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Home maintenance checklist, personalized to your house.
Generic checklists tell Phoenix homeowners to winterize pipes and Minnesotans to open the pool in March. Answer six questions and get a month-by-month schedule for your home and climate — print it, or have it emailed to you before each task comes due.
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The full month-by-month checklist
The complete list, across all climates — generate above to narrow it to your home, or download the full checklist as a PDF. Have your inspection report? Turn it into a repair plan.
January4 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Run water & flush toilets in unused roomsKeeps P-traps full so sewer gas stays out of guest baths.
- Test smoke & CO detectorsPush-button test takes 30 seconds; working detectors halve fire fatalities.
- Check fire extinguisher pressure gaugeExtinguishers quietly lose charge; a dead one is worse than none.
February3 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Deep-clean range hood filter & check ventA greasy filter recirculates smoke instead of exhausting it.
- Vacuum refrigerator coilsDusty coils make the compressor run hot — shorter life, higher bills.
March8 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Replace smoke/CO detector batteriesDo it when clocks change so it's never forgotten.
- Book A/C tune-up before cooling seasonPROTechs are cheap and available in shoulder season; refrigerant and coil issues show up before the first heat wave.
- Inspect washing machine hoses & under-sink connectionsBurst supply hoses are a top-3 insurance claim; braided hoses fail too.
- Test sump pump (pour a bucket of water)Sump pumps fail silently and are only ever needed suddenly.
- Open pool / start-up chemistryPROOpening early beats algae; balanced water protects the equipment.
- Start up irrigation: check heads & zone coverageOne broken head wastes hundreds of gallons a week, invisibly.
- Clean bathroom exhaust fan grilles & test airflowBath fans prevent the mold you'd otherwise be scrubbing.
April16 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Run water & flush toilets in unused roomsKeeps P-traps full so sewer gas stays out of guest baths.
- Test smoke & CO detectorsPush-button test takes 30 seconds; working detectors halve fire fatalities.
- Test GFCI outlets (kitchen, baths, garage, exterior)The test/reset buttons verify shock protection actually trips.
- Book A/C tune-up before cooling seasonPROTechs are cheap and available in shoulder season; refrigerant and coil issues show up before the first heat wave.
- Clear debris around outdoor condenser (2 ft clearance)Airflow is capacity — cottonwood fluff and leaves can cut efficiency 20%.
- Clean dryer vent duct to the exteriorLint fires are common and preventable; a clogged duct also doubles dry times.
- Septic: check for slow drains & wet spots over the fieldEarly warning beats a $10k field replacement; pump the tank every 3–5 years.
- Clean gutters & downspoutsOverflowing gutters rot fascia and dump water at the foundation.
- Inspect roof from the ground (binoculars): shingles, flashingOne lifted shingle after a storm is a $0 fix now, a ceiling stain later.
- Inspect deck: flip a board, probe posts, check ledger boltsDeck collapses are almost always the ledger connection — check it, not just the surface.
- Open pool / start-up chemistryPROOpening early beats algae; balanced water protects the equipment.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Start up irrigation: check heads & zone coverageOne broken head wastes hundreds of gallons a week, invisibly.
- Check attic: leaks, daylight, pest signs, insulationThe attic confesses roof problems months before ceilings do.
- Reverse ceiling fans for the seasonCounterclockwise pushes air down for summer; clockwise recirculates heat in winter.
May12 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Clear debris around outdoor condenser (2 ft clearance)Airflow is capacity — cottonwood fluff and leaves can cut efficiency 20%.
- Test well pressure tank & inspect wellheadPROShort-cycling kills well pumps; the tank air charge drifts.
- Well water test (bacteria, nitrates)PROAnnual testing is the only way to know — wells change with the water table.
- Clean gutters & downspoutsOverflowing gutters rot fascia and dump water at the foundation.
- Walk the foundation: cracks, grading, water poolingSoil should slope away 6 in over 10 ft; water against the stem wall is the enemy.
- Trim vegetation 12+ inches off siding & rooflinePlants hold moisture against the house and give pests a bridge.
- Inspect deck: flip a board, probe posts, check ledger boltsDeck collapses are almost always the ledger connection — check it, not just the surface.
- Open pool / start-up chemistryPROOpening early beats algae; balanced water protects the equipment.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Reverse ceiling fans for the seasonCounterclockwise pushes air down for summer; clockwise recirculates heat in winter.
- Lubricate garage door tracks, hinges & test auto-reverseThe auto-reverse test is a child-safety item; the lube is a longevity item.
June7 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Flush water heater (drain sediment)Sediment insulates the burner from the water — wastes gas and shortens tank life.
- Check water heater T&P valveLift the lever, hear the discharge; a stuck valve is a pressure hazard.
- Check exterior paint / siding for peeling & rotPaint is the sacrificial layer — bare wood decays fast.
- Trim vegetation 12+ inches off siding & rooflinePlants hold moisture against the house and give pests a bridge.
- Re-seal deck / porch woodWater beads = sealed. Soaks in = reseal this season.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
July7 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Run water & flush toilets in unused roomsKeeps P-traps full so sewer gas stays out of guest baths.
- Test smoke & CO detectorsPush-button test takes 30 seconds; working detectors halve fire fatalities.
- Check fire extinguisher pressure gaugeExtinguishers quietly lose charge; a dead one is worse than none.
- Clear debris around outdoor condenser (2 ft clearance)Airflow is capacity — cottonwood fluff and leaves can cut efficiency 20%.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Check & re-seal grout / caulk in showersFailed shower caulk leaks into the subfloor for months before it shows.
August5 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Clear debris around outdoor condenser (2 ft clearance)Airflow is capacity — cottonwood fluff and leaves can cut efficiency 20%.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Deep-clean range hood filter & check ventA greasy filter recirculates smoke instead of exhausting it.
- Vacuum refrigerator coilsDusty coils make the compressor run hot — shorter life, higher bills.
September12 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Book heating tune-up before heating seasonPROFurnace/heat-exchanger checks are a safety item, not just comfort — cracked exchangers leak CO.
- Inspect washing machine hoses & under-sink connectionsBurst supply hoses are a top-3 insurance claim; braided hoses fail too.
- Test sump pump (pour a bucket of water)Sump pumps fail silently and are only ever needed suddenly.
- Inspect & re-caulk windows, doors, and siding jointsA $6 tube of caulk is the cheapest insulation and rot prevention you can buy.
- Trim vegetation 12+ inches off siding & rooflinePlants hold moisture against the house and give pests a bridge.
- Re-seal deck / porch woodWater beads = sealed. Soaks in = reseal this season.
- Chimney sweep & inspectionPROCreosote is fuel; one sweep a year removes the chimney-fire risk.
- Close / winterize poolPROFreeze damage to pool plumbing is a spring surprise nobody wants.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Fertilize & overseed lawnFall feeding builds roots; spring feeding builds weeds.
- Clean bathroom exhaust fan grilles & test airflowBath fans prevent the mold you'd otherwise be scrubbing.
October17 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Run water & flush toilets in unused roomsKeeps P-traps full so sewer gas stays out of guest baths.
- Test smoke & CO detectorsPush-button test takes 30 seconds; working detectors halve fire fatalities.
- Test GFCI outlets (kitchen, baths, garage, exterior)The test/reset buttons verify shock protection actually trips.
- Book heating tune-up before heating seasonPROFurnace/heat-exchanger checks are a safety item, not just comfort — cracked exchangers leak CO.
- Clear debris around outdoor condenser (2 ft clearance)Airflow is capacity — cottonwood fluff and leaves can cut efficiency 20%.
- Clean dryer vent duct to the exteriorLint fires are common and preventable; a clogged duct also doubles dry times.
- Winterize exterior faucets & irrigation (drain / insulate)A burst hose bib floods the wall cavity before you notice.
- Septic: check for slow drains & wet spots over the fieldEarly warning beats a $10k field replacement; pump the tank every 3–5 years.
- Inspect roof from the ground (binoculars): shingles, flashingOne lifted shingle after a storm is a $0 fix now, a ceiling stain later.
- Inspect & re-caulk windows, doors, and siding jointsA $6 tube of caulk is the cheapest insulation and rot prevention you can buy.
- Re-seal deck / porch woodWater beads = sealed. Soaks in = reseal this season.
- Chimney sweep & inspectionPROCreosote is fuel; one sweep a year removes the chimney-fire risk.
- Close / winterize poolPROFreeze damage to pool plumbing is a spring surprise nobody wants.
- Pool: test water & clean skimmer basketsWeekly in season; the checklist marks the monthly deep-check.
- Blow out / winterize irrigation linesPROWater left in lines splits pipes and manifolds over winter.
- Reverse ceiling fans for the seasonCounterclockwise pushes air down for summer; clockwise recirculates heat in winter.
November10 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
- Replace smoke/CO detector batteriesDo it when clocks change so it's never forgotten.
- Winterize exterior faucets & irrigation (drain / insulate)A burst hose bib floods the wall cavity before you notice.
- Clean gutters & downspoutsOverflowing gutters rot fascia and dump water at the foundation.
- Rake / clear leaves from drains and window wellsThe freeze–thaw season starts with clogged surface drains.
- Close / winterize poolPROFreeze damage to pool plumbing is a spring surprise nobody wants.
- Blow out / winterize irrigation linesPROWater left in lines splits pipes and manifolds over winter.
- Check attic: leaks, daylight, pest signs, insulationThe attic confesses roof problems months before ceilings do.
- Reverse ceiling fans for the seasonCounterclockwise pushes air down for summer; clockwise recirculates heat in winter.
- Lubricate garage door tracks, hinges & test auto-reverseThe auto-reverse test is a child-safety item; the lube is a longevity item.
December1 tasks
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)A clogged filter strains the blower and raises energy use — the #1 cheap fix in home maintenance.
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Save my schedule to Domus →Common questions
How often should I replace my HVAC filter?
Check it monthly and replace every 1–3 months. Homes with pets, allergies, or nearby construction need the short end of that range. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of avoidable HVAC repairs.
What home maintenance should be done seasonally?
Spring: roof and foundation inspection, gutter cleaning, A/C tune-up. Summer: water heater flush, exterior paint and caulk checks. Fall: heating tune-up, gutter cleaning again, winterizing outdoor faucets and irrigation. Winter: interior checks — electrical panel, plumbing joints, deep-cleaning appliance coils and filters.
How much does annual home maintenance cost?
Budget 1–2% of your home's value per year on average. Most of the recurring checklist is DIY and nearly free — the paid items are typically an HVAC tune-up ($100–$250), chimney sweep ($150–$300), and occasional pro inspections.
What maintenance does a new house need?
Newer homes still need the recurring basics — filters, gutters, detectors, water heater flushes — but can skip age-related checks. If your home is 30+ years old, add annual electrical panel and plumbing corrosion checks, and consider a sewer scope every 2–3 years.
How do I remember all of this?
Pick one weekend a month and batch that month's tasks — or use a free tool like Domus that tracks each task's schedule and emails you before things come due.