Seasonal home maintenance checklist for first-time owners

Every month

A few minutes a month covers the basics:

• Test alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration says to test smoke alarms monthly. CPSC recommends checking carbon monoxide alarm batteries regularly.
• Check filters. ENERGY STAR suggests inspecting, cleaning or changing heating and cooling filters monthly, because a dirty filter can raise energy costs and damage equipment.
• Look for leaks under sinks, around toilets and near the water heater.

Spring

• Cooling check-up. ENERGY STAR recommends a contractor check the cooling system in spring. A typical visit includes checking thermostat settings, tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, checking the condensate drain, cleaning coils and checking refrigerant.
• Gutters and downspouts. Clear debris and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
• Exterior walk-around. Look for loose siding, damaged roofing, peeling paint and cracks in walks and driveways.
• Windows and screens. Repair torn screens and check caulking.
• Storm readiness. If you live where spring storms are common, check sump pumps and clear yard drains.

Summer

• Outdoor faucets and irrigation. Check for leaks and overspray onto siding.
• Decks and railings. Look for loose boards, popped nails and wobbly rails.
• Trees and shrubs. Trim branches away from the roof and keep plants back from the air conditioner.
• Pests. Watch for signs of termites or other insects around the foundation.

Fall

• Heating check-up. ENERGY STAR recommends a contractor check the heating system in fall, including gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger.
• Gutters again after leaves drop.
• Seal gaps. Check weatherstripping on doors and caulk around windows.
• Outdoor water. Disconnect hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets in freezing climates.
• Radon. If you did not test before buying, EPA recommends testing homes for radon.

Winter

• Prevent frozen pipes in cold climates by keeping the heat on and insulating exposed pipes.
• Watch for ice dams and icicles that suggest heat loss at the roof.
• Keep vents clear of snow, especially for furnaces and water heaters that vent outside.
• Check alarms during the season when heating equipment runs most.

Every few years

• Septic systems. EPA says household septic systems should generally be inspected at least every three years and tanks typically pumped every three to five years.
• Smoke alarms. Replace them 10 years from the manufacture date.
• Water heater. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, which may include flushing sediment.

Keep a log

Write down what you did, when and what it cost. A simple log helps you spot patterns, supports warranty claims and gives future buyers confidence when you sell. It also feeds your maintenance budget, so you know which systems are aging.

Adapting the list to your home

Not every task applies to every home. In a condo, the association may handle the roof, gutters and exterior, so read your HOA declaration and focus on what is inside your unit. Homes on septic systems or wells have extra tasks, while homes on public sewer may benefit from a sewer scope every so often if trees are nearby. Older homes may need closer attention to windows, wiring and plumbing. Hot, humid climates put more strain on cooling equipment, while cold climates make freeze protection a priority. Start with this list, cross off what does not apply and add anything your inspector flagged.

The bottom line

Test alarms and check filters monthly, book cooling check-ups in spring and heating check-ups in fall, clean gutters twice a year and keep a log. Small routines prevent most large repairs.