Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Each Season

The most expensive home repairs usually start as small problems nobody noticed: a clogged gutter, a dirty filter, a slow drip. A short checklist each season catches them while they're still cheap to fix.

Every month

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Check the HVAC filter and replace it every 1 to 3 months, more often with pets or allergies.
• Clean the garbage disposal and run water through rarely used drains.

Spring

• Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
• Inspect the roof from the ground for missing or damaged shingles after winter storms.
• Have the air conditioning serviced before the first heat wave.
• Check window and door screens, and reseal gaps around windows.
• Look for cracks in the foundation, driveway and walkways.

Summer

• Clean the dryer vent duct all the way to the outside; lint buildup is a leading cause of dryer fires.
• Check decks and fences for loose boards or nails, and reseal wood if water no longer beads.
• Inspect sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• Trim trees and shrubs so branches stay several feet from the roof and siding.

Fall

• Clean gutters again once most leaves have fallen.
• Have the furnace or heat pump inspected before heating season.
• Disconnect hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
• Flush the water heater to remove sediment.
• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned if you burn wood.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries if they aren't sealed 10-year units.

Winter

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is, and make sure it turns.
• Watch for ice dams along the roof edge, which can signal poor attic insulation or ventilation.
• Keep the house at 55°F or higher when you travel, and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during deep freezes.
• Check the attic for signs of leaks, condensation or pests.

For the big-ticket items on this list, see our guides to roof replacement, HVAC systems and water heaters.

Prices are typical U.S. ranges and vary by region, home and contractor. Always get several local quotes and follow local building codes; hire a licensed professional for electrical, gas and structural work.