Free checklist

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

The jobs below take 20–45 minutes a month and catch most problems while they are still cheap. Each task explains what to do, why it matters, and when to call a pro.

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The every-month basics

Three checks belong in every month, in every home, in every state.

Check or replace your HVAC filter

Why it mattersThe filter is like a mask for your heating and cooling system. When it's clogged, air doesn't move well, so the system works harder and costs more.

WhenOnce a month. If you're not sure, check the manufacturer label.

Time needed5-10 minutes

Typical cost$5-$30

Turn off the system
Find the filter slot
Hold the filter up to light
If you can't see through it, replace it
Write the date on the new filter

If you skip itHigher energy bills, weaker airflow, and earlier system breakdowns.

Call a pro whenIf you can't find the filter or aren't sure how to turn off the system safely.

Filter size and change interval vary by system. Check the label or manual. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Test smoke and CO alarms

Why it mattersAlarms only help when they actually work. A quick monthly test takes under a minute.

WhenOnce a month.

Time needed5 minutes

Typical cost$0-$15

Press the test button on each alarm
Replace any alarm that doesn't beep
Check the battery date if it uses a removable battery

If you skip itYou may not know an alarm is dead until it matters.

Call a pro whenIf an alarm beeps constantly or you need hardwired help.

Follow the manufacturer's test and replacement instructions. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Look for leaks under sinks

Why it mattersSmall leaks are cheap to fix now and expensive to fix later. Checking monthly helps you catch them early.

WhenOnce a month.

Time needed10 minutes

Typical cost$0

Look under every sink with a flashlight
Feel pipes, valves, and joints for dampness
Check cabinets for stains, warping, or smell
If you see a drip, note where it's coming from

If you skip itWater damage, mold, higher water bills, and cabinet repair.

Call a pro whenIf you see water, hear running water, or can't find the shutoff valve.

Leak locations vary by plumbing layout. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

What to add each month

On top of the basics, each month adds the seasonal jobs for that time of year. Houses and mobile homes also carry a few year-round home tasks.

Month	Season	Seasonal focus
January	Winter	Check exposed pipes for drafts; Replace the filter during heavy heating season; Clean your humidifier
February	Winter	Check exposed pipes for drafts; Replace the filter during heavy heating season; Clean your humidifier
March	Spring	Clear gutters and downspouts; Clean around your AC unit; Turn on and check outdoor faucets; Clean refrigerator coils; Test the sump pump
April	Spring	Clear gutters and downspouts; Clean around your AC unit; Turn on and check outdoor faucets; Clean refrigerator coils; Test the sump pump
May	Spring	Clear gutters and downspouts; Clean around your AC unit; Turn on and check outdoor faucets; Clean refrigerator coils; Test the sump pump
June	Summer	Check the dryer vent; Look for roof and attic warning signs; Test the garage door auto-reverse; Inspect window screens and seals
July	Summer	Check the dryer vent; Look for roof and attic warning signs; Test the garage door auto-reverse; Inspect window screens and seals
August	Summer	Check the dryer vent; Look for roof and attic warning signs; Test the garage door auto-reverse; Inspect window screens and seals
September	Fall	Clear gutters before winter; Prepare your heating system; Protect outdoor faucets for winter; Check exterior caulk and paint; Check your emergency kit
October	Fall	Clear gutters before winter; Prepare your heating system; Protect outdoor faucets for winter; Check exterior caulk and paint; Check your emergency kit
November	Fall	Clear gutters before winter; Prepare your heating system; Protect outdoor faucets for winter; Check exterior caulk and paint; Check your emergency kit
December	Winter	Check exposed pipes for drafts; Replace the filter during heavy heating season; Clean your humidifier

How to use this checklist

Keep it boring and repeatable — that is the whole point.

Pick one weekend day each month and put a 30-minute block on your calendar.
Work through the every-month basics first, then the seasonal jobs for the current month.
Mark each task done and keep short notes. When something needs a pro, you will have the history ready.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

How much time does monthly home maintenance take?

Most homes need about 20 to 45 minutes a month for the every-month basics. Seasonal tasks add one or two longer jobs a few times a year.

What does a typical monthly home maintenance budget look like?

The every-month basics are mostly free. Most months you will spend $0–$30 on a filter or batteries. Bigger seasonal costs, like gutter cleaning, run $0–$200 depending on whether you do it yourself.

Do apartments and condos need monthly maintenance too?

Yes, but less. Testing smoke and CO alarms, checking under sinks, and replacing your HVAC filter if your unit has its own system still apply. Roof, gutter, and exterior tasks are usually the building's responsibility.

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