Seasonal maintenance checklist

A few hours each season prevents most of the expensive surprises: frozen pipes, water damage, and HVAC breakdowns on the hottest day of the year. Tick items off as you go; your checkmarks are saved in this browser.

Free reminders

Never forget a filter change again

Add 12 repeating reminders to your phone or computer calendar: filter changes every 3 months, monthly smoke alarm tests, yearly gutter, dryer vent and water heater jobs. Each reminder links to the guide that shows how.

Add reminders to my calendar

Works with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar and Outlook. It's a one-time download: nothing is tracked, and you can delete the events anytime.

Change the HVAC air filterEvery 3 months
Test smoke alarms and GFCI outletsMonthly
Schedule a furnace checkYearly
Clean the refrigerator coilsEvery 6 months
Flush the water heaterYearly
Clean the dryer ventYearly
Replace smoke alarm batteriesYearly
Clean the gutters (fall)Yearly
Find and test the main water shutoffYearly
Schedule an AC tune-upYearly
Clean the gutters (spring)Yearly
Clean dishwasher filter and spray armsEvery 2 months

Seasonal home maintenance wheel with spring, summer, fall and winter tasks — A year of home maintenance at a glance. Timing suits most US climates; in mild areas, fall jobs can wait a few weeks.

Spring Mar–May

Clean gutters and check downspouts drain away from the house
Schedule an AC tune-up before the first heat wave
Test smoke and CO alarms
Repair window screens
Check the roof and siding for winter damage

Summer Jun–Aug

Change the HVAC filter (heavy use month)
Clean the dryer vent duct, not just the lint trap
Trim plants back 12 in from the AC unit and siding
Check caulk around tubs, sinks and windows

Fall Sep–Nov

Schedule a furnace check
Clean gutters after leaves drop
Drain and disconnect garden hoses
Seal drafty gaps around doors with weatherstripping
Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise

Winter Dec–Feb

Know where your main water shutoff is
Insulate exposed pipes in the garage or crawl space
Test smoke and CO alarms
Check the water heater for leaks or rust at the base