Just like your body, your home needs regular loving care to stay at peak performance levels. Here is a home maintenance calendar to help keep your home in top shape for years to come.

Once a year:

• Water heater: Drain the tank and flush it out. Remove the heating elements and soak in vinegar or other scale remover, then scrape off the scales.

• Air conditioning system: Get an annual maintenance check one month before the hot weather season begins.

Every six months:

• Roof: check the shingles from the ground, as well as gutters and downspouts.

• Veneer or siding: Check brick exteriors for deteriorating bricks or masonry. For siding, look for warping or rot.

• Windows and doors: Check caulking around doors and windows, as well as glazing around windowpanes.

• Driveways: Check for cracks or deterioration and reseal if necessary.
  Water heater: Drain to remove any sediment. In hard water areas, check every three months.

• Smoke detectors: Check batteries.

Every three months:

• Lawn and garden: Look for tree limbs or debris that can attract wood-eating insects.

• Heating and cooling: Make sure outside units are unobstructed. Clean unit with a garden hose.

• Attic: Look for leaks or creepy crawlers.

• Kitchen: Clean out refrigerator and vacuum dust from condenser at rear of unit.

Once a month:

• Baths: Check grout on ceramic tile and look for leaks, especially around toilets and under sinks. Vinyl tile often will discolor if there is water underneath.

• Kitchen: Check for leaks under the sink and around the dishwasher. Check burners on the stove.

• Heating and cooling system: Change filters, check coils for buildup.
  Water heater: Check for leaks.

• Smoke detector: Test operation.

• Stairs and handrails: Check for safety.

Winter (December through March):

• Inspect all interior decorations, plugs and switches for safety.

• Oil water pump or fans on furnace.

• Check attic for leaks and condensation.

Spring (April through May):

• Turn off water to furnace humidifier and replace filter.

• Remove and store storm windows.

• Clean and install screens.

• Adjust and/or lubricate windows and door hardware.

Summer (June through August):

• Re-grade soil around foundation walls if needed.

• Paint or stain exterior woodwork.

• Test heating/cooling unit thermostats and systems.

Fall (September through November):

• Winterize pool and air conditioner.

• Winterize plants and shrubs.

• Weatherproof windows and doors.

• Have fireplace, wood stoves and flues inspected and cleaned.

• Clean, oil and store garden equipment.

• Check supply of electrical fuses, breakers, emergency candles and flashlights.

• Fertilize lawn and garden.

• Prune trees and shrubs away from house.

• Put out bird feeders.