Seasonal home maintenance checklist

Clean gutters and check downspouts drain away from the foundation

Spring rain finds every clog.

Walk the roof line for lifted or missing shingles

Winter wind and ice loosen them first.

Test the sump pump by filling the pit

It sat idle all winter.

Service the AC and swap the HVAC filter

Before the first hot week books every tech in town.

Check exterior caulk around windows and doors

Cracked caulk lets water into the framing.

Start up irrigation and check each zone

Freeze damage shows up as a geyser.

Clean and reseal the deck

Dry, warm weeks are the only window for a good cure.

Pressure wash siding, walks and the driveway

Mildew sets in over humid months.

Inspect the fence for loose pickets and leaning posts

Fix one post before it takes the panel with it.

Clean the dryer vent run to the outside

Lint buildup is a fire risk.

Test GFCI outlets in the kitchen, baths and outside

Press TEST, then RESET. Replace any that do not trip.

Clean gutters again after the leaves drop

Clogged gutters cause ice dams.

Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibbs

A frozen bibb splits inside the wall.

Service the furnace and test carbon monoxide alarms

Before the first cold night, not during it.

Seal drafts around doors and windows

The cheapest heating upgrade there is.

Check attic insulation depth

Most older homes are below today's recommended R-value.

Flush the water heater

Sediment shortens its life and slows recovery.

Check the attic for frost or ice dams after a cold snap

Frost on the sheathing points to an air leak.

Swap the HVAC filter

The system runs hardest now.

Test smoke alarms and replace batteries

Heating season is peak season for house fires.

Know where your main water shutoff is

A burst pipe is a race against the clock.

Plan spring projects and price materials

Order lead times and budgets are easier in the off season.