Repairs
Home Maintenance Schedule
Build a month-by-month maintenance checklist tailored to your home's age, type, and climate.
Your checklist
January
- Test smoke and CO detectors, replace batteries if due
- Check for ice dams and icicles on the roofline
February
- Inspect attic for signs of moisture or pest entry
- Vacuum refrigerator coils
March
- Service lawn equipment ahead of the season
- Inspect exterior for winter cracking or settling
April
- Clean gutters and downspouts after leaf and debris buildup
- Inspect roof shingles and flashing
- Inspect roof, siding, and foundation perimeter twice a year
May
- Test irrigation system and outdoor spigots
- Check deck, fence, and exterior wood for rot
June
- Change or clean HVAC filters
- Inspect caulking around windows and doors
July
- Clean dryer vent duct
- Check attic ventilation is not overheating the roof deck
August
- Inspect foundation for cracks after summer heat
- Service central air unit before peak use ends
September
- Clean gutters again before fall leaf drop
- Inspect weatherstripping ahead of colder months
October
- Service the furnace or heating system before winter
- Drain and store outdoor hoses; shut off exterior spigots
November
- Reverse ceiling fans for winter, check attic insulation depth
- Test carbon monoxide detectors before heating season
December
- Check for drafts around doors and windows
- Flush the water heater tank of sediment
Why a monthly rhythm beats a one-time to-do list
Most home maintenance failures are not sudden — they build slowly through a season or two of neglect. A gutter that goes uncleaned for one autumn is a minor task deferred; left for three years it becomes fascia rot, a leaking soffit, or water in the basement. Spreading maintenance across the calendar, tied to the seasons that actually stress each system, catches problems while they are still cheap to fix.
The schedule above adjusts for your home's age, type, climate, and heating system, because a 5-year-old condo in a mild climate has a genuinely different task list than a 40-year-old house with a boiler in a cold one.
Core tasks by season
| Season | Focus | Key tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Winter damage and prep for growth | Roof and gutter inspection, exterior crack check, irrigation start-up |
| Summer | Cooling load and moisture | AC service, dryer vent cleaning, foundation and crawlspace check |
| Fall | Heating prep and leaf season | Furnace service, gutter cleaning, weatherstripping, spigot shutoff |
| Winter | Safety and interior checks | Detector testing, ice dam watch, water heater flush, attic check |
Tasks by frequency
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Check HVAC filter, test garbage disposal, run water in unused drains |
| Quarterly | Test GFCI outlets, inspect fire extinguisher gauge, check water softener salt |
| Twice a year | Clean gutters, test smoke/CO detectors, service HVAC system |
| Annually | Flush water heater, clean dryer vent, inspect roof and chimney, service furnace/AC |
| Every 2-3 years | Reseal exterior wood decking, inspect septic tank if applicable |
| Every 5+ years | Inspect and service well pump, review panel and wiring in older homes |
Signs something needs attention now, not on schedule
- Musty smell in a basement or crawlspace — investigate immediately rather than waiting for a seasonal check.
- Water stains on ceilings or around window frames, which usually mean an active leak, not a past one.
- A furnace or AC that runs constantly without reaching set temperature — a sign of failing efficiency or a refrigerant/airflow problem.
- Any breaker that trips repeatedly, or an outlet that feels warm — treat as an electrical safety issue, not routine maintenance.
Older homes need a different baseline
Homes over 20-30 years old are more likely to have galvanized or early plastic supply piping, aluminum or undersized electrical wiring, and roofing nearing the end of its rated life. None of these need automatic replacement, but they justify a professional inspection on a schedule tighter than a newer home would need — every 1-2 years for panels and supply lines rather than waiting for a visible failure.
How often should gutters really be cleaned?
Twice a year at minimum — spring and fall — and more often if you have overhanging trees. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of fascia rot and basement water intrusion.
How long does a furnace filter actually last?
Standard 1-inch filters need changing every 1-3 months; thicker 4-5 inch media filters last 6-12 months. Homes with pets or allergies should check monthly regardless of the stated lifespan.
What maintenance is most often skipped?
Water heater tank flushing, dryer vent cleaning, and smoke/CO detector battery replacement are the three most commonly neglected tasks — none are visible day to day, but all three cause real damage or safety risk when ignored for years.
Does home age really change the maintenance list?
Yes. Homes over 20-30 years old need more frequent checks on roofing, plumbing supply lines, and electrical panels, since these components are approaching or past typical service life, while newer homes lean more on routine filter and seal upkeep.
Last reviewed February 2026