Free resource
The seasonal home maintenance checklist
Every home needs the same care, year after year — the difference is remembering it. Here are the tasks that protect your home's value, organized by season. Print it and stick it on the fridge, or let HomeVault remind you automatically.
Spring
March – May- Replace HVAC filters and schedule an A/C tune-up before cooling season
- Clean gutters and downspouts; confirm water drains away from the foundation
- Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles from winter storms
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries
- Check exterior caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors
- Service the lawn mower and sharpen blades
- Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup
- Inspect the attic for leaks, pests and proper ventilation
Summer
June – August- Clean refrigerator coils and check door seals
- Inspect and clean the dryer vent to prevent fire risk
- Check for plumbing leaks under sinks and around toilets
- Test the sump pump before heavy summer storms
- Reseal the deck or patio if water no longer beads on the surface
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof and siding
- Reverse ceiling fans to counter-clockwise for cooling
- Touch up exterior paint and check siding for damage
Fall
September – November- Schedule a furnace inspection before heating season
- Clean gutters again after leaves fall; install guards if needed
- Drain and store garden hoses; shut off exterior faucets
- Inspect the chimney and fireplace before first use
- Seal gaps around pipes, windows and doors to keep pests and drafts out
- Test the generator if you have one
- Check the water heater's pressure relief valve
- Winterize sprinkler systems and lawn equipment
Winter
December – February- Replace HVAC filters again mid-heating-season
- Check for ice dams on the roof after heavy snow
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is — test that it turns
- Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air down
- Inspect basement and crawl space for moisture or frost
- Test GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms and garage
- Review your home inventory and update insurance records
- Deep-clean range hood filters and kitchen exhaust
Year-round habits
- Change HVAC filters every 1–3 months
- Test smoke and CO detectors monthly
- Walk your home's exterior quarterly, looking for cracks, leaks and pests
- Keep receipts and warranties for every repair and appliance
Home maintenance questions, answered
- How often should I do home maintenance?
- Most tasks are seasonal — four times a year — plus monthly habits like testing smoke detectors and changing HVAC filters every one to three months. A written schedule or an app like HomeVault keeps the timing from slipping.
- What home maintenance tasks do homeowners forget most?
- Flushing the water heater, cleaning the dryer vent, testing the sump pump and servicing the furnace are the most commonly skipped — and the most expensive to fix when neglected.
- Is there an app that tracks home maintenance automatically?
- Yes. HomeVault turns this checklist into automatic reminders tuned to your home, and stores warranties, receipts and repair history in one place. Plans start at $2.99 per month.
- Why keep a home maintenance log?
- A documented maintenance history supports insurance claims, protects warranties, and makes your home easier to sell — buyers pay more for a home with records.