How often should I replace HVAC filters?

Check them monthly. Replace every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage, pets or allergies.

What are early signs of a roof leak?

Water stains on ceilings, musty smells and visible damage in the attic or roof shingles.

How can I make my home more energy-efficient?

Seal drafts, upgrade insulation, maintain HVAC systems and switch to LED lighting.

When should I service heating and cooling systems?

Spring for A/C, fall for heating -- before heavy use starts.

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The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: Simple Tasks That Can Save You Thousands

July 30, 2025

7 min Read

Written by Marc Guberti

Edited by Joe Evans

Johnrob / iStock.com

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Wondering what should be on your home maintenance checklist? You’re not alone — and if you’re like most homeowners, you want to stay ahead of costly repairs without spending all weekend doing chores.

Skipping small tasks — like cleaning gutters or sealing drafty windows — can lead to major issues that hurt your budget and your home’s value.

This easy-to-follow home maintenance schedule breaks down monthly, seasonal and annual tasks so you can keep your house running smoothly year-round.

Home Maintenance Summary Checklist

Use this table as a quick reference for monthly, seasonal and annual home maintenance tasks. Bookmark it or screenshot it for easy tracking!

Frequency	Task	Details
Monthly	Check Heating and Cooling Systems	Change or clean HVAC filters, clear vents, listen for strange noises
Monthly	Test Smoke and CO Detectors	Press test button, replace batteries, clean dust from sensors
Monthly	Look for Plumbing Leaks	Check under sinks, around toilets and appliances; fix small drips ASAP
Spring	Clear Gutters and Downspouts	Clean debris after winter storms to ensure proper drainage
Spring	Inspect Roof	Look for cracked or missing shingles
Spring	Schedule A/C Tune-Up	Service unit before hot weather starts
Summer	Seal Windows and Doors	Block hot air leaks to improve cooling efficiency
Summer	Clean Dryer Vent	Remove lint from vent (not just trap) to prevent fires
Summer	Trim Trees and Bushes	Keep growth away from siding and roof
Fall	Service Furnace	Schedule maintenance before heating season starts
Fall	Drain Garden Hoses	Shut off outdoor faucets and store hoses
Fall	Inspect Chimney and Fireplace	Clean and check if in use
Winter	Watch for Ice Dams and Icicles	Prevent roof damage and leaks
Winter	Check for Drafts	Add weatherstripping or insulation as needed
Winter	Test Generator	Run generator and restock emergency supplies
Annually	Deep Clean Carpets and Floors	Steam-clean carpets, mop hard floors, refresh tile grout
Annually	Clean Gutters Thoroughly	Remove all debris and check water flows away from foundation
Annually	Inspect Roof and Attic	Look for leaks, sagging, check insulation and vents
Annually	Inspect Siding and Paint	Check for peeling paint or cracks; repaint every 5-10 years
Annually	Maintain Landscaping	Trim trees, slope mulch away from foundation
Monthly	Look for Mold and Mildew	Inspect damp areas; use fans and dehumidifiers
Monthly	Test GFCI Outlets	Press “test” and “reset”; replace faulty units
Annually	Check Insulation	Inspect attic and crawl space; consider upgrades
Annually	Seal Drafts and Cracks	Use caulk or weatherstripping around doors, windows and baseboards
Monthly	Check Fire Extinguishers	Check pressure gauge, replace or recharge if expired
Every 6-12 months	Review Emergency Kits	Update water, food, batteries and first aid items

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Regular upkeep might not be glamorous, but it can seriously pay off. According to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), routine home maintenance can save you over $3,000 a year in emergency repairs and utility costs.

These monthly to-dos take just a few minutes and can prevent expensive surprises down the road.

Check Heating and Cooling Systems

Change or clean your HVAC filters every 30 to 90 days
Make sure vents are clear of dust and furniture
Listen for strange noises from the furnace or A/C

Dirty filters can reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 15%, driving up your utility bills

Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Press the test button and replace batteries if needed
Clean dust from around sensors for better performance
Replace entire units every seven to 10 years

Look for Plumbing Leaks

Check under sinks and around toilets and appliances
Watch for moisture, mold or a musty smell
Fix small drips ASAP — even a slow leak can waste more than 10,000 gallons a year

Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks

Use this home maintenance plan to prep your home for changing weather and stay ahead of the elements.

Spring

Clear gutters and downspouts after winter storms
Inspect your roof for cracked or missing shingles
Schedule an A/C tune-up before temps rise

Summer

Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep cool air in
Clean the dryer vent — not just the lint trap — to prevent fires
Trim trees and bushes to keep them away from your siding and roof

Fall

Get your furnace serviced before heating season starts
Drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets
Clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace if you use them

Winter

Watch for ice dams and icicles that could damage the roof
Check for drafts and add weatherstripping as needed
Test your generator and restock emergency supplies

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

These once-a-year tasks keep your home running efficiently and catch long-term issues early.

Deep Clean Carpets and Floors

Remove allergens and extend the life of your flooring
Steam-clean carpets, mop hardwood and refresh tile grout

Clean Gutters Thoroughly

Remove leaves, sticks and gunk that can clog drainage
Make sure water flows away from the foundation

Inspect Roof and Attic

Check for signs of leaks or sagging
Confirm insulation is in good shape and vents are clear

Exterior Home Maintenance

Your home’s outside matters just as much as the inside — especially when it comes to protecting against weather and pests.

Inspect Siding and Paint

Look for cracks, peeling paint or soft spots
Touch up or repaint every five to 10 years to seal and protect

Maintain Landscaping

Trim shrubs and trees regularly
Keep mulch or soil sloped away from the foundation for proper drainage

Interior Home Maintenance

Don’t overlook what’s happening inside — these tasks help prevent damage and maintain air quality.

Look for Mold and Mildew

Inspect bathrooms, laundry areas and basements
Use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to control moisture

Test GFCI Outlets

Press “test” and “reset” monthly — especially in bathrooms, kitchens, garages
Replace outlets that don’t trip or reset properly

Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

Want to lower your energy bills? These small updates can make a big difference.

Check Insulation

Look for gaps or compression in the attic and crawl spaces
Consider upgrading — proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15%

Seal Drafts and Cracks

Use caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows
Close off gaps in baseboards or foundation to prevent heat loss

Safety Equipment Checklist

Don’t wait for an emergency to realize your safety gear isn’t ready.

Fire Extinguishers

Check the pressure gauge monthly
Replace expired units or have them professionally recharged

Emergency Kits

Stock with water, flashlights, first aid supplies and non-perishable food
Review and refresh items every six to 12 months

Why a Home Maintenance Checklist Pays Off

You might be wondering if all this upkeep is really worth it. Here’s the truth:

Neglecting basic home maintenance can reduce your home’s value by 10% or more, according to the National Association of Realtors. On the flip side, staying on top of these tasks helps:

Avoid surprise repair bills
Reduce monthly energy costs
Extend the life of major systems and appliances

Final Take to GO: Your Home’s Health Starts With a Solid Maintenance Plan

A simple home maintenance checklist is one of the best tools you can use to protect your investment.

With a clear monthly home maintenance checklist, seasonal tasks and a smart yearly routine, you’ll avoid stress, cut costs, and enjoy peace of mind.

Ready to get started? Check out GOBankingRates’ breakdowns of signs you’ll need to do repairs soon or some cheap, fast fixes to boost your home’s value!

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about home repairs and how they work:

How often should I replace HVAC filters?
- Check them monthly. Replace every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage, pets or allergies.
What are early signs of a roof leak?
- Water stains on ceilings, musty smells and visible damage in the attic or roof shingles.
How can I make my home more energy-efficient?
- Seal drafts, upgrade insulation, maintain HVAC systems and switch to LED lighting.
When should I service heating and cooling systems?
- Spring for A/C, fall for heating -- before heavy use starts.

Data is accurate as of July 30, 2025, and is subject to change.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.