Home Maintenance Checklists for Every Season

With every change of season there comes a new to do list to keep your home safe and prepped for the coming months. On top of that, there are a few things to do each month, like checking the smoke alarms.

We took recommendations from Better Homes & Gardens and created checklists that you can add to your Cozi account. Once in Cozi, you’ll be able to remove items that don’t apply to your house and add or edit items to make the list yours. We hope these lists help you keep your home in tip-top shape!

Home Maintenance Checklist – Monthly

• Clean the furnace filter
• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary
• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads
• Inspect tub and sink drains for debris
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers
• Inspect electrical cords for wear
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked
• Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda

Home Maintenance Checklist – Fall

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
• Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional
• Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary
• Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models
• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
• Power-wash windows and siding
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing
• Have your fireplace professionally inspected
• Tune up major home appliances before the holidays
• Repair or replace siding
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean the carpets
• Clean window and door screens
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks
• Check for frayed cords and wires
• Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages
• Check water heater for leaks

Home Maintenance Checklist – Winter

Home Maintenance Checklist – Spring

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
• Change the air-conditioner filter
• Clean window and door screens
• Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures
• Refinish the deck
• Power-wash windows and siding
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
• Vacuum lint from dryer vent
• Inspect chimney for damage
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows doors, and mechanicals
• Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads
• Have air-conditioning system serviced
• Drain or flush water heater
• Fertilize your lawn

Home Maintenance Checklist – Summer

• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges
• Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents
• Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
• Check dishwasher for leaks
• Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed
• Seal tile grout
• Prune trees and shrubs