The Annual Home Maintenance Calendar

January

• Test smoke and CO detectors

  Press the test button on every unit. Replace batteries if they haven't been changed in the last year.

• Check weatherstripping on doors

  Cold air coming in under or around doors means worn weatherstripping. An easy DIY fix that cuts heating costs.

• Clean dryer vent

  Lint buildup in the vent duct is a leading cause of home fires. Disconnect the duct and clean from both ends.

• Inspect pipes in unheated spaces

  Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are at risk of freezing. Insulate any that are exposed.

February

• Clean range hood filter

  Remove the filter and soak in hot soapy water or run through the dishwasher. A clogged filter reduces ventilation and becomes a fire hazard.

• Check bathroom caulk and grout

  Look for cracking or gaps around the tub, shower, and sink. Recaulk anywhere water could get behind the tile.

• Test GFCI outlets

  Press the "test" button on GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. They should trip and reset correctly.

• Deep clean refrigerator coils

  Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils on the back or bottom. Dusty coils make the compressor work harder and shorten its lifespan.

March

• Schedule spring HVAC service

  Have your AC system inspected before you need it. Technicians are busy in May — booking in March means faster scheduling and often better pricing.

• Inspect roof and gutters after winter

  Look for missing or damaged shingles and clear gutters of debris. Blocked gutters cause water to back up under the roofline.

• Check exterior drainage

  Walk the perimeter after a heavy rain. Water should flow away from the foundation. Pooling near the house can cause basement moisture issues.

• Replace HVAC filter

  Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 1–3 months. If you have pets or allergies, lean toward monthly.

April

• Test sprinkler system

  Run each zone and check for broken heads, uneven coverage, or leaks. Catching problems before summer saves water and dead patches in the lawn.

• Clean windows inside and out

  Wash frames and tracks, not just the glass. Tracks accumulate grime that can prevent windows from sealing properly.

• Inspect deck or patio

  Check for loose boards, popped nails, and signs of rot. Seal or stain wood decking if the water no longer beads on the surface.

• Check door and window screens

  Repair or replace any torn screens before warm weather. Small holes let in insects; it's an easy fix with a screen repair kit.

May

• Run the AC before you need it

  Turn it on and let it run for 15 minutes. If it's not cooling or making unusual sounds, schedule service before the heat hits.

• Check caulking around windows and doors

  Gaps in exterior caulk let water in and conditioned air out. Re-caulk anywhere the seal has cracked or pulled away.

• Inspect attic ventilation

  Proper attic ventilation prevents heat buildup in summer and moisture issues year-round. Make sure vents are unobstructed.

• Test garage door auto-reverse

  Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse when it contacts the board. If it doesn't, adjust the sensitivity.

June

• Deep clean kitchen appliances

  Clean the oven interior, dishwasher filter, and refrigerator drip pan. These get overlooked during regular cleaning and build up grease and bacteria over time.

• Check for pests

  Look for signs of ant trails, roach activity, or mouse droppings — especially in kitchen cabinets and utility areas. Easier to address early than after an infestation.

• Flush water heater

  Sediment builds up in the tank over time and reduces efficiency. Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush until the water runs clear.

• Inspect fire extinguisher

  Check the pressure gauge — needle should be in the green. Check the safety pin and look for visible damage. Replace if it's more than 10–12 years old.

July

• Clean garbage disposal

  Fill with ice cubes and a cup of rock salt, then run. Grind citrus peels afterward for odor. Cleans the blades and freshens the drain.

• Check insulation in attic

  In hot climates, attic insulation is one of the biggest factors in cooling costs. Look for gaps or compressed areas. Minimum R-30 in most climates.

• Inspect crawl space or basement for moisture

  Summer humidity can cause condensation in cooler spaces below grade. Look for standing water, efflorescence on walls, or musty odor.

• Replace HVAC filter

  The system is running hard in summer heat. Change the filter now even if it hasn't been three months since the last change.

August

• Service air conditioning

  If you didn't get a spring tune-up, do it now before the system runs hard through the rest of summer. Clean evaporator coils, check refrigerant levels.

• Check exterior paint and siding

  Look for peeling, cracking, or gaps where water can penetrate. End of summer is a good time to schedule painting before fall weather arrives.

• Inspect and clean ceiling fans

  Dust the blades and tighten any loose screws. Check that the direction is set for summer (counterclockwise, to create a downdraft).

• Test sump pump

  Pour water into the sump pit and confirm the pump activates and clears the water. Fall rain season is coming — better to find a problem now.

September

• Schedule fall HVAC service

  Have your heating system serviced before you turn it on for the season. A technician will clean the heat exchanger, check the flue, and test ignition.

• Clean gutters

  Clear leaves and debris before fall adds more. Check that downspouts are directing water at least 3 feet from the foundation.

• Check weatherstripping and door seals

  Inspect all exterior doors before heating season. Replace worn weatherstripping — it's inexpensive and immediately reduces drafts and heating costs.

• Replace HVAC filter

  Change it now before you start running heat. Starting the season with a clean filter protects the system and improves air quality.

October

• Winterize outdoor faucets

  Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off the interior valve to outdoor spigots if your home has one. Frozen outdoor lines can burst and cause water damage.

• Replace smoke and CO detector batteries

  The standard recommendation is to change batteries when clocks change in fall. Takes 10 minutes and could save your life.

• Check heating system before first cold snap

  Turn on the heat and let it run for a cycle. Burning dust smell on the first run is normal — persistent smells or no heat means a service call.

• Drain and store sprinkler system

  In freezing climates, blow out the system with compressed air or drain manually. Water left in lines will expand and crack the pipes.

November

• Reverse ceiling fans to winter direction

  Switch to clockwise rotation to push warm air pooled at the ceiling back down. Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing.

• Insulate exposed pipes

  Any pipes in unheated spaces — garage, basement, exterior walls — should be wrapped with foam pipe insulation before temperatures drop.

• Clean dryer vent

  Clean it again — it should be done every 6 months. With more laundry in winter, lint builds up faster.

• Stock winter emergency supplies

  Ice melt, a quality snow shovel, extra flashlights, and backup batteries. Better to have them before the first storm than scrambling after.

December

• Check fire extinguisher

  End of year is a good time to verify the gauge is in the green and the pin is intact. The holidays bring increased cooking and candle use — make sure it's accessible.

• Inspect roof for ice dam risk

  If you've had ice dams before, check attic insulation and ventilation. Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof and melts snow that refreezes at the eaves.

• Clean refrigerator coils

  Do it twice a year — now and in February. It takes 15 minutes and meaningfully extends the appliance's lifespan.

• Review the year's home expenses

  Tally up what you spent on maintenance and repairs. It's useful data for budgeting next year and can inform renter's insurance or homeowner's policy decisions.