Whether you’re a prospective home buyer or you already own a home, one aspect of homeownership that many people overlook is maintenance. Although it’s not the most fun part of being a homeowner, maintenance can get costly if you don’t keep up with it.
Along with annual tasks such as cleaning your gutters, you should follow a few guidelines for monthly home maintenance. Here is your monthly checklist for maintaining your home.
Change the Filter in Your HVAC System
HVAC professionals will tell you to switch out your air filter at least once every three months. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you fail to change your filter regularly, it could lead to more expensive utility bills or even damage to your HVAC system.
Cooking on your stove will cause combustion material to build up on your range hood. To prevent yourself from ingesting these noxious particles, clean out the filter for your kitchen hood vent or replace it entirely if there’s too much buildup.
Search for Leaks in Your Plumbing
If you notice water where it shouldn’t be, you need to investigate the situation immediately. Some of the most common areas to find leaks are near your bathtub, toilet, and sink.
Although it might not seem like a big deal, even a small leak could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. The cost could ramp up if your walls or floors suffer any significant water damage, so be sure to look out for any leaks and plug them up as soon as you see them.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could mean the difference between life and death. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that these machines remain functional at all times.
These devices usually last a while, but just to be safe, you can subject them to monthly tests so that you can fix them if they need any repairs. Also, you should change their batteries every six months.
Overall, if you keep a monthly checklist for maintaining your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about any unexpected problems occurring in your future. Now that you know what you need to do, it’s time to prepare for your next maintenance sweep!
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
