Calendar of Home Maintenance

At Blue Fern, we build our homes to some of the highest standards in the industry. But just like your interior decorations go through seasonal changes, so does your home. To keep your home in tip-top shape, simple home maintenance can go a long way. Since 2023 is still new, what better time than now to plan out your year of home maintenance?

Do This Every Month

Test Your Smoke Alarms

This may sound simple, but smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense if something harmful is in the air or around the corner. Test these to make sure they are working as they should.

Clear Your FIlters

Many of our units come with energy-efficient ductless mini splits. What this means is that there’s no central HVAC filter to buy and replace. Instead, each one has a filter inside each unit that should be cleared regularly. Depending on how often you’re running your mini split, you may need to do this once a month! Simply remove the filter screen and clean all of the debris off and reinsert it into the unit.

Check For Clogs

Is your shower or toilet not draining like new anymore? Odds are they’re clogged with debris. Routine maintenance can help keep your sinks draining as they should. While it may be tempting to use chemical products to clear obstructions, it’s highly recommended that homeowners remove any obstructions with a snake or even disassemble the p-tap if you're comfortable. 

Do This Every Few Months

Check Your Water Filter

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, then you have a water filter! These will usually last about six months but may expire a little quicker if you drink a lot of water.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal can take a lot of abuse over time, but cleaning it can be a sinch! Sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda into the opening of the garbage disposal. Pour in a cup of white vinegar and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Turn on the garbage disposal and allow hot water to rinse away the baking soda mixture.

Do this as often as you like, but every few months to be safe. Remember, never pour grease, egg shells, coffee grounds, starchy foods, plastic, or large bones into your garbage disposal.

Clean Faucet Aerators and Showerheads

Remember that mixture you used for your garbage disposal? Use it to clean your aerators and shower heads. Aerators look like little caps at the end of your bathroom and kitchen faucets. They simply unscrew. Submerge them in the vinegar and water mixture to keep your faucets and shower flowing smoothly.

Do This Once A Year

HVAC Tune-Up

Even if you have a mini split as we mentioned above, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC technician to perform routine maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

Clean Your Gutters

While we do suggest you keep your gutter clean year-round, this task is best performed after the leaves of fall have… well, fallen! We highly recommend calling a professional. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts helps keep harmful water away from the foundation of your home. 

Deep Clean

It’s always good to deep clean your home at least once a year. It may not help with drainage, foundations, or HVAC systems, but it can help keep down odors and keep your home feeling like new!