2. Flood Prevention
Protect your home from potential water damage:
Checking the sump pump and ensuring it’s in working condition.
Installing or inspecting storm windows to prevent water ingress.
3. Heating and Ventilation
Prepare for cooler, rainy weather:
Inspecting and maintaining the HVAC system, including vacuum heat registers and replacing HVAC filters.
Cleaning and testing the heating system before the colder months set in.
Inspecting and cleaning the chimney sweep if you have a fireplace, which is common in homes in cooler climes like Baguio and Tagaytay.
4. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Ensure your home is ready for any emergencies:
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Replacing batteries in all detectors and ensuring they are functional.
Checking and maintaining fire extinguishers.
5. Interior Maintenance
Maintain the interior of your home for comfort and safety:
Cleaning and reversing ceiling fans to distribute heat evenly.
Inspecting door hinges and applying lubricant if needed.
Checking for signs of mold and mildew and addressing them promptly.
6. Utility and Appliance Maintenance
Ensure all appliances and utilities are in good condition:
Inspecting the water heater and checking the anode rod.
Testing the water softener and checking salt levels.
Running a deep clean cycle on the washing machine and dishwasher.
Year-Round Maintenance Tips
While specific tasks are seasonal, some maintenance tasks are essential year-round to keep your home running smoothly:
1. Regular Inspections
Conduct regular inspections of your home’s systems and structure:
Inspecting electrical wirings for wear and tear.
Checking plumbing for leaks and ensuring proper insulation.
2. Professional Services
Schedule regular professional services for your home:
HVAC system inspections and tune-ups.
Chimney cleaning and inspection.
Roof inspections and repairs.
3. Smart Home Tech
Utilize smart home tech to maintain your home efficiently:
Installing smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Using smart thermostats to monitor and control your HVAC system.
Setting reminders for regular maintenance tasks using smart home apps, particularly for systems that require a professional service provider.
4. General Cleanliness
Maintain a clean and organized home:
Regularly deep cleaning the house to prevent dust and allergens.
Cleaning refrigerator coils and drip trays to maintain efficiency.
Keeping dryer vents clean to prevent lint buildup and fires.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust your maintenance tasks based on seasonal changes:
Preparing for cold temperatures by wrapping insulation around pipes to prevent freezing.
Ensuring proper ventilation during warm weather to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
Home Maintenance Made Easier in Camella
Maintaining your home throughout the year requires a comprehensive seasonal home maintenance checklist. By following this ultimate home maintenance checklist, you can keep your home in tip-top shape, prevent costly repairs, and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
With a property in Camella, however, you can rely on our well-staffed neighborhoods to help you with your home maintenance checklist. Our homes are designed to weather and thrive in the highs and lows of the extreme Philippine seasons. Our communities offer respite and shelter from the scorching hot weather in the dry months, and you’re sure to find comfort in your home in Camella during rainy months. What’s more, Camella developments are master-planned so you’re guaranteed flood-free neighborhoods.
Whether it’s inspecting your air conditioning system during the dry season or preparing for the wet season’s heavy rains, these home maintenance tasks will help you save money and enjoy peace of mind in your home in Camella.
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