Stay up to date on all your home maintenance needs with this monthly guide, including essential cold-weather tips!

JANUARY

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Check and replace weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Test your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise for better heat circulation.
• Clean your dryer vents.
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Cold Weather Tip: Add insulation to exposed pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing.

FEBRUARY

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.
• Clean your kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
• Check sinks and toilets for leaks and repair as needed.
• Check hoses on the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker for cracks or leaks.
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Cold Weather Tip: Inspect and seal foundation vents to block cold drafts.

MARCH

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Inspect caulking in the kitchen and bathrooms; re-caulk as needed.
• Schedule an air conditioning inspection or perform your own.
• Inspect exterior paint for damage and touch up as necessary.
• Repair or replace damaged window screens.
• Cold Weather Tip: Check your roof and gutters for winter damage.

APRIL

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Test all detectors (smoke, carbon monoxide) to ensure they work properly.
• Prune shrubs and trees after they’ve bloomed.
• Inspect siding/masonry and re-caulk around windows and doors.
• Repair or replace damaged screens.
• Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles.

MAY

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Plant annual flowers and vegetables.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Schedule a septic tank inspection if applicable.
• Inspect your foundation for drainage issues.
• Seal any gaps around windows and doors.

JUNE

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Inspect and repair sprinkler systems.
• Rotate ceiling fans for summer cooling.
• Clean and inspect outdoor appliances (e.g., grills).
• Inspect outdoor furniture for damage.
• Warm Weather Tip: Check outdoor faucets for leaks and repair as needed.

JULY

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Declutter closets and donate items you no longer need.
• Check and seal gaps on windows and doors.
• Deep clean carpets and flooring.
• Test and repair electrical outlets and switches.

AUGUST

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Check plumbing for leaks.
• Repair damaged walls, trim, or interior features.
• Declutter the garage and donate unwanted items.
• Inspect your roof for summer storm damage.
• Inspect outdoor lighting for damage.

SEPTEMBER

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Deep clean baseboards.
• Replace damaged trim around windows and doors.
• Declutter your basement or crawl space.
• Check your attic for signs of pests.
• Cold Weather Prep: Stock up on ice melt and check snow removal tools.

OCTOBER

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Inspect and repair foundation cracks.
• Declutter kitchen cabinets and drawers.
• Schedule furnace maintenance.
• Cold Weather Prep: Inspect your chimney and schedule a sweep if needed.

NOVEMBER

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors.
• Service your heating system.
• Declutter your office or storage spaces.
• Winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
• Cold Weather Tip: Install storm windows if you have them.

DECEMBER

• Clean or replace HVAC filters.
• Clean the kitchen drain/garbage disposal.
• Inspect each fire extinguisher in your home.
• Clean baseboards.
• Winterize sprinkler systems.
• Check attic vents and add insulation where needed.
• Declutter toys, decorations, and miscellaneous items.
• Cold Weather Tip: Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around pipes.