Reference

How often should you do it?

The right interval for every recurring home maintenance job, from the same task library the HomeAlmanac app uses to build your schedule.

Almost every home maintenance question is really a frequency question. Not "should I clean the gutters" but "how often". Below is the interval for each recurring job, why it matters, and how long it takes. Every one of them is a task the app can put on your calendar and remind you about at the right time of year.

HVAC

Job	How often
Replace HVAC air filter Full guide	Every 3 months
Reverse ceiling fan direction	Every 6 months
AC tune-up before summer	Once a year
Furnace / heating check before winter	Once a year

Plumbing

Job	How often
Refill water softener salt	Every 2 months
Clean & freshen garbage disposal	Every 3 months
Test sump pump	Every 6 months
Flush water heater Full guide	Once a year
Inspect bathroom & kitchen caulk/grout	Once a year
Test main water shutoff valve	Once a year
Test well water quality	Once a year
Clean faucet aerators & showerheads	Once a year
Inspect water heater anode rod	Every 3 years
Inspect & pump septic tank	Every 3 years

Exterior

Job	How often
Clean gutters & downspouts	Every 6 months
Inspect roof & flashing	Once a year
Inspect & refresh exterior caulk	Once a year
Drain & winterize outdoor faucets	Once a year
Winterize sprinkler system	Once a year
Spring sprinkler start-up & check	Once a year
Open & balance pool for the season	Once a year
Close & winterize pool	Once a year
Inspect weatherstripping & door seals	Once a year
Inspect for pests & entry points	Once a year
Inspect & seal deck	Every 2 years
Check attic insulation & ventilation	Every 2 years
Clean & seal asphalt driveway	Every 3 years

Safety

Job	How often
Test smoke & CO detectors	Every 6 months
Replace smoke & CO detector batteries	Once a year
Check fire extinguishers	Once a year
Inspect & sweep chimney	Once a year

Appliances

Job	How often
Clean range hood filter	Every 3 months
Clean refrigerator condenser coils	Every 6 months
Change refrigerator water filter	Every 6 months
Clean dryer vent & lint trap duct	Once a year
Clean bathroom exhaust fans	Once a year

Electrical

Job	How often
Test GFCI outlets	Every 6 months

Mechanical

Job	How often
Test standby generator	Every 3 months
Lubricate & balance garage door	Every 6 months

Stop looking these up one at a time.

Answer a few questions about your home and HomeAlmanac builds the whole schedule at once, then reminds you before each job is due. Coming soon to the App Store.

Coming soon to the App Store Build your free plan