Build your home maintenance plan.

Why it matters A spring tune-up keeps cooling efficient through summer and catches small issues before they become breakdowns in a heat wave.

How to do it Clear debris from the outdoor condenser, gently hose off the fins, check the line for ice, and consider a professional service for refrigerant and electrical checks.

Why it matters Cracked caulk around windows, doors, and trim lets water and air in, driving up energy bills and inviting rot.

How to do it Inspect seams around windows, doors, and penetrations. Scrape failed caulk and apply a fresh bead of exterior-grade sealant.

Why it matters Sealing gaps and catching termites or rodents early prevents structural damage and infestations.

How to do it Walk the exterior for gaps around pipes, vents, and the foundation. Seal openings, trim vegetation off the house, and look for mud tubes or droppings.

Why it matters Clogged gutters overflow and push water against your foundation and roofline, causing leaks, rot, and basement flooding.

How to do it Scoop out leaves and debris, flush with a hose, and confirm downspouts drain away from the foundation. Work safely from a stable ladder.

Why it matters Water left in outdoor faucets and hoses can freeze, expand, and burst pipes inside the wall, a costly hidden flood.

How to do it Disconnect and drain hoses, shut off the interior valve to each hose bib, and open the outdoor spigot to drain. Add insulated covers.

Why it matters A fall heating check prevents a no-heat emergency on the coldest night and catches cracked heat exchangers that leak carbon monoxide.

How to do it Replace the filter, test the thermostat, clear vents, and schedule a professional inspection of the burner and heat exchanger.

Why it matters Annual battery replacement prevents the dreaded 3 a.m. low-battery chirp and keeps alarms ready year-round.

How to do it Swap in fresh batteries in every battery-powered detector. A common reminder is to do it when clocks change in fall.

Why it matters Catching a few loose or missing shingles early prevents leaks that can cost thousands in interior and structural damage.

How to do it From the ground with binoculars (or carefully on a ladder), look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles and damaged flashing around vents and chimneys.

Why it matters Adequate insulation and ventilation cut energy bills and prevent ice dams and moisture problems.

How to do it Check that insulation is dry and at recommended depth, vents are unobstructed, and there's no sign of leaks or pests.

Why it matters Worn seals around doors and windows let heated and cooled air escape, raising energy bills noticeably.

How to do it Feel for drafts, inspect seals for cracks or gaps, and replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps.

Why it matters Running fans clockwise in winter pushes warm air down and can let you lower the thermostat a couple of degrees.

How to do it Flip the small direction switch on the fan body: clockwise (downdraft off) for winter, counter-clockwise for summer. Dust the blades while you're up there.

Why it matters Lint buildup in the dryer duct is a leading cause of house fires and makes the dryer work far harder than it should.

How to do it Unplug the dryer, disconnect the duct, and vacuum or brush out lint from the duct and the exterior vent flap. Confirm the flap opens freely.

Why it matters A clogged filter chokes airflow, raises energy bills, shortens the life of your system, and worsens indoor air quality.

How to do it Find the filter slot at the return vent or air handler. Slide the old filter out, note the size printed on the frame, and slide a new one in with the airflow arrow pointing toward the unit.

Why it matters Working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are the single most important safety device in a home. Most failures are dead batteries.

How to do it Press and hold the test button on each detector until it sounds. Replace any that fail or are more than 10 years old. Vacuum dust from the vents.

Why it matters An extinguisher with low pressure or past its date may fail when you need it most.

How to do it Confirm the gauge reads in the green, the pin and seal are intact, and the unit isn't past its service date. Replace or recharge as needed.

Why it matters Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and capacity and shortening the heater's life.

How to do it Turn off power/gas and the cold supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and drain a few gallons until water runs clear. Refill before restoring power.

Why it matters GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, and outdoors protect against electric shock, but only if they still trip correctly.

How to do it Press TEST (power should cut), then RESET. Replace any outlet that doesn't trip or won't reset.

Why it matters In a burst-pipe emergency, a seized shutoff valve turns a small leak into a flood. Everyone in the home should know where it is.

How to do it Locate the main valve, turn it fully off and back on to keep it from seizing, and make sure household members know its location.

Why it matters Regular cleaning prevents odors and keeps the disposal draining freely.

How to do it Grind ice cubes and a cut citrus peel, then flush with cold water. Never put your hand in the disposal.

Why it matters A dust-clogged bath fan can't pull moisture out, leading to mold and peeling paint.

How to do it Turn off power, remove the cover, vacuum the fan and housing, wash the cover, and confirm it vents to the outside, not the attic.

Why it matters Mineral buildup reduces flow and pressure. A quick soak restores it without new fixtures.

How to do it Unscrew aerators and showerheads, soak in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits, scrub, rinse, and reinstall.

Why it matters A grease-clogged filter reduces ventilation and is a fire hazard.

How to do it Pop out the metal mesh filter and soak it in hot water with degreaser or run it through the dishwasher. Dry and reinstall.

Why it matters Dusty coils make the fridge run hotter and use more energy, and are a common cause of premature compressor failure.

How to do it Unplug the fridge, pull it out, and vacuum the coils on the back or behind the kick plate. Wipe the floor and roll it back.

Why it matters Failed caulk around tubs, showers, and sinks lets water reach the subfloor and walls, causing hidden mold and rot.

How to do it Check seams for gaps, peeling, or mildew. Remove failed caulk and reseal with mildew-resistant silicone. Let cure before use.

Why it matters The sacrificial anode rod protects the tank from rust. Replacing a spent rod can double the tank's lifespan.

How to do it Turn off power and water, remove the anode rod from the top of the tank, and replace it if it is heavily corroded or under half an inch thick.

Why it matters Lubrication and a balance check keep the door quiet, extend opener life, and ensure the safety auto-reverse works.

How to do it Wipe and lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs. Test the auto-reverse by placing a board under the door. Confirm the photo-eye sensors are aligned.