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Monthly
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Check HVAC filter (replace every 1–3 months)
- Look under sinks and around toilets for leaks
- Run water in unused drains to keep traps filled
- Check fire extinguisher pressure
Spring
- Clean gutters and downspouts; direct water away from foundation
- Inspect roof and flashing from the ground (binoculars help)
- Service air conditioning
- Check exterior caulk and paint
- Test sump pump
- Inspect crawlspace or basement for moisture
Summer
- Trim vegetation away from the house and AC unit
- Check decks, railings, and steps
- Clean dryer vent duct
- Inspect windows and screens
Fall
- Service heating system (furnace, boiler, heat pump)
- Clean gutters again after leaves fall
- Seal drafts around doors and windows
- Disconnect hoses; shut off exterior faucets in cold climates
- Have chimney inspected if you use a fireplace or wood stove
- Replace alarm batteries (if not sealed 10-year units)
Winter
- Watch for ice dams and frozen pipes
- Keep heating vents clear
- Check for condensation and mold on windows
- Keep snow away from vents for gas appliances
Annually or periodically
- Flush water heater (per manufacturer)
- Pump septic tank every 3–5 years
- Test well water annually
- Check caulk in bathrooms and kitchens
- Review insurance coverage
- Test for radon every few years (and after major renovations)
Build a replacement fund
| Component | Current age | Expected life | Estimated cost | Monthly savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | 15–30 yrs | |||
| Furnace/heat pump | 15–25 yrs | |||
| AC | 10–20 yrs | |||
| Water heater | 8–15 yrs | |||
| Appliances | 8–15 yrs |
Divide each estimated cost by the months remaining in its expected life to set your monthly savings.
Get help
If maintenance is physically or financially out of reach, look into home repair assistance, weatherization, and volunteer programs for older adults and people with disabilities.
Safety checks that save lives
- Smoke alarms: on every level, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas; replace alarms 10 years old or older.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: near sleeping areas and on each level if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
- Dryer vents: lint buildup is a common cause of home fires; clean the full duct, not just the trap.
- Water heater: confirm the temperature-and-pressure relief valve has a discharge pipe; set temperature around 120°F to prevent scalding.
- Electrical: replace damaged cords; don’t overload outlets; test GFCI outlets monthly.
- Stairs and railings: secure handrails and adequate lighting prevent falls.
Signs of problems to fix early
| Sign | Possible issue | Why act now |
|---|---|---|
| Water stains on ceilings | Roof or plumbing leak | Rot and mold grow fast |
| Rising water bill | Hidden leak | Wastes money, damages structure |
| Cracks widening in walls or foundation | Settling or drainage | Can become structural |
| Musty smell | Moisture or mold | Health effects |
| Tripping breakers | Overloaded circuits or faults | Fire risk |
| Short-cycling furnace or AC | Dirty filter, failing parts | Higher bills, early failure |
DIY vs. hiring a professional
Usually DIY-friendly: changing filters, testing alarms, cleaning gutters (with ladder safety), caulking, replacing faucet aerators, running the toilet dye test.
Hire a professional: gas appliance work, electrical panel or wiring work, roof repairs, structural problems, anything requiring permits, and paint disturbance in pre-1978 homes (lead-safe certification required for paid work).
Keep records
Log every repair, service visit, and warranty in one place. Records help with insurance claims, warranty claims, taxes (for improvements), and resale.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I save for home maintenance?
Rules of thumb range from 1% to 4% of home value per year, but a better approach is to list major components, their ages, and replacement costs, then save monthly toward them.
What maintenance do renters handle?
Usually basic upkeep like replacing light bulbs, keeping drains clear, changing filters if the lease says so, and reporting problems promptly. Landlords handle systems, structure, and appliances they provide.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
Update note (2026-10-01): Replaced a missing source link with an official program page or governing regulation. This was a source-link update, not a complete review of every claim.
- Home Energy ChecklistU.S. Department of Energy
- Fix a Leak WeekU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Smoke alarmsU.S. Fire Administration
Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.