Owning a home in Middle Tennessee comes with many rewards, but it also requires regular maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. With the region’s hot, humid summers, occasional severe storms, and chilly winters, it’s essential to stay on top of seasonal home maintenance tasks to protect your investment.
By following this comprehensive home maintenance checklist, you can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure your home remains safe and comfortable year-round. Whether you prefer a DIY approach or need help from a professional handyman, this guide will walk you through essential tasks for each season to keep your home in top shape.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to inspect your home for any damage caused by winter storms and prepare for the heat of summer. Here’s what you should focus on:
1. Schedule an HVAC Inspection
Before the Tennessee heat sets in, schedule an AC tune-up to ensure your cooling system runs efficiently. A professional HVAC technician will:
✅ Check refrigerant levels
✅ Clean condenser coils
✅ Inspect the thermostat and ductwork
✅ Replace or clean air filters
2. Inspect the Roof & Gutters
Winter storms, ice, and heavy rain can damage shingles and clog gutters. Inspect your roof for:
✅ Missing or cracked shingles
✅ Signs of leaks in the attic
✅ Clogged gutters that could lead to water damage
Tip: Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling near your foundation, which can lead to costly structural damage.
3. Check the Home Exterior
Walk around your home and look for:
✅ Cracks in the foundation or brickwork
✅ Peeling paint, which can lead to wood rot
✅ Damaged siding or loose bricks
4. Lawn & Landscaping Maintenance
Spring is the best time to get your yard in shape before summer growth takes over. Tasks to complete:
✅ Trim overgrown trees and shrubs
✅ Fertilize the lawn to encourage healthy grass
✅ Check drainage to prevent standing water and flooding
5. Schedule Pest Control Services
As temperatures rise, so does pest activity. Termites, ants, and mosquitoes are common in Middle Tennessee. Prevent infestations by:
✅ Sealing cracks and gaps around windows and doors
✅ Keeping mulch away from your home’s foundation
✅ Scheduling a termite inspection if your home is at risk
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer in Middle Tennessee can be hot and humid, so home maintenance should focus on keeping your home cool and energy-efficient while preparing for potential summer storms.
1. Keep Your HVAC Running Efficiently
To prevent unexpected AC breakdowns, perform these tasks monthly:
✅ Change air filters to maintain good airflow
✅ Clean air vents and remove dust buildup
✅ Check for signs of condensation or leaks near the unit
2. Maintain Outdoor Spaces
With warmer weather, it’s time to freshen up your home’s exterior:
✅ Power wash patios, decks, and driveways
✅ Seal wood decks to prevent sun damage
✅ Check and clean outdoor lighting for safety
3. Inspect Plumbing for Leaks
With more people at home using water, inspect your plumbing for leaks:
✅ Check under sinks for moisture
✅ Look for slow drains or water stains on ceilings
✅ Test the water pressure to ensure it’s stable
4. Prepare for Summer Storms
Middle Tennessee is known for heavy rain and occasional tornadoes. Protect your home by:
✅ Checking sump pumps to ensure they work properly
✅ Securing outdoor furniture to prevent wind damage
✅ Keeping gutters clear to prevent water damage
5. Inspect Window & Door Seals
To keep cool air inside and energy bills low, inspect and replace worn-out caulking or weatherstripping around windows and doors.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As temperatures cool down, fall is the ideal time to prepare your home for winter while ensuring everything remains in good condition.
1. Service Your Heating System
Schedule a furnace or heat pump inspection to avoid breakdowns when you need heat the most. A technician will:
✅ Replace air filters
✅ Check gas connections and pilot lights
✅ Ensure vents are clean and unobstructed
2. Clean & Inspect the Chimney
If you use a fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected to:
✅ Remove dangerous creosote buildup
✅ Ensure the chimney cap is intact to prevent animal entry
✅ Check for cracks that could cause heat loss
3. Gutter Cleaning & Roof Inspection
Fall leaves can clog gutters, leading to water damage and ice dams in winter. Prevent this by:
✅ Clearing out leaves and debris
✅ Checking for sagging gutters that may need reinforcement
✅ Inspecting the roof for missing shingles or damaged flashing
4. Weatherproof Your Home
To save on heating costs, check for drafts and seal gaps around:
✅ Windows and doors
✅ Pipes or vents entering the house
✅ The attic or basement
5. Trim Trees & Remove Dead Branches
Weak branches can break during winter storms, causing damage to your home or power lines. Trimming them in fall reduces this risk.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Middle Tennessee winters can be mild but unpredictable, with occasional freezing temperatures and snow. Prepare your home with these tasks:
1. Prevent Frozen Pipes
Protect your plumbing from freezing by:
✅ Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas
✅ Letting faucets drip on extremely cold nights
✅ Keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate
2. Check Emergency Supplies
Prepare for winter power outages or snowstorms by:
✅ Testing generators and smoke detectors
✅ Keeping flashlights and extra batteries handy
✅ Stocking up on food, blankets, and bottled water
3. Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Dry winter air can cause allergy flare-ups and wood furniture damage. Improve air quality by:
✅ Using a humidifier to add moisture
✅ Cleaning furnace filters and vents
✅ Ventilating rooms to prevent mold growth
4. Inspect Attic & Basement
Cold weather drives pests indoors. Check for:
✅ Signs of mice or rodents
✅ Moisture or leaks that could lead to mold
✅ Poor insulation that could increase heating costs
5. Flush the Water Heater
Sediment buildup in your water heater reduces efficiency. Extend its lifespan by:
✅ Draining and flushing the tank
✅ Checking for leaks or rust
✅ Adjusting the thermostat for energy savings
Year-Round Home Maintenance Tasks
While seasonal maintenance is important, some tasks should be done year-round to keep your home in the best condition:
✅ Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors every 6 months
✅ Check for Plumbing Leaks under sinks and behind toilets
✅ Inspect Home Exterior for signs of wear and tear
✅ Deep Clean Appliances like the dishwasher and dryer vents
✅ Ensure Security Systems Work Properly
Why Regular Home Maintenance Saves Money
By staying proactive, you can:
✔ Prevent costly repairs by catching small issues early
✔ Improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills
✔ Extend the lifespan of your home’s major systems
✔ Increase home value by keeping it in great condition
When to Call a Professional Handyman
While some tasks are DIY-friendly, others require a professional touch. Hire a handyman for:
🔧 HVAC and plumbing repairs
🔧 Electrical work or lighting installations
🔧 Chimney and fireplace maintenance
Need help with home maintenance in Middle Tennessee? Contact a local handyman today to keep your home in top shape!