Buying a new home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s exciting no doubt, new spaces, fresh walls, a place to truly call your own. But here’s the part that doesn’t always come with the keys: owning a home means caring for it too. And while that might sound like a lot, it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple habits and a bit of seasonal awareness, you can keep your home running smoothly for years to come.
At JPOrleans, we’ve spent over a century building homes we’re proud of, and part of that pride comes from helping homeowners feel confident long after move-in day. So if you're new to all this, don’t worry, we’ve pulled together some of our most helpful home maintenance tips to get you started.
Let’s start with comfort, because nobody wants to deal with a broken AC in July or a sluggish furnace in February. One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your heating and cooling system is to change your air filters every 3–6 months. If you have pets or allergies, you might need to do it even more often.
We also recommend scheduling professional HVAC service twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. It’s like giving your system a tune-up before the busy seasons. Technicians will clean coils, check refrigerant levels and catch small issues before they become expensive ones.
And here’s a small but often-forgotten task: clean your condensate drain line. A clogged line can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity. If you’ve got a humidifier or dehumidifier, give that a once-over too, these devices can make a big difference in air quality but only when they’re clean and working properly.
Plumbing might feel intimidating but a little know-how goes a long way. First things first: locate and test your home’s water shut-off valves. You don’t want to be hunting for them when there’s a leak happening.
It’s also wise to replace washer and toilet supply hoses every few years. Old rubber hoses can crack and fail without warning, leading to costly water damage. Stainless steel braided hoses are a safer bet and relatively inexpensive.
If your new home has a traditional water heater, you’ll want to check the anode rod and pressure-relief valve annually. These parts help prevent corrosion and overpressure, two things that can significantly shorten a water heater’s lifespan.
Lastly, pour water into unused floor drains once in a while. It keeps the traps full and blocks sewer gases from creeping into your home. Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it matters.
Water is a home’s best friend, and worst enemy. That’s why leak detectors near washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters are a smart move. With the emergence of more and more smart home technology, some are even Wi-Fi connected, sending alerts to your phone the moment a leak starts.
If you live in a colder climate, disconnect hoses and shut off exterior spigots before winter hits. Frozen pipes can cause serious damage. While you're at it, keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings or walls, they’re often early signs of hidden leaks.
Keeping the outside of your home in good shape doesn’t just boost curb appeal in a new home community, it protects the structure too. Start with your gutters: clean them at least twice a year, especially after fall. Clogged gutters can lead to foundation issues and ice dams.
Re-caulk windows and doors once a year to keep moisture and drafts out. Over time, caulk breaks down and gaps form, something you might not notice until you feel a chill or see a spike in your energy bill.
Take a walk around your yard too. Check your grading and sprinkler direction to make sure water flows away from the house. Trim back overgrown bushes and trees and give your siding or brick a quick power wash every now and then. It keeps your home looking sharp and helps spot small issues before they escalate.
Inside the house, there are a few things that can quickly slip under the radar. For starters, clean your dryer vent annually, not just the lint trap. A clogged vent is a major fire hazard and also makes your dryer work overtime.
Appliance filters are another one. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, all of them have filters that need regular cleaning or replacement. It’s a quick task that can improve performance and energy efficiency.
Don’t forget safety: test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month. It takes less than a minute and could save lives. And while it might sound a bit quirky, flush unused toilets and run water through seldom-used faucets to keep plumbing in good shape and prevent buildup.
Some maintenance tasks don’t come around often but they matter just the same. In winter, clear leaves and debris from your AC unit, store hoses and service snow equipment before the first snowfall. Summer? Check your irrigation system, lubricate outdoor gear and get that lawn in shape.
Every couple of years, plan to pump your septic tank if you have one and have your chimney flue inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a fireplace. These are out-of-sight out-of-mind systems, but they still need care.
The easiest way to stay on top of all this? Create a simple maintenance calendar. It can be a spreadsheet, an app or even a shared family checklist on the fridge. Break tasks up by season or month so you’re not overwhelmed all at once.
It also helps to build relationships with trusted local contractors. Having go-to pros for HVAC, plumbing, roofing and electrical work means you’re not scrambling when something comes up.
And if you had a home inspection before closing (which we hope you did), keep that report handy. It’s a goldmine of info on your home’s systems and quirks, it might even tell you what to keep an eye on first.
Here’s the thing, taking care of a home isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. A few small tasks, spread throughout the year, can prevent major issues, save you money and keep your home feeling just as welcoming as the day you moved in.
At JPOrleans, we’ve always believed that a well-built home should also be a well-loved one. And we’re here to support homeowners, not just during construction but for the life of your home. These home maintenance tips are just a starting point but they’re meant to give you confidence in this new chapter. Because when you care for your home, it returns the favor for years to come.
