> At a Glance
> – 90% of Americans’ time is spent indoors, with 70% inside their homes.
> – Three-quarters of today’s homes are projected to stand in 2050, making maintenance critical.
> – Seasonal upkeep prevents costly repairs and protects health year-round.
> Why it matters: Regular home care safeguards health, value, and wallets-no gym membership required.
Homeowners drafting health, organization, or money goals can knock out all three by adding home maintenance to the list.
Year-Round Home Care Pays Off
Early, routine upkeep isn’t just about curb appeal; it extends a home’s life and shields long-term value, real-estate pros say. Planning for scheduled chores and surprise fixes spreads costs evenly and slashes emergency-bill risk.
Amanda Reddy, executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, stresses that keeping every residence-owned or rented-dry, clean, pest-free, well-ventilated, and safe is essential for health and well-being.
Big Projects, Small Habits
Maintenance runs from wiping crumbs and opening windows for fresh air to clearing filters or calling pros for gas or water leaks. Target high-traffic zones like kitchens and bathrooms plus forgotten spots such as attics and basements.
Reddy’s rule: “Doing any preventative maintenance at all matters more than doing it perfectly,” though timing still counts.
Seasonal Checklist
Environmental stressors hit homes differently each season; a staggered checklist keeps tasks manageable.
Spring-Summer Focus:
- Inspect air-conditioning systems
- Clean dryer vents to prevent fires
- Test sprinklers and exterior landscaping
- Check appliances, wiring, and plumbing before peak heat
Fall-Winter Focus:
- Service heating systems and replace filters
- Verify carbon-monoxide detectors
- Seal air leaks and inspect roof, chimney, drainage
- Implement pest control before cold drives critters indoors
Kendra Sinclair with Thumbtack notes that weather-proofing now saves money later.
Key Takeaways
- 90% of time is indoors-home health equals personal health.
- Seasonal maintenance prevents small issues from snowballing into expensive repairs.
- Simple daily habits and scheduled seasonal tasks protect both property value and household budgets.
Start the year with a mop, a checklist, and a plan: your home-and wallet-will thank you in every season.
