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Home maintenance schedule: what to do every week, month, season and year

These are the 109 tasks from our Home Maintenance Planner, grouped by how often they come up. If a task is tagged with something your home doesn't have, like a pool or a septic tank, skip it.

Free winter checklist (PDF) See the planner
Home Maintenance Planner task list with how-tos, minutes and due dates

Every week

Quick looks that catch small problems early.

  • Walk the house and look for leaks, drips and new stains
  • Run hot water and a little baking soda down the garbage disposal Only if: Garbage disposal
  • Wipe range hood and check for grease buildup

Every month

About an hour a month, most of it filters, drains and quick checks.

  • Look over the roof from the ground with binoculars
  • Test garage door auto-reverse Only if: Garage door opener
  • Check the HVAC air filter and replace if dirty Only if: Forced air (furnace or AC)
  • Clean mini-split filters Only if: Ductless mini-split
  • Check indoor humidity (aim for 30-50%) Only if: Hot or humid climate
  • Clean bathroom exhaust fan covers
  • Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks
  • Clean the dishwasher filter
  • Clean range hood filter
  • Test GFCI outlets in kitchen, baths, garage and outside
  • Check under sinks for leaks and moisture
  • Run water and flush toilets in unused bathrooms
  • Check water softener salt level Only if: Water softener
  • Check sump pump and test it Only if: Sump pump
  • Check water heater for leaks and rust at the base
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Check fire extinguisher gauges

Every 3 months

Deeper cleaning and tests for things that wear out slowly.

  • Check foundation and exterior walls for cracks
  • Check grading and downspout extensions
  • Check crawlspace or attic for moisture Only if: Hot or humid climate
  • Run the standby generator test Only if: Standby generator
  • Test water shutoff valves under sinks and toilets
  • Lubricate door hinges, locks and sliding door tracks
  • Vacuum return air grilles and supply vents Only if: Forced air (furnace or AC)
  • Check window and door weatherstripping
  • Look for mold in closets, bathrooms and under sinks Only if: Hot or humid climate
  • Clean refrigerator coils
  • Clean dryer vent and duct
  • Check washing machine hoses for bulges and cracks
  • Clean faucet aerators and showerheads
  • Pour water into floor drains
  • Check toilets for running and leaks
  • Test the main water shutoff
  • Check septic area for wet spots or odors Only if: Septic
  • Check well pressure tank and pressure gauge Only if: Well

Every 6 months

Good to pair with the clock change in spring and fall.

  • Inspect deck boards, railings and stairs Only if: Deck
  • Lubricate garage door rollers, hinges and springs Only if: Garage door opener
  • Clean and test the range hood and bath fan dampers
  • Check attic for leaks, pests and insulation
  • Vacuum under and behind appliances
  • Flip and rotate mattresses
  • Deep clean the oven
  • Replace refrigerator water filter Only if: Fridge with water/ice
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms

Spring

Get the outside ready after winter and the cooling system ready for summer.

  • Clean outdoor AC or heat pump condenser every 6 months if you have: central ac or heat pump
  • Inspect and touch up exterior caulk around windows and doors yearly
  • Power wash siding, walkways and deck yearly
  • Seal or stain the deck every 2 years if you have: deck
  • Schedule cooling tune-up yearly if you have: central ac or heat pump
  • Clean the dehumidifier or replace its filter yearly if you have: whole-house dehumidifier
  • Check insulation on AC refrigerant lines yearly if you have: hot or humid climate
  • Have the pool equipment serviced yearly if you have: pool
  • Have the roof inspected yearly
  • Turn on outdoor water and check hose bibs Only if: Cold climate
  • Check window screens and repair tears
  • Check for winter damage to roof, gutters and siding Only if: Cold climate
  • Check for termites and wood damage
  • Switch ceiling fans to counterclockwise
  • Start up and test the irrigation system Only if: Sprinkler system
  • Service the lawn mower

Summer

Mostly yard, pool and outdoor jobs while the weather is good.

  • Test and balance pool water weekly if you have: pool
  • Empty skimmer and pump baskets weekly if you have: pool
  • Check irrigation zones for broken or misaimed heads weekly if you have: sprinkler system
  • Check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks monthly
  • Clean pool filter or backwash monthly if you have: pool
  • Seal the driveway every 2 years if you have: asphalt driveway
  • Prepare for hurricane season Only if: Hurricane area
  • Clear a defensible space around the house Only if: Wildfire area
  • Check for wasp nests and pest entry points
  • Check the AC condensate drain line Only if: Central AC or heat pump

Fall

The most important season: heating, gutters and anything that could freeze.

  • Clear leaves and debris from drains, window wells and walkways weekly
  • Clean gutters and downspouts every 6 months
  • Have the chimney swept and inspected yearly if you have: fireplace or wood stove
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from the house yearly
  • Schedule heating tune-up yearly if you have: furnace or boiler
  • Replace the humidifier pad yearly if you have: whole-house humidifier
  • Flush the water heater yearly if you have: tank water heater
  • Shut off and drain outdoor faucets Only if: Cold climate
  • Store patio furniture and the grill cover
  • Check that attic and soffit vents are clear Only if: Cold climate
  • Switch ceiling fans to clockwise
  • Reverse storm doors and windows to glass Only if: Cold climate
  • Close the pool for winter Only if: Pool
  • Stock winter supplies Only if: Cold climate
  • Winterize the irrigation system Only if: Sprinkler system
  • Winterize the mower and small engines

Winter

Keep an eye on ice, snow and the heat.

  • Keep snow off vents, meter and gas regulator Only if: Cold climate
  • Watch for ice dams and icicles Only if: Cold climate
  • Protect pipes during a hard freeze Only if: Cold climate
  • Check generator fuel and run it Only if: Portable generator

Once a year, any time

Pick a month and put these on the calendar.

  • Test the main and branch breakers and check the panel
  • Test AFCI breakers
  • Have a termite inspection Only if: Hot or humid climate
  • Schedule generator service Only if: Standby generator
  • Clean behind and under the refrigerator
  • Inspect grout and reseal tile
  • Check and clean the dryer exhaust from outside
  • Check grab bars, stair rails and loose flooring
  • Test the water heater relief valve Only if: Tank water heater
  • Clean the water softener brine tank Only if: Water softener
  • Review the family fire escape plan
  • Check that house numbers are visible from the street
  • Replace expired fire extinguishers
  • Test well water Only if: Well

Every 2 to 3 years

Easy to forget, so write down the date when you do them.

  • Check water heater anode rod Only if: Tank water heater
  • Pump the septic tank Only if: Septic

Want it on a schedule?

Home Maintenance Planner

All 109 tasks with how-tos and due dates that fill in on their own, plus what you spend on the house and what's due to be replaced. Excel and Google Sheets.

$9.50 on Etsy · Instant download

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