Recommended Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season
Maintaining your home on an annual basis is crucial for preserving its value, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best.
Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities.
Below is a recommended maintenance checklist to help schedule seasonal updates, repairs, cleaning, and a handful of monthly tasks. Revisit the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in prime working condition.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
- Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups and make it easier to regulate your home's temperature.
- Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters. Check the gauge and expiration date on fire extinguishers.
- Inspect electrical cords for wear.
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
- Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
- Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.
- Deep-clean your home at least twice a year once in the spring and once in fall. Start with the places and items that get the dirtiest and continue on from there.
- Review and Update Emergency Kit Ensure your emergency kit is stocked and up to date.
- Monitor Energy Usage: Implement energy-efficient practices and consider upgrading insulation or windows if necessary.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter weather can be harsh on your home. The below-freezing temperatures can cause several problems, including frozen pipes and roof damage. To prevent winter harm and avoid calling a professional in the middle of a blizzard, be sure to check these winter items off your home maintenance checklist:
- Cover your air-conditioning unit.
- Check the basement for leaks during thaws.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
- Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
- Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
- Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.
- Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt.
- Set up mouse traps, as needed.
- Check for ice dams on the roof
- Test Emergency Systems:
- Test backup generators and ensure emergency supplies are stocked.
- Clean, declutter, and organize closets, basements, and storage places.
- Inspect and Repair Interior
-Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
-Inspect caulking and seal any gaps in windows and doors.
- Deep Clean
-Take advantage of the colder weather to deep clean carpets and upholstery.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Once the ground has thawed and the weather starts to get nicer, it's time to prepare your home for spring. On top of your regular spring cleaning:
- Clean faucet aerators and shower heads to remove mineral deposits. Repeat in the fall.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Change the air-conditioner filter.
- Inspect the Exterior. Check for foundation cracks. Look for peeling paint and make plans for repainting, as needed.
- Inspect windows and Doors. Check for drafts and seal any gaps. Clean and lubricate window and door hinges.
- Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures.
- Refinish the deck.
- Power-wash windows and siding.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
- Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Inspect the chimney for damage.
- Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
- Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
- Have air-conditioning system serviced.
- Drain or flush the water heater.
- Fertilize your lawn.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts-Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage. Check for leaks and make repairs as needed.
- Service the HVAC System with a professional. Replace filters on a regular basis.
- Check Plumbing for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
- Test sump pump functionality if you have one.
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
When warm weather is finally here, home maintenance is the last thing you should worry about:
- Oil garage door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.
- Remove lint from your dryer vent.
- Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
- Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
- Check the dishwasher for leaks.
- Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
- Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed.
- Seal tile grout.
- Clean off the deck/patio and seal, or stain as needed.
- Inspect and clean the chimney, especially if have a fireplace
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Service the lawn mower sharpen blades, change oil, and replace spark plugs.
- Inspect and Clean Outdoor Furniture
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall is a good time to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is generally dry and temperatures are moderate. Examine your home's interior and exterior:
- Have your heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
- Check the fireplace for cracks, or hazards and clean the chimney and fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
- Replace old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.
- Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Power-wash windows and siding.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
- Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
- Repair or replace siding.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
- Clean carpets.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
- Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
- Check the water heater for leaks.
- Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork. Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.
- Rake Leaves, Clean Gutters and remove any debris from the lawn
- Winterize Exterior Faucets:
-Shut off outdoor water valves and drain hoses.
- Check Insulation
-Inspect and replace weather stripping.
-Check insulation in the attic and walls.
Throughout the Year
Home maintenance is all about keeping your home safe and running smoothly. Remember, this is a general guide, and the specific needs of your home may vary. Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run and contribute to the overall well-being of your home.
