A Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Being a homeowner is a big responsibility, but by properly maintaining your home throughout the year you can keep tasks more manageable, spread out expenses, preserve property value and avoid costly repairs. Keep your home in prime condition by following these seasonal home maintenance checklists.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

While cold and unpredictable weather makes it difficult to tackle major home maintenance projects, these steps can help ensure your home is winter ready.

1. Water pipes can freeze during harsh temperatures, causing serious damage. Protect your home with these tips.
2. Heavy snowfall followed by a period of freezing temperatures can cause ice dams to form on your roof. Prevent them with these steps.
3. Ensure outdoor steps and handrails are secure.
4. Make sure your attic and basement are properly insulated to eliminate drafts and cut energy costs.
5. Cover your central-air conditioner or remove window units.
6. Invest in a good dehumidifier to keep mold and dust mites at bay.
7. Ensure outdoor holiday light displays have tight connections and are labeled for outdoor use only.
8. Check the basement for water leaks during thaws.
9. Take steps to winterize your car and lawnmower.
10. Before a snowstorm, stock up on sidewalk salt, drinking water, nonperishable foods and canned goods. Restock your car first aid kit.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

In addition to your regular spring cleaning, take these steps to maintain your home after the ground has thawed.

1. Protect your home from heavy rainstorms and high winds. Inspect your roof and chimney for damaged shingles and leaks after severe weather events.
2. To keep insects and pests out, inspect the screens on your window and doors. Repair or replace as needed.
3. Reseal outdoor woodwork including your deck and fence to prevent wood from splitting, graying or cracking.
4. Deep clean your home’s exterior, including windows and siding.
5. Check for cracks and water pools in your driveway and walkways. Repair as needed.
6. Inspect your sprinkler heads and test the irrigation system.
7. Service your air conditioning system before summer.
8. Maintain and fertilize your lawn.
9. Spray for mosquitoes and other pests.
10. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

While spending a sunny weekend doing yardwork probably isn’t at the top of your summer bucket list, keeping up on these chores can help prepare your home for the extreme heat ahead.

1. Weak or dying trees and branches could fall, potentially causing serious injury or damaging your or your neighbors’ property. Prevent a costly insurance claim by removing them.
2. An overgrown lawn can lead to infestations, damage the health of existing plants and reduce curb appeal. Keep on top of routine landscaping.
3. Treat your pool and replace the filters. Check the filter basket and chemical levels weekly, and scrub the sides monthly.
4. Foundation cracks can allow groundwater, insects and radon gas to enter your home. Inspect and repair as needed.
5. To increase efficiency, clean your air-conditioning filters at least once a month.
6. Clean your dryer vent to increase efficiency and prevent home fires.
7. To protect your home from the elements and improve curb appeal, repair and repaint chipped, cracked or faded exterior paint.
8. Deep clean your grill by removing buildup from the grates and wiping down the exterior. If you have a gas grill, check the fuel line for gas leaks.
9. Keep children safe by inspecting outdoor play equipment. Reinforce, reseal or repaint as needed.
10. Sweep and wash your deck. Check for loose nails and rotting boards.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

This is the time to prep your home for winter before the start of shorter days and inclement weather.

1. To prevent pipes from bursting when the temperature drops, turn off exterior faucets. Drain and disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors.
2. To help keep ice dams from forming in the winter, regularly clean gutters and downspouts to keep them clear from leaves and debris.
3. Keep your yard healthy and beautiful by aerating your lawn and pruning shrubs and trees.
4. Rake regularly, but keep some leaf cover under trees and shrubs, providing mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. To prevent drafts and cut energy costs, check and replace caulking and weather stripping on windows and doors.
6. Have chimneys, fireplaces and vents inspected and cleaned or repaired, and follow these safety tips.
7. Keep your family safe and reduce energy costs by scheduling a furnace tune-up.
8. Store your outdoor furniture in a garage or shed. If you don’t have the space, invest in a waterproof furniture cover.
9. Service your snow blower and purchase fuel.
10. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Although much of this upkeep can be done on your own, more complicated tasks may be better left to a qualified professional for safety’s sake.