Home Maintenance Checklist by Season (Printable Year-Round Guide)

Most expensive home repairs start as small problems that nobody noticed: a clogged gutter, a dirty furnace filter, a slow leak under a sink, a cracked bead of caulk. A little regular maintenance catches those problems early, and saves you thousands.

This simple seasonal checklist tells you exactly what to do and when, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Tip: Save or print this page and set four calendar reminders, one at the start of each season.

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Every month

• ☐ Check the furnace/AC filter: replace every 1 to 3 months (more often with pets).
• ☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• ☐ Clean the kitchen sink disposal (ice cubes and a little dish soap).
• ☐ Clean range hood filters.
• ☐ Look under sinks for drips or water stains.
• ☐ Check for signs of pests (droppings, chewed boxes, ant trails).

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🌸 Spring

Outside

• ☐ Inspect the roof from the ground (binoculars help) for missing or damaged shingles after winter.
• ☐ Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure downspouts drain 3 to 4+ feet from the foundation.
• ☐ Check siding, trim and paint for damage, rot or peeling.
• ☐ Inspect the foundation for new cracks and make sure soil slopes away from the house.
• ☐ Service the lawn mower (oil, blade, air filter).
• ☐ Turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks; reconnect hoses.
• ☐ Start up and inspect the sprinkler system.
• ☐ Clean windows and screens; repair torn screens.
• ☐ Inspect the deck or patio: loose boards, popped nails, need for sealing.

Inside

• ☐ Schedule AC maintenance before the summer rush.
• ☐ Test the sump pump (if you have one) by pouring water into the pit.
• ☐ Check the attic for leaks, pests and moisture.
• ☐ Deep-clean and declutter.
• ☐ Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks; re-caulk where cracked.

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☀️ Summer

Outside

• ☐ Trim trees and shrubs away from the house, roof and AC unit.
• ☐ Clean the AC condenser (outdoor unit): clear leaves and debris around it.
• ☐ Seal or stain the deck if water no longer beads on it.
• ☐ Pressure-wash siding, walkways and the driveway.
• ☐ Check for wasp nests and pests around eaves.
• ☐ Inspect the garage door: lubricate rollers, hinges and springs, and test the auto-reverse safety feature.

Inside

• ☐ Clean the dryer vent duct (all the way to the outside). Lint buildup is a fire hazard.
• ☐ Check and clean bathroom exhaust fans.
• ☐ Inspect the washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks; consider braided steel hoses.
• ☐ Monitor humidity in the basement; use a dehumidifier if it's damp.

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🍂 Fall

Fall is the most important maintenance season. It's when you prepare your home for winter.

Outside

• ☐ Clean gutters after the leaves fall.
• ☐ Disconnect hoses and shut off/drain outdoor faucets.
• ☐ Blow out the sprinkler system before the first hard freeze.
• ☐ Seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes and wires.
• ☐ Inspect the roof and chimney.
• ☐ Store outdoor furniture and cover the grill.
• ☐ Prepare snow tools: shovel, snow blower, ice melt.

Inside

• ☐ Schedule a furnace tune-up.
• ☐ Replace the furnace filter.
• ☐ Have the chimney inspected and cleaned (if you use a fireplace).
• ☐ Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on low.
• ☐ Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
• ☐ Flush the water heater to remove sediment.
• ☐ Check weatherstripping on doors and windows.

👉 Full guide: How to Winterize Your Home: The Complete Checklist

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❄️ Winter

Outside

• ☐ Remove snow from the roof edge with a roof rake after heavy snowfalls (from the ground).
• ☐ Watch for ice dams and large icicles. 👉 Ice Dam Removal Cost & Prevention
• ☐ Keep vents clear: furnace and dryer exhaust vents, and the gas meter, must not be buried in snow.
• ☐ Keep walkways safe with pet-safe ice melt.

Inside

• ☐ Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, even when away.
• ☐ Let faucets drip during extreme cold. 👉 How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
• ☐ Check the furnace filter monthly.
• ☐ Test the sump pump before spring thaw.
• ☐ Look for condensation or mold on windows and in bathrooms.
• ☐ Plan spring projects and get quotes early, since contractors book up fast.

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Once a year (any season)

• ☐ Professional HVAC service (heating in fall, cooling in spring, or both).
• ☐ Check the electrical panel for scorch marks or tripped breakers; test GFCI outlets.
• ☐ Inspect the water heater for rust and leaks; test the pressure relief valve.
• ☐ Replace smoke alarm batteries (unless sealed 10-year models), and replace alarms over 10 years old.
• ☐ Review your homeowners insurance coverage.
• ☐ Walk around the house and photograph its condition (useful for insurance and tracking changes).

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What can happen if you skip maintenance?

Skipped task	What it can cost you
Cleaning gutters	Ice dams, roof leaks, foundation water damage
Changing the furnace filter	Higher bills, furnace breakdowns
Disconnecting hoses in fall	Frozen and burst pipes, often $1,000s in damage
Cleaning the dryer vent	Fire risk, slower drying, higher bills
Re-caulking the shower	Water damage and mold behind tile
Servicing the HVAC	Shorter equipment life, emergency repairs

👉 See what repairs cost: Frozen Pipe Repair Cost · Furnace Replacement Cost · New Roof Cost

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I do home maintenance? A few quick tasks monthly, a bigger checklist each season, and professional HVAC service at least once a year.

What is the most important home maintenance task? Keeping water out and away from your home: clean gutters, working downspouts, good caulk and seals, and protecting pipes from freezing. Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home problems.

How much should I budget for home maintenance? A common rule of thumb is to set aside 1 to 2% of your home's value per year for maintenance and repairs. Older homes may need more.

What tools do I need for basic home maintenance? See our list: 25 Must-Have Tools Every Homeowner Needs.

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The bottom line

Home maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Do a few quick checks each month, follow the seasonal checklist, and call a pro once a year for your heating and cooling. Small, regular habits protect your biggest investment, and save you from the most expensive surprises.

Save this checklist to Pinterest so it's there when the seasons change.