Hawaii Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Indoors

A pleasant household is one where the interiors are kept clean and updated. Whether you spend the entire year in Hawaii or just a few months, these are the things you should get done to maintain your home.

Keep An Eye Out For Any Potential Leaks

Even a minor leak in your house can cause a lot of damage. Stains and mold can all develop because of water damage, and your walls and floors are at risk of further deterioration. Detecting water leaks as soon as possible might save you a lot of money and time in the future. Water heaters, faucets, sump pumps, attics, and basements are all common places for leaks to occur in a house. Make it a point to check these parts of the house frequently. For instance, you could incorporate this into your end-of-summer cleaning routine.

When there is a leak, you may see damp spots or mold stains on surfaces like walls and ceilings. Other signs of water leaks include distorted wood flooring or tiles and musty odors.

Schedule An Inspection For Your Water Heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is roughly 15 years. Maintaining yours on a regular basis can help it keep going as long as possible while also ensuring that it performs its purpose. One of the things you should do is check the pressure relief valve. This minimizes mineral and corrosion accumulation, which prevents leaks and improves the heater’s efficiency.

Aside from that, you’ll have to empty the water tank at least twice a year. Emptying the tank aids in cleaning it of any particles. Water heater maintenance also includes inspecting the anode rod. If anything requires repairs, it’s best to call in a professional.

Take A Closer Look At Your Plumbing

Leaks can also occur in the plumbing system of a house. Make it a habit to inspect your home’s toilets and sinks for leakage at least once a year. These can damage your house, and your monthly water bill will increase.

Dripping faucets are usually minor problems that can be fixed quickly. Still, there are many more serious plumbing concerns to be wary of. Consistently blocked drains, for instance, may point to the presence of an obstruction requiring professional intervention. Alternatively, leaking pipes may indicate that the plumbing in your property has been compromised by corrosion over time.

Septic tanks need to be drained by a professional every few years. Run faucets and flush the toilet in unoccupied areas. This is especially true for sinks and water sources that aren’t often used, such as those in guests’ bathrooms. The goal is to keep dirt and other debris from accumulating. This can be avoided by running some water through the system regularly.

Make Sure Your Tile And Grout Are Clean

At the very least, the tile and grout should be cleaned and sealed once a year. In addition to making your home look cleaner, this will also help avoid mold growth. Several companies offer expert cleaning services for tile and grout, but you can do it on your own as well. Choosing the right products or materials is all you need to avoid damaging your tile.

Inspect Your HVAC Systems

Maintaining your HVAC system regularly is essential to ensuring that it functions properly and that the temperature in your home is set to your preferences. Many specialists recommend changing the filters every month; however, this isn’t always essential. Replacing the filters every two to three months is a good rule of thumb for families with no allergies or pets. Otherwise, change it if it’s unclean and re-inspect it in a month or so.

While it may be less regular, maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be overlooked. Your home will be more energy-efficient if you hire a specialist to clean the ducts every 1-5 years.

Clean Your Dryer And Exhaust Vents

It’s a good idea to clean your home’s vents regularly. Your HVAC system’s efficiency can suffer if dirt, dust, and other debris accumulate in the ducts. Heating and cooling costs may rise as a result. To do this, switch off the power to your heating and air-conditioning unit. Then, cleaning is as simple as taking your vents off the wall and vacuuming out the particles that have accumulated there.

Aside from air vents, another thing on your annual cleaning to-do list should be your dryer vent. Leaving lint to accumulate in this vent can cause your dryer to become inefficient and even a fire hazard. Each time you dry a load of laundry, take a moment to remove the lint filter and clean it. Another option is to have the dryer’s vent and lint filter cleaned by an expert.

Inspect For Termites And Other Pests

Many people shudder at the mere prospect of termites invading their homes. Since these pests can quickly take over, you should add a termite checkup to your Hawaii home maintenance checklist.

Maintaining a pest-free environment in your house is among the most important aspects of home maintenance. Pests aren’t just a nuisance but they can also do significant damage to your house and even pose a health risk to you and your household. Rats, roaches, ants, and mosquitoes are among the most common Hawaii pests. These pests can enter through the tiniest of openings into your home. As such, make a point of checking for and sealing any cracks around your doors, baseboards, and windows.

An annual pest control treatment is another thing you shouldn’t overlook. To avoid a pest infestation, it is essential that you incorporate it into your regular cleaning routine.

Make Sure Safety Devices Are Working Properly

The safety devices in your home should be thoroughly inspected once a year. It is crucial to have a smoke detector and alarm system in place to minimize damage and save lives in the case of fire. Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and make sure they are operational before leaving your house. Use the device’s test button once a month to conduct regular tests. Other home safety equipment, like CCTV or burglar alarms, should be tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Inspect your fire extinguishers while you’re at it. It’s important to check the expiration date of your fire extinguisher to ensure it’s still usable. Keep the fire extinguisher nearby, so you don’t have to go around looking for it in an emergency.

Those who reside in hurricane-prone areas of Hawaii should do a yearly inspection of their homes to be sure they have enough safety measures in place.

Thoroughly Clean Appliances

Household appliances make daily life more convenient, but they still need a little maintenance from time to time. Take the time to thoroughly clean your appliances at least once a year, especially those in the kitchen, such as:

• • Dishwasher: Although dishwashers may appear self-cleaning, they require maintenance on your part. You can clean the exterior the same way as your refrigerator. To thoroughly clean the dishwasher’s interior, place a cup of vinegar on the uppermost rack and run the machine on the highest setting. Then, clean any soap residue that may have loosened.
  • Refrigerator: The outside of your refrigerator is easy to clean. Remove all magnets and other items on the fridge, then use a moist towel to clean it. Use a disinfectant to remove dirt and grime that has built up over time. Getting the inside of a refrigerator clean is a bit harder. First, remove all the contents. After that, clean the fridge’s interior by removing the shelves and drawers and washing them in the sink. You can use water and vinegar solutions to help remove the odors.
  • Toaster: Crust builds up on toasters over time. Empty the crumb tray, and you’ll be able to get rid of most of it. A moist towel can be used to clean the exterior as well. Make sure you unplug the toaster before you start cleaning it.
  • Microwave: When using a microwave, it’s easy for bits of food to collect on the inside. You may not even realize how much has accumulated on the appliance’s surface. It’s easy to clean the inside of the microwave by just boiling up a cup of water and wiping off the sides.
  • Stovetop and oven: In the same way your microwave will accumulate leftover food particles, so will your stove and oven. The stovetop can be cleaned with regular cleaning solutions. At the same time, the water method that works for the microwave can also be used for the oven.

Declutter And Organize Your Belongings

The number of things that have accumulated in your house after a year or so of occupancy may shock you. After you’ve completed the needed maintenance tasks, it’s a good idea to go through your stuff and get rid of everything that isn’t necessary.

Outdoors

Your home’s facade contributes to its appeal, but the purpose of maintaining it goes beyond appearance. This Hawaii home maintenance checklist can help you keep the exterior of your property in top shape.

Check The Foundation Of Your House

A yearly foundation check will help you discover problems before they become costly. One thing you should be wary about is water damage because this can lead to the deterioration of your foundation. Your home’s exterior should be examined for any evidence of water damage. The basement is also a good place to look. Mold and musty odors in your basement should be investigated to ensure that your foundation hasn’t been compromised.

Additionally, check for concrete issues such as chips or fissures. Discoloration might also be a sign of a foundation issue. If you notice fractures in your home’s walls and floors, it could mean that your home’s foundation is failing.

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your foundation from water damage is to keep your drainage system in good working order. If you have reason to believe that your home’s foundation has been damaged, consult a professional and arrange for an inspection.

Check For Leaks In Your Windows, Doors, And Roof

Leaks can happen both inside and outside your home. As such, you should have your home’s exteriors inspected. For instance, check water hoses and your roof for leaks. Also, examine external door and window frames. Watch out for water and mold stains, which are all obvious symptoms of water damage. If you want to check your roof for leaks, be sure to do so safely and with the help of a pro.

Make Sure Your Gutters And Downspouts Are Clean

Debris and fallen leaves will eventually block the rain gutters of any property. When the drain isn’t working properly, water can’t flow freely. That means your lawn and even your home’s foundation are in danger of being damaged by excessive rainfall. Set aside some time each year to clean out your gutters to keep this from happening. To make things easier and safer, you can also hire a professional.

Replace The Bulbs In Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Check your home’s outdoor light bulbs at the conclusion of the summertime to ensure they are in good working order. Replace any that are no longer functional. Exterior illumination is a critical component of home safety. If possible, get bulbs that can withstand the Hawaii climate while also repelling mosquitoes. Another factor to consider is energy efficiency.

Keep Your Yard Neat And Tidy

Maintaining your yard may seem like an easy suggestion but taking the time to do it right is crucial. In addition to looking attractive, a well-kept lawn prevents pests and keeps your property safe. Mowing your grass, pulling weeds, and trimming any bushes in your yard are all part of regular maintenance. During the dry season’s sweltering heat, frequent watering can help keep your lawn green.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the plants in your yard once a year aside from maintaining your lawn. It’s always best to call in the experts if you suspect your tree is unhealthy or needs some serious branch pruning. Taking good care of the plants on your property increases its resale value and helps guard against potential damage from branches.

Using High-Pressure Water To Clean Your House’s Exterior

Pressure washing your home’s exterior is a great way to keep it looking neat. Additionally, performing this once a year will help to keep mold from growing and invading your home. Garden hoses, power washers, and professional cleaners are all options for thoroughly cleaning your home. The patio, windows, and siding should all be cleaned as well to remove any dirt or debris. Areas that have been significantly soiled should be spot cleaned with non-toxic cleaning products.

The Bottomline

Maintaining your home can be a challenge, especially if you are a first-time homeowner. To help you out, we’ve shared an annual and seasonal home maintenance checklist in this article. Although these duties can be exhausting, they are necessary if you want to safeguard your largest investment. Keeping up with these activities can save you money in the long term and keep your house working like it did the day you moved in.

If you need any handyman services to keep your Hawaii home in great condition, look no further than Handy Andy Hawaii! Everything we do at Handy Andy Hawaii is guided by our principles and professional ethics; your satisfaction is our top priority. Contact us at 808-285-3443 to request a service today!