RepairRadar guide

Seasonal home maintenance checklist

By J&H Technology · Updated November 5, 2026

The short answer

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month and check the HVAC filter. In spring, clean gutters and service the air conditioning. In summer, check the outside of the house. In fall, clean gutters again, service the heating and get the chimney inspected. In winter, prevent frozen pipes and ice dams. Once a year, flush the water heater and replace anything past its service life. Write down the date of each job so you know when it is next due.

Key points

Monthly: test smoke and CO alarms, check the HVAC filter.
Spring and fall: gutters, plus servicing whichever system is about to work hardest.
Winter: protect pipes and keep vents and roofs clear.
Yearly: water heater, chimney, alarm replacement dates and appliance hoses.

Every month

Test every smoke alarm with its test button. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing monthly and replacing the whole smoke alarm every 10 years.
Test carbon monoxide alarms the same way, and replace them by the date on the back.
Check the HVAC filter and replace it when it looks dirty or on the schedule the manufacturer gives. Many filters last one to three months; homes with pets or allergies often need more frequent changes.
Run water in rarely used sinks and showers, and look under sinks for drips or stains.

Spring

Clean gutters and downspouts, and check that downspouts send water away from the foundation.
Look at the roof from the ground (or with binoculars) for missing, cracked or lifted shingles and damaged flashing.
Have the air conditioning serviced before the first hot week, and clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit.
Check exterior caulk and paint around windows and doors.
Test the sump pump if you have one by pouring water into the pit.
After a heavy rain, look for water pooling near the foundation.

Summer

Inspect decks, porches and railings for loose boards, popped nails and soft wood.
Clean the dryer lint filter after every load and have the dryer vent duct cleaned out regularly; lint build-up is a fire risk.
Check irrigation and outdoor faucets for leaks.
Trim plants and branches away from the siding, roof and outdoor AC unit.

Fall

Clean gutters again once the leaves have fallen.
Have the furnace or heat pump serviced before the heating season.
Have the chimney, fireplace and vents inspected once a year, as the National Fire Protection Association recommends, and swept when needed.
In cold climates, disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
Seal drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.

Winter

Keep pipes in unheated spaces from freezing: insulate them, keep the heat on when you travel, and know where your main water shut-off is.
Watch for ice dams and icicles along the roof edge, which can mean heat is escaping into the attic.
Keep furnace intakes, dryer vents and the gas meter clear of snow.
Test a standby generator before you need it, and never run one indoors or in a garage.

Once a year

Flush the water heater to clear sediment, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Check washing machine and dishwasher hoses for bulges or cracks.
Check the pressure gauge on each fire extinguisher.
Note the install dates of smoke alarms, CO alarms and the water heater so you know when they need replacing.
Review your warranties and note any that expire in the next year.

Record what you did

A checklist only helps if you know when each job was last done. Write down the date, what you did, what it cost and who did it. That record also helps with warranty claims, insurance claims and selling the house, because it shows the home was looked after.