home maintenance, by season

the stuff that's cheap when you catch it early and expensive when you don't. nine moves taught me this the hard way

Never miss an update

This list changes over time. Get a short email when it does.

At most one short email a week. Unfollow in one click.

spring: check the roof and gutters after winter

do this first, before you plant anything. ice damage hides until it doesn't

spring: test the sump pump

spring: replace the HVAC filter

every 60-90 days, not just spring, but spring is when I remember

spring: inspect exterior caulking and re-seal gaps

summer: service the AC before the first heat wave

(learned this one late, mine died on a 104° day and every tech in town was booked a week out)

Summer: check the deck / patio for rot or loose boards

summer: clean dryer vent

fall: clean gutters before leaves finish falling, not after

fall: drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots

one frozen pipe erased any money I saved by skipping this once

Fall: have the chimney swept if you use it

fall: check weatherstripping on doors

winter: test every smoke and CO alarm

monthly test button, battery swap twice a year, i do it on the clock change so i don't forget

winter: let faucets drip on the coldest nights

winter: check attic insulation and ventilation

ice dams are an attic problem wearing a roof costume

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.

Related lists