January Home Maintenance Tips

Home Owners

Jan 5

January Home Maintenance Tips for Seattle Homeowners

The start of a new year is the perfect time to give your home some extra attention, especially in Seattle, where winter weather can be unpredictable. From cleaning to safety checks, these January home maintenance tasks will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment. Here’s a list of important maintenance tasks to kick off 2025 on the right foot!

1. Check Your Heating System

With Seattle’s chilly winters, ensuring your heating system is running efficiently is a must. Replace your furnace filters to improve air quality and system performance. It’s also a good idea to schedule a tune-up with a professional if you haven’t already.

2. Clean Dryer Vent

Seattle’s damp weather can make drying clothes more challenging, so now is the time to clean out your dryer vent to improve its performance and prevent a potential fire hazard. Use a brush to remove lint buildup from both the vent and the dryer duct.

3. Clean Refrigerator Coils

Pull your refrigerator away from the wall, unplug it, and clean the coils using a coil brush. This will help your refrigerator run more efficiently, especially with Seattle’s fluctuating humidity levels. While you're at it, empty and clean the drip trays.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Test the batteries and run an alert test to ensure they’ll notify you of any danger. Seattle homes often rely on gas heating or fireplaces, so this is an especially important safety check.

5. Clean Air Vents

Dust, pet dander, and other debris can build up in your home’s air vents, affecting the air quality. Take the time to clean your vents and change your furnace filters. Also, clear any lint or debris from your dryer vents to prevent blockages and maintain airflow.

6. Inspect Fire Extinguishers

Check that your fire extinguishers are properly charged and easily accessible. If you don’t already have fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and garage, now is the time to get them.

7. Inspect Fireplace and Chimney

If you enjoy cozy winter fires, have your chimney inspected for cracks in the bricks or mortar, and make sure the damper operates smoothly. Schedule a professional cleaning if you haven’t done so in the past year to prevent creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.

8. Seal Leaky Doors and Windows

Seattle’s winter weather means you don’t want to let any heat escape through drafts. Inspect and seal any gaps in windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk. This will help keep your home warm and reduce heating costs.

9. Check Gutters and Roof

After Seattle’s notorious rain and occasional windstorms, it’s important to check your gutters and roof for any leaks, damage, or debris. Clean out the gutters to prevent water buildup, which could lead to roof damage or ice dams if temperatures drop.

10. Replace Water Filters

If your home has a water filtration system, whether in your kitchen or connected to your whole home, January is the perfect time to replace the filters. Clean, fresh water is essential, especially after the holiday season when you’ve likely used your system more than usual.

11. Clean and Organize Your Garage

Take advantage of the new year to declutter and organize your garage. With Seattle’s damp winters, keeping things off the floor and on shelves is a great way to prevent water damage to stored items. Consider adding hooks or shelving to optimize space.

12. Schedule a Fix-It Weekend

Plan a weekend dedicated to knocking out small repairs around the house. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, repairing damaged trim, or replacing broken fixtures, tackling these tasks now will save you stress later.

13. Update Your Home Inventory

Now is a great time to update your home inventory, especially after the holidays if you’ve acquired new items. Keep a record of your belongings, including serial numbers and photos, for insurance purposes.

14. Deep Clean Carpets and Floors

Winter weather brings in moisture, dirt, and debris. Give your carpets and floors a deep clean to prevent long-term damage. Consider professional cleaning for high-traffic areas to extend the life of your flooring.

15. Organize Your Pantry and Kitchen

The new year is a perfect time to reorganize your kitchen and pantry. Get rid of expired items, wipe down shelves, and consider adding new storage solutions to help keep things tidy. A well-organized kitchen will make meal prep a breeze!

By taking on these January home maintenance tasks, you'll not only preserve the value of your Seattle home but also create a safe, comfortable living space for the winter months ahead. If you need recommendations for trusted local professionals to help with any of these tasks, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!

Wishing you a happy and well-maintained new year!

Home Owners