The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: Your Seasonal Guide

Keeping up with home maintenance helps prevent small issues from turning into larger, more expensive repairs. A monthly, seasonal, or annual maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of your home’s systems and appliances so they stay in great condition year-round.

Use our home maintenance checklist to stay organized and protect your home investment.

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Some tasks need monthly attention to keep your home running smoothly and prevent bigger issues down the road. Here’s what to check:

• Replace HVAC filters

  HVAC systems accumulate dust, dander, and allergens. Change and replace your HVAC filters to maintain air quality and system efficiency.

• Check kitchen range hood filters

  Clean your range hood filters monthly to remove grease and grime buildup and keep your kitchen air fresh.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly so your home stays safe. (Note: at minimum, replace batteries every six months or as soon as you hear a chirp.) 

• Inspect toilets and sinks for leaks:

  Even small drips can lead to water damage issues. Check under sinks and around toilets for any signs of leaks and fix them promptly.

• Check indoor and outdoor lights:

  Replace any burnt-out bulbs inside and outside to keep your home well-lit and secure.

• Add salt to water softener:

  Water softener maintenance helps prevent scale buildup in your pipes and appliances. Check the salt levels monthly and add more as needed.

• Clean the garbage disposal:

  Run ice cubes and baking soda through your garbage disposal to break up buildup and eliminate odors in your kitchen.

• Vacuum refrigerator coils:

  Dust-covered refrigerator coils make your fridge work harder than necessary. A quick vacuum helps it run more efficiently.

• Clean the dryer vent:

  Clear out the dryer vent to prevent lint buildup, which can be a fire hazard.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home and address any winter-related issues.

Indoor Tasks

• Clean and test ceiling fans:

  Remove dust and grime from your ceiling fans and test them to ensure they work properly. (Pro tip: Adjust the ceiling fan's direction to make your room more comfortable!)

• Inspect the attic for leaks or pests:

  Check your attic for water damage, mold, or signs of pests that may have moved in during the winter.

• Wash windows and screens:

  Clean your windows and screen inside and out to clear up the view and remove dust, pollen, and grime.

Outdoor Tasks

• Power wash and inspect the exterior siding:

  Power wash your home's exterior to remove dirt and mildew. (Keep in mind that you can’t use a power washer on some types of siding.) Check for any cracks or damage that need repairs.

• Service your lawn equipment:

  Tune up your lawn mower and other gardening tools by sharpening blades, changing oil, and ensuring they’re in working order.

• Inspect plumbing for leaks and water damage:

  Tune up your lawn mower and other gardening tools by sharpening blades, changing oil, and ensuring they’re in working order.

• Maintain drainage systems:

  This could be a good time to clean out French drains to prevent blockages and make sure the water flows properly.

• Schedule septic tank maintenance:

  If your home relies on a septic system, routine maintenance is essential. Schedule an inspection and pumping as needed.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Keep your home cool, efficient, and well-maintained during the summer heat. Check out these summer home maintenance tips:

Indoor Tasks

• Adjust thermostat for efficiency:

  Set the temperature to stay cool without overworking your HVAC system. (A smart thermostat can help optimize energy use.)

• Clean air conditioning ducts and vents:

  Remove dust and debris from air conditioning ducts and vents to improve airflow and efficiency.

• Organize your garage:

  Clear out the clutter and reorganize the tools and equipment in your garage, especially those you’ll use during the warmer months. Also, oil your garage door, hinges, and door chain.

Outdoor Tasks

• Trim trees and bushes:

  Cut back overgrown branches to protect your home's exterior and prevent pest infestations.

• Inspect and repair sprinkler systems:

  Check your sprinkler system for leaks or broken heads to ensure your lawn is watered properly.

• Examine and repair your deck or patio:

  Look for loose boards, cracks, or signs of wear and make necessary fixes.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Prepare your home for cooler weather with these fall home maintenance tips:

Indoor Tasks

• Service the heating system and replace filters:

  Have your heating system inspected and serviced to ensure it's ready for the colder months. Replace filters to maintain efficiency.

• Check insulation and weatherstripping:

  Ensure your home is well-insulated to retain heat and reduce energy costs. Add insulation where needed and weatherstrip your doors to keep out the cold.

• Clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney:

  Clean your fireplace and inspect it to make sure it's safe and free of obstructions.

Outdoor Tasks

• Rake leaves:

  Clear leaves from your yard to maintain curb appeal and prevent damage to your lawn.

• Clean gutters and downspouts:

  Clean your gutters and downspouts annually to prevent water buildup that could damage your home's exterior and foundation.

• Store outdoor furniture and equipment:

  Protect outdoor furniture, grills, and tools from winter weather by storing them in a shed or garage.

• Winterize outdoor plumbing:

  Drain and turn off outdoor sprinklers and hoses to prevent them from freezing and breaking.

• Winterize your pool or spa:

  If you have a pool or spa, follow proper winterizing steps to protect it from freezing temperatures and damage.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Keep your home warm, safe, and prepared for cold weather with these winter maintenance tasks:

Indoor Tasks

• Test sump pump:

  Check that your sump pump is functioning properly to prevent basement flooding during winter thaws. See helpful sump pump maintenance tips in our guide.

• Seal drafts around windows and doors:

  Inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps to keep your home warm and energy efficient.

Outdoor Tasks

• Insulate pipes and disconnect hoses:

  Protect exposed pipes and disconnect garden hoses to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.

• Clear snow and ice from walkways:

  Keep walkways and driveways safe by shoveling snow and applying ice melt as needed.

• Inspect the roof for ice dams and damage:

  Check for ice dams and snow buildup to prevent leaks and structural damage.

Once you've scheduled the time to complete your monthly and seasonal home maintenance tasks, it's time to make your annual home maintenance checklist.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Some home upkeep tasks only need to be completed once a year. Here are a few of the key ones to check off:

• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection: Have a professional inspect and service your HVAC system yearly to keep it running efficiently and catch any potential issues early on.
• Inspect and service your water heater:

  Drain and flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency. Look for signs of leaks or corrosion.

• Deep clean your home:

  Clean your house from top to bottom, including carpets, curtains, and upholstery.

• Check the foundation for cracks and damage:

  Inspect your home's foundation for any cracks or signs of damage. Catching these issues early can prevent more serious structural problems.

Stay on Top of Home Maintenance With Warranty Coverage

Regular home maintenance helps keep your home safe, energy-efficient, and in good condition. Following monthly, seasonal, and annual checklists can help prevent even minor issues from becoming more expensive repairs.

A home warranty can also provide peace of mind by covering repairs and replacements for covered home systems and appliances. Get a free quote from First American Home Warranty today.

Home Upkeep Checklist FAQs

Do home warranties cover maintenance?

Home warranties don’t cover the cost of routine maintenance, but they do cover repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear of covered home systems and appliances.

First American Home Warranty can also offer pre-season HVAC tune-ups in many of its plans as well as other member benefits, including discounts on services like gutter cleaning, furniture assembly, and more. like gutter cleaning, furniture assembly, and more.

How do I budget for home maintenance costs?

A common rule of thumb is to budget at least 1% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, you should set aside about $3,000 per year to cover the costs of routine upkeep and unexpected repairs.

What are the most important home maintenance projects?

Some of the most important home maintenance tasks include servicing your HVAC system, inspecting the roof and gutters, checking for plumbing leaks, and making sure your electrical system is in good condition. Staying on top of these tasks can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

What home maintenance should I do? 

Many routine home maintenance tasks, such as changing HVAC filters or cleaning gutters, can be done by yourself. However, professional servicing is recommended for HVAC systems, electrical work, and major plumbing repairs to ensure safety and efficiency.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.