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Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

What your house needs changes with the weather. These checklists tell you what to do each season, why it matters, and how long it should take.

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Spring home maintenance

Do these after the last freeze and before spring rains. The goal: move water away from the house and get cooling ready.

Clear gutters and downspouts

Why it mattersBlocked gutters send water where it shouldn't go, which can damage the roof, siding, and foundation.
WhenAt least twice a year. Spring is one of the best times.
Time needed1-3 hours
Typical cost$0-$200
  1. Use a sturdy ladder or hire a pro
  2. Remove leaves and debris
  3. Run water through the downspout
  4. Check for sagging sections
If you skip itRoof leaks, foundation damage, and water stains.
Call a pro whenIf you're uncomfortable on a ladder or have a multi-story roof.
Gutter access and roof height vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Clean around your AC unit

Why it mattersOutdoor units need air to work. Leaves, grass, and dirt block airflow and make the system work harder.
WhenBefore hot weather starts.
Time needed20-45 minutes
Typical cost$0-$30
  1. Turn off power at the breaker
  2. Remove leaves and debris
  3. Trim plants at least 2 feet away
  4. Straighten any bent fins gently
If you skip itLower cooling efficiency and higher energy bills.
Call a pro whenIf you see oil, smell refrigerant, or need to open the unit.
Only clean the outside of the unit. Leave refrigerant work to a pro. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Turn on and check outdoor faucets

Why it mattersAfter winter, a frozen or damaged outdoor faucet can leak and waste water.
WhenEarly spring.
Time needed10 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Open the faucet slowly
  2. Check for leaks at the handle and wall
  3. Attach a hose and run water for a minute
  4. Close it firmly
If you skip itHidden leaks and higher water bills.
Call a pro whenIf water leaks inside the wall or the faucet won't shut off.
Some homes have a separate shutoff for outdoor water. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Clean refrigerator coils

Why it mattersDust on the coils makes the fridge work harder, use more energy, and wear out sooner.
WhenOnce or twice a year. Spring is a good reminder.
Time needed20-40 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Unplug the fridge
  2. Find the coils behind or under the unit
  3. Vacuum dust carefully
  4. Move the fridge back into place and plug it back in
If you skip itHigher energy use, warmer food, and a shorter fridge life.
Call a pro whenIf the fridge is built in, hard to move, or you see refrigerant lines.
Coil location varies by fridge model. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Test the sump pump

Why it mattersA sump pump that doesn't work when it should can leave a basement with standing water.
WhenBefore the wet season starts.
Time needed10-20 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Check the power cord and outlet
  2. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
  3. Make sure the pump turns on and drains
  4. Listen for unusual sounds
If you skip itBasement flooding and water damage.
Call a pro whenIf the pump doesn't turn on, runs constantly, or smells burnt.
Not every home has a sump pump. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Summer home maintenance

Long days and dry weather make summer the safest time for exterior checks and the appliances that work hardest in heat.

Check the dryer vent

Why it mattersA blocked dryer vent is a fire risk and makes drying take longer.
WhenOnce or twice a year. Summer is a good reminder.
Time needed20-40 minutes
Typical cost$0-$25
  1. Unplug the dryer
  2. Pull the vent away from the wall
  3. Remove visible lint
  4. Check the outdoor flap opens and closes
  5. Reconnect everything
If you skip itLonger drying time, higher energy use, and a serious fire risk.
Call a pro whenIf the vent is long, damaged, or you're not comfortable moving the dryer.
Vent length and setup vary by laundry room. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Look for roof and attic warning signs

Why it mattersCatching a small roof problem early is much cheaper than fixing water damage later.
WhenDuring summer, on a clear day.
Time needed15 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Look at the roof from the ground
  2. Check for missing, lifted, or stained shingles
  3. If safe, look in the attic for dark spots or daylight
  4. Note any sagging areas
If you skip itWater damage, mold, and bigger roof repairs.
Call a pro whenIf you see stains, daylight through the roof, or sagging. Don't walk on a damaged roof.
Roof style and age vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Test the garage door auto-reverse

Why it mattersA garage door that doesn't reverse can be a serious safety hazard for kids, pets, and vehicles.
WhenAt least once or twice a year. Summer is a good reminder.
Time needed10 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Place a small object under the door
  2. Press close
  3. Watch that the door reverses when it touches the object
  4. Repeat on both sides
If you skip itA serious injury risk and a damaged door.
Call a pro whenIf the door doesn't reverse or makes grinding sounds.
Not every home has an automatic garage door. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Inspect window screens and seals

Why it mattersDamaged screens let in bugs and make windows less comfortable and less efficient.
WhenEarly summer.
Time needed30-60 minutes
Typical cost$0-$30
  1. Check each screen for holes or rust
  2. Look for gaps in the window seal
  3. Patch small holes or replace damaged screens
  4. Test that windows open and close easily
If you skip itBugs, drafts, and higher cooling costs.
Call a pro whenIf a window frame is damaged or the glass is cracked.
Screen size and window style vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Fall home maintenance

The whole point of fall maintenance: get the house ready for cold, wet weather before it arrives.

Clear gutters before winter

Why it mattersGutters full of leaves cause ice dams and water damage in cold months.
WhenLate fall, after most leaves have fallen.
Time needed1-3 hours
Typical cost$0-$200
  1. Use a sturdy ladder or hire a pro
  2. Remove leaves and debris
  3. Flush downspouts with water
  4. Check brackets and seams
If you skip itIce dams, roof leaks, and foundation water damage.
Call a pro whenIf you're uncomfortable on a ladder or have a multi-story roof.
Gutter access and roof height vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Prepare your heating system

Why it mattersYou don't want to discover a heating problem on the coldest night.
WhenBefore cold weather arrives.
Time needed15-30 minutes
Typical cost$0-$40
  1. Replace the filter if it's dirty
  2. Clear space around the furnace
  3. Check for odd smells or sounds
  4. Confirm the thermostat works
If you skip itCold home, higher heating bills, and emergency repairs.
Call a pro whenIf you smell gas, see flames that look wrong, or haven't had a professional tune-up recently.
Furnace type and service intervals vary. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Protect outdoor faucets for winter

Why it mattersWater left in outdoor pipes can freeze, expand, and cause leaks.
WhenBefore the first freeze.
Time needed10 minutes
Typical cost$0-$15
  1. Turn off the outdoor water supply if it has one
  2. Open the outdoor faucet to drain it
  3. Leave it open slightly
  4. Remove and store garden hoses
If you skip itFrozen pipes, burst lines, and water damage.
Call a pro whenIf you can't find the shutoff or aren't sure how to drain the system.
Some climates don't need this. Check your local freeze risk. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Check exterior caulk and paint

Why it mattersGaps in caulk and paint let water into the home, which can cause rot and costly repairs.
WhenIn fall, before wet and cold weather arrives.
Time needed30-60 minutes
Typical cost$0-$50
  1. Walk around the outside of the home
  2. Look for cracked or missing caulk
  3. Look for peeling paint near trim and doors
  4. Fill small gaps with exterior caulk
If you skip itWater damage, rot, and more expensive repairs later.
Call a pro whenIf damage is high, structural, or hard to reach safely.
Not every home has the same exterior materials. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Check your emergency kit

Why it mattersStorms and power outages are easier to handle when you know what you have and what's expired.
WhenAt the start of each season.
Time needed15-30 minutes
Typical cost$0-$30
  1. Find your emergency kit
  2. Check batteries, water, and food dates
  3. Replace expired items
  4. Note what you need to add
If you skip itBeing unprepared during a power outage or storm.
Call a pro whenIf you need help building a kit for your household.
Kit contents depend on your household and climate. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Winter home maintenance

Short, indoor-focused checks for the coldest months, plus the filters that work hardest in heating season.

Check exposed pipes for drafts

Why it mattersCold air can freeze water in exposed pipes. That's a small fix until the pipe bursts.
WhenDuring the coldest months.
Time needed15-45 minutes
Typical cost$0-$20
  1. Look for pipes in unheated areas
  2. Feel around them for cold air
  3. Add foam pipe insulation if needed
  4. Open cabinet doors under sinks on very cold nights
If you skip itFrozen pipes, water damage, and emergency plumbing calls.
Call a pro whenIf a pipe is already frozen or you can't safely access it.
Not every home has exposed pipes. This matters most in cold climates. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Replace the filter during heavy heating season

Why it mattersA dirty filter makes your heating system work harder and can cause it to overheat.
WhenMonthly during heavy use.
Time needed5-10 minutes
Typical cost$5-$30
  1. Turn off the system
  2. Remove the old filter
  3. Check the size on the frame
  4. Install the new filter facing the same direction
  5. Note the date
If you skip itHigher heating bills and a more likely breakdown.
Call a pro whenIf you can't locate the filter or the system looks damaged.
Filter intervals vary by system and manufacturer. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Clean your humidifier

Why it mattersA dirty humidifier can spread mold and make indoor air worse instead of better.
WhenMonthly during heavy winter use.
Time needed10-20 minutes
Typical cost$0-$20
  1. Unplug the unit
  2. Remove the water tank and filter
  3. Rinse and clean with the manufacturer's instructions
  4. Let it dry before reassembling
If you skip itMold, odors, and worse indoor air.
Call a pro whenIf you can't clean the internal parts or see heavy buildup.
Not every home uses a humidifier. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Older homes and climate extras

Homes over 25 years old and homes in extreme climates need a few extra checks year-round.

Check the water heater for warning signs

Why it mattersOlder water heaters are more likely to leak. A quick check can catch a problem before it floods a room.
WhenMonthly for homes with older water heaters.
Time needed10 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Look around the tank for water
  2. Check the temperature and pressure valve area
  3. Listen for unusual sounds
  4. Note the age of the unit
If you skip itFlooding, rust, and a bigger replacement bill.
Call a pro whenIf you see water, rust, or hear popping and banging.
Water heater lifespan varies. Check the label for the install year. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Look for drafts around windows and doors

Why it mattersOld homes leak air. Sealing drafts saves money and makes rooms more comfortable.
WhenOnce per season.
Time needed30-60 minutes
Typical cost$5-$60
  1. Hold your hand near window and door edges
  2. Look for gaps in weatherstripping
  3. Add caulk or weatherstripping where needed
  4. Check door sweeps
If you skip itDrafty rooms, higher utility bills, and more wear on HVAC.
Call a pro whenIf you need to remove trim or suspect structural issues.
Draft locations vary by home and window type. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Test main plumbing shutoffs

Why it mattersIf a pipe bursts, you need to know exactly how to stop the water.
WhenOnce or twice a year.
Time needed15 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Find the main water shutoff
  2. Locate shutoffs for sinks and toilets
  3. Turn each valve gently to make sure it moves
  4. If safe, test with a small bucket
If you skip itYou may not be able to stop water quickly during an emergency.
Call a pro whenIf a valve won't turn or leaks.
Shutoff locations vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Add pipe insulation in cold climates

Why it mattersCold states are the most likely to see frozen pipes during winter.
WhenBefore the first freeze.
Time needed15-45 minutes
Typical cost$10-$30
  1. Find exposed pipes in unheated spaces
  2. Measure pipe diameter
  3. Wrap with foam pipe insulation
  4. Secure with tape
If you skip itFrozen and burst pipes.
Call a pro whenIf pipes run through walls and can't be safely accessed.
This applies to cold-weather states. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Check for humidity and mold signs

Why it mattersIn humid states, moisture can quietly lead to mold and musty smells.
WhenMonthly during humid months.
Time needed10 minutes
Typical cost$0
  1. Look in bathrooms, closets, and behind furniture
  2. Check for musty smells
  3. Wipe visible condensation
  4. Keep exhaust fans running during and after showers
If you skip itMold growth, odors, and allergy symptoms.
Call a pro whenIf you see a large patch of mold or can't find the moisture source.
This applies to humid and coastal climates. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Check AC filters more often in hot states

Why it mattersHot states run cooling more, so filters clog faster.
WhenEvery 2-3 weeks during peak cooling season.
Time needed5-10 minutes
Typical cost$5-$30
  1. Turn off the system
  2. Remove the filter
  3. Hold it up to light
  4. Replace if clogged
  5. Write the date
If you skip itHigher cooling bills and a strained system.
Call a pro whenIf the system struggles even with a clean filter.
This applies to hot and humid climates. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

When exactly should I do spring maintenance?

Start spring jobs in March or April, after the last hard freeze but before heavy spring rain. Gutter clearing works best after the trees have dropped their buds and seeds.

What if I live somewhere with no real winter?

Skip winterizing tasks like draining outdoor faucets, but keep the monthly basics and the seasonal jobs that still apply — AC checks matter even more in hot climates.

Which seasonal tasks should I hire out?

Gutter cleaning on a multi-story roof, anything involving refrigerant or gas, and any roof work above a single story are the three most common jobs worth paying a pro for.

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