This Monthly Home Maintenance Task List Will Prevent Repairs Down the Road

Monthly

There are some home maintenance tasks you’ll want to complete each month. These include:

• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Check for water leaks under sinks and in the basement. “Plumbing problems are sneaky,” says Max Hicks, owner of Reliant Plumbing. “They don’t usually announce themselves, and by the time you see or hear something, it’s already been an issue for a while.”
• Run water in sinks and showers you don’t use often to keep sewer gases at bay.
• Test GFCI outlets to ensure safe operation.
• Look for signs of termites, rodents, or other pests. Catching their presence early can help prevent expensive repairs later.
• Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and not expired.

January

Roof and Attic

• Inspect the roof for signs of ice dams, which can cause major water damage.
• Look for condensation in the attic, which can develop during cold weather and lead to mold and sheathing damage.

Plumbing/HVAC

• Clear snow and ice from gas exhaust pipes that exit your home from tankless water heaters, furnaces, or boilers.
• Check pipes in unheated areas for the risk of freezing and add insulation if needed.
• Check furnace and heat-pump operation and inspect vents.
• If applicable, inspect chimneys to make sure vents and flues are unobstructed.

February

Roof and Attic

• Inspect the roof for signs of ice dams, which can cause major water damage.
• Look for condensation in the attic, which can develop during cold weather and lead to mold and sheathing damage.

Plumbing/HVAC

• “Test your sump pump before spring rains arrive,” Hicks says. 
• Clear snow and ice from gas exhaust pipes that exit your home from tankless water heaters, furnaces, or boilers.
• Check pipes in unheated areas for the risk of freezing and add insulation if needed.
• Check furnace and heat-pump operation and inspect vents.
• Inspect chimneys to make sure vents and flues are unobstructed.

March

Power Equipment

• Prepare snowblowers for off-season storage.
• Service gas-powered lawn equipment and hand tools for the upcoming lawn-care season.

Plumbing

• Test lawn irrigation systems early so you have time to make any necessary repairs.
• Check the water heater relief valve.
• Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris left over from winter.

Roof

• Check the roof and siding for winter damage. “Snow, ice, wind and freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on roofing. As temperatures warm, look for missing shingles, damaged flashing or other visible concerns. Getting your roof repaired before spring storms can prevent costly water damage,” says Danielle Radic of Great Day Improvements.

April

Exterior

• Inspect the foundation, sidewalks, and driveways for cracks that may have emerged after the freeze-thaw cycles of winter.
• Pressure-wash the house, decks, and patios before taking furniture out of storage for the season.
• Inspect decks, stairs, and railings for structural damage and make any necessary repairs.

Plumbing

• Turn on outside water spigots and check for leaks or freeze damage.

Lawn

• Apply pre-emergent weed treatment to lawns and garden beds before weeds begin to germinate.
• Rake leaves out of garden beds and lawns that accumulated over the winter.

May

HVAC

• Check dehumidifiers and clean their filters before humid summer weather sets in.

Exterior

• Fill driveway, sidewalk, and foundation cracks that may have emerged during the winter months.
• Inspect window and door screens and seals, and make repairs to keep insects out.

Lawn

• Fertilize lawns, shrubs, and trees to improve growth and density throughout the spring and summer.

June

Septic

• Pump and inspect septic systems when weather conditions are favorable for service work.

Exterior

• Clean window screens and windows for clear summer views and more comfortable outdoor working temperatures.
• Seal or refinish wooden decks to protect the wood from the summer sun’s intensity.

HVAC

• Service your cooling system. “Before the hottest part of summer, make sure your AC system is ready for heavier use,” Radic says. “This is both for cooling, but also air filtration—if you’ve been getting downdrafts of wildfire smoke over the summer, you want to make sure your system can keep the air in your home clean and healthy.”

July

Exterior

• Touch up exterior paint and repair any damaged areas.
• Inspect your siding for wet or consistently dirty areas. “Rain can reveal areas where moisture is collecting, while pollen, dirt and debris can build up on your home’s exterior in high-moisture areas,” Radic says. “Take a walk around your house and look for staining, warping, cracks, loose panels or signs of mildew. Catching concerns early can help protect the structure underneath and keep your home looking its best.”

Interior

Tackle these indoor maintenance tasks during the peak of summer heat:

• Clean refrigerator coils.
• Wipe down bathroom vent fans.
• Remove lint from dryer vents.

August

Plumbing

• Flush the water heater according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in late summer, before the busier fall season and increased household activity.
• “Give your water heater a once-over for rust or puddling,” Hicks says. “It only takes a few minutes, but it’s the difference between catching a $20 fix and paying for a flooded floor.”

Exterior

• Wash and sanitize trash cans in August, as hot temperatures can accelerate bacterial growth and odors.

September

Lawn

• Aerate and overseed lawns. Weeds are dormant in the fall, and milder weather means cool-season grasses can take root before cold temperatures set in.

Exterior

• Repair driveway cracks and seal asphalt driveways. Milder weather provides ideal curing conditions for this labor-intensive work.
• Clean gutters and downspouts as needed.
• Trim tree branches near the house that could cause power outages during winter storms or damage the roof.
• Check that exterior lights are functioning and replace bulbs. Shorter days mean outdoor lights will be used more often.
• Clean and inspect the chimney and fireplace if they will be used during the winter months.

October

HVAC

• Service heating systems before cold temperatures set in.
• Change furnace filters for optimal airflow and operation. This should generally be done every two to three months.
• Clean furnace or water-heater condensate lines.
• Check attic vents.

Lawn

• Rake leaves from lawns and dispose of them. Consider leaving some leaves in garden beds to support microbiomes and local insect and wildlife habitats.

Exterior

• Store paints and stains indoors to prevent them from freezing.
• Put away outdoor furniture and umbrellas, or use covers to protect them during the off-season.

November

Storm Preparedness

• Check and refresh storm kits and emergency supplies before winter storms.
• Check that your generator is functioning properly and have it serviced if necessary.

Exterior

• Disconnect and winterize outdoor plumbing in freezing climates.
• Inspect weatherstripping and exterior doors to reduce drafts.

December

HVAC

• Check thermostat batteries and replace them with fresh batteries to avoid heating interruptions.
• Inspect heating vents and registers for obstructions and make sure they are open.

Winterization

• Install storm windows and doors for improved comfort and lower utility bills.
• Check pipes in unheated areas and add insulation to help prevent burst pipes in freezing temperatures.
• Check emergency shutoffs and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.

About the Experts

• Danielle Radic is a senior product manager at Great Day Improvements, a home improvement and remodeling company.
• Max Hicks is the owner and founder of Texas-based Reliant Plumbing.

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