Here are Rosie's tips for planning annual maintenance and housekeeping projects: KTAR.com

If we have learned anything from the 2020s and 2021s, it is that we better prepare for anything.

Now that 2022 has come, let's outline the projects and tasks that you will need to plan for over the course of the year. This year it's especially important to have a plan and support, and possibly support for your support.

With staff and material shortages coupled with your rising costs, you need to make sure you can handle large projects and repairs financially and chronologically. To reduce the risk of costly repairs and replacements, regular maintenance is essential and you need to plan for it.

Monthly house maintenance

You can do most of these monthly tasks yourself and only need common household appliances.

Change the air filter . Rosie recommends the 1-inch pleated paper filter that sits comfortably in the holder. If you have pets that are hairy or hypersensitive, they may need more frequent cleaning.

Check for leaks near toilets and sinks. Any sign of a leak could cost hundreds of dollars in repairs and wasted water. Put a paper towel under each sink in the house and check for water stains.

Sealing gaps or cracks around and in bathtubs and showers.

Thoroughly clean the extractor hood and filter.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Non-replaceable 10-year battery smoke detectors are designed for a duration of up to 10 years. If the alarm sounds, indicating a low battery, replace the smoke alarm assembly immediately.

Smoke alarms with any other type of battery will need a new battery at least once a year, possibly on New Years Day, whether they need it or not. An acoustic alarm warns of low battery levels. Replace the battery immediately.

Take a walk outside the house. Check for problems with the foundation, vents, gutters, and drainage pipes.

winter

Put your garage door security to the test. Make sure the chain pulls smoothly.

spring

Cooling and heating system.

Oh, you don't want to be caught without air conditioning in early May at the latest! Schedule the tuning and maintenance of your air conditioning system, which includes:

• Check that the thermostat settings are correct.
• Cleaning fan blades and coils.
• Checking the fan motor and critical electrical components
• Check the entire system for damage from winter hail

If your heating and air conditioning system is indoors and easily accessible, such as in a closet, check the closet for holes or leaks that a technician can fix.

Roof inspection

Examine your roof before the monsoons set in. Otherwise, a leak could mean waiting weeks for a repair or even for someone to put a tarp down.

Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with sealant or sealing tape; replace it if necessary.

summer

Test the security of your garage door again.

Check the weather strips on doors and windows.

Falls

Cooling and heating system.

Even if the air conditioner continues to work, plan to have your HVAC equipment checked every six months by mid-October at the latest. This makes the oven suitable for winter.

Chimney maintenance

Keeping the chimney and chimney clean is a safety issue. If you've used the fireplace in the winter, get a professional chimney sweep . It's a complicated job that you'd probably rather have someone else do.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a chimney should be swept at least once a year to keep it in good condition. If you have an oil or wood fireplace, you should clean it twice a year, depending on how it is used.

Pool maintenance

Evaluate the running time of the pool motor and the consumption of chemicals. The engine can be reduced a few hours per day outside of peak times. Less chlorine is required at colder temperatures. Test your pool water (or have it tested by your local pool supplier) and make sure you are not spending any money on excessive chlorination. Check the pool filters and baskets.

irrigation

Sprinkler systems should be adjusted quarterly and according to the seasonal weather.

October is a great time of year for overseeding.

Daytime temperatures fluctuate around 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nights drop to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer weather favors Bermuda grass while it prevents winter grass from establishing itself. If you've planted in cold weather, frost may occur which will damage young grass shoots.

Foundation inspection

The monsoons lead to a lot of flooding. Pay attention to foundations , driveways and driveways for signs of vibrations. If you notice any changes, make an appointment with a foundation specialist.

Roof inspection

If you didn't do it in the spring and weathered the monsoons with no leak, call now to schedule a pre-winter rain inspection. Roofers are exceptionally busy because of the rain. Get into his schedule now.

Replace old drafty windows with more energy-efficient ones.

Empty the water heater.

Wrap insulation around outside fittings and plumbing in unheated garages.

Make a plan

Always plan for the unexpected. Whether it is a new HVAC, toilet, or utility unit, you need to find a reputable and licensed contractor, e.g. B. a Rosies certified partner, and the necessary funding to cover the costs.

"Many think too little about the planning phase before taking action," Bruce Stumbo, Project Manager and Sales Advisor, Rosie Right | Draft. To build. Remodeling, he says.

HomeZada is the one-stop- shop that brings together all the information you need about your household's wealth and different spending categories . Keep track of the insurance coverage and the costs of your home insurance as well as property taxes. Budget for all common household expenses such as energy, water, garbage, internet, and other premium expenses such as garden and swimming pool services.

To budget for repairs, consider a savings account rather than a home guarantee. Sometimes warranties often don't cover what is needed for major repairs. And with a residential guarantee, you may not be able to choose the contractors to do the job.

Preventive maintenance goes a long way towards extending the life of the systems and products in which you have invested. Too often we stand by until something breaks, which can lead to large and unexpected repair and replacement bills. Take care of your home and it will serve you well!

Visit Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to mailto: info@rosieonthehouse.com. Follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook. For more DIY tips, visit rosieonthehouse.com. Rosie Romero has been an Arizona home builder and renovator since 1988 and host of the Saturday morning radio show Rosie on House. Call 888-767-4348 for your questions and comments.

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