Tackle your "to-do" list with our Home Maintenance Checklist

Life is busy. Kids, work, meals, appointments - the list goes on. And hey homeowner, you still have to squeeze out time to clean the gutters (yuk!) and change your furnace filter. We've put together this monthly Home Maintenance Checklist to help you tackle your chores in bite-sized chunks so you have time for the bigger things in life. 

Home Maintenance Checklist

JANUARY

• Vacuum the coils on the back and bottom of your refrigerator.
• Run dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack.
• Grind ice cubes, baking soda, & lemon peel through garbage disposal.
• To prevent ice dams, use a roof rake to remove excess snow from the edges of the roof.
• Knock icicles off eaves.
• Clear snow from outdoor dryer vent and other exhausts.

FEBRUARY

• Check caulk around showers and bathtubs; replace if needed.
• Remove shower head and sink aerators and soak in vinegar to dissolve hard water deposits.
• Check basement for leaks during thaws.
• Remove excess snow and icicles from roof.
• Keep snow cleared from outdoor exhausts and window wells.
• Clean & maintain your sump pump to get ready for spring showers.

MARCH

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Wipe out the inside of indoor trash and recycling bins.
• Change batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors when you set the clocks forward.
• Drain and flush hot water heater.
• Inspect roofing for damaged shingles and leaks, and schedule repair if necessary.
• Schedule spring air conditioning and/or sprinkling system maintenance.
• Schedule lawnmower tune-up and blade sharpening.

APRIL

• Wash and/or vacuum curtains and blinds.
• Wipe down baseboards and moldings. Touch up paint if needed.
• Dust ceiling fans.
• Remove door/window screens and hose them down. Repair/ replace any damaged screens.
• Reconnect water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Rake yard and cut back any dead plants in garden.
• Remove leaves from gutters and window wells.

MAY

• Vacuum out dryer vent.
• Inspect hoses on washing machine, dishwasher, and
  icemaker for leaks.
• Check sinks and toilets for leaks and replace washers or seals as needed.
• Apply fertilizer to lawn.
• Check and clean outdoor lights.
• Repair and/or refinish the desk and porch railings

JUNE

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Check grout in tile floors and repair as needed.
• Wash and wax wood floors (or schedule refinishing).
• Oil garage door tracks.
• Trim tree branches away from house.
• Maintain lawn and garden, adding mulch if necessary.
• Power-wash exterior walls.

JULY

• Check doors for squeaky hinges and lubricate if needed.
• Flip the switch on ceiling fans so air blows down.
• Run dehumidifier in basement if necessary.
• Maintain lawn and garden.
• Clean your grill. Use a brush on the grate, and empty or replace the drip pan.
• Repair and/or repaint your fence.

AUGUST

• Run dehumidifier if necessary.
• Check foundation and basement for ants or termites.
• Mend cracks in the driveway.
• Maintain lawn and garden.

SEPTEMBER

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Drain and flush hot water heater.
• Schedule inspection of heating system.
• Apply fertilizer to lawn.
• Prune trees and shrubs.
• Touch up exterior paint as needed.
• Wash windows and replace screens with storm windows.

OCTOBER

• Vacuum heat registers.
• Seal gaps in window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping. 
• Check fireplace for damage and schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection. 
• Flip the switch on ceiling fans so air blows up.
• Turn off water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Drain and store hoses for the winter.
• Winterize air conditioning system, covering unit to protect from leaves and snow.
• Rake leaves and cut back dormant plants in garden.
• Aerate lawn. 

NOVEMBER

• Use outlet covers to prevent heat loss.
• Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent.
• Wrap insulation around hot water pipes in basement.
• Clean refrigerator and oven before the holidays.
• Inspect roof and replace any damaged shingles.
• Add weather-stripping to doors.
• Check furnace exhaust for leaf, snow and ice obstructions.

DECEMBER

• Check furnace filter and replace if dirty.
• Inspect attic insulation and replace or add more if needed.
• Check date on fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
• Regularly check gutters for ice dams and icicles.
• Keep walks clear of snow.
• Fill bird feeders.

Keep yourself organized and on-track by downloading our 12-month Home Maintenance Checklist. It's that easy.