The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist

Thanks to our home maintenance checklist, staying on top of tasks like changing furnace filters or smoke detector batteries is a breeze. Check something off your to-do list today!

Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

Download our printable home maintenance checklist and use it to keep track of monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks. You’re welcome!

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

Monthly Tasks

Perform these simple maintenance tasks on a monthly basis and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Change Your Furnace and HVAC Filters

It’s important to replace your filter every month; otherwise, it will get clogged up with dust, dirt, pet dander, and more. Change it regularly to make sure it works properly and fills your home with only good quality air.

Rain boots placed on the floor next to a wall heater

Clean Your Wall Heater Grilles

Clean the grilles of your electric wall heaters by soaking the filter in warm, soapy water. This will get rid of any dirt and dust that gets stuck inside. Turn off the breaker before removing the grille and make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in place.

Clean Counters, Tiles, and Floors

For a super fresh and clean house, deep clean it once a month.

Vacuum Registers and Grilles

Get rid of any dust by vacuuming registers and grilles. Keep your vents cleaned out to improve air circulation and get the best air quality possible in your home.

Check Water Softener and Add Salt If Needed

Check that appliances that rely on water are working at their best by seeing what shape your water softener is in and adding salt if needed. This will ensure your softener lasts longer and will prevent your water heaters and pipes from collecting hard-water mineral scaling.

Check Fire Extinguishers

Once a month, make sure your fire extinguishers are still in good shape. This is an important one; after all, extinguishers save lives! Check the seals for any damage and test the pressure with the indicator.

Person removing the filter from a range hood

Clean Your Range Hood Filter

To make sure your filter is working properly, soak the grease filter in warm soapy water with a dash of baking soda. Scrub it clean with a soft brush, rinse it off and let it dry.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Nothing’s easier than testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: press and hold the “Test” button until you hear a loud alarm. Replace the batteries right away if the noise sounds faint or if the detector makes no noise at all. Make sure to never reuse old batteries in smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

Seasonal Home Maintenance

Every season, perform these DIY-friendly chores to help your home age well over time.

Vacuum Lint Ducts and Surrounding Dryer Areas

Avoid fire hazards by vacuuming the lint ducts and other areas around your dryer:

Take the lint filter out of the dryer and vacuum out the lint trap housing;
Disconnect the dryer duct and clean out the duct work.

Remember to always turn off the gas valve before cleaning!

Check for Frayed Cords

Check every plugged-in electronic device or appliance in the house to see whether their wires or cables are frayed. If they are, replace them right away.

Clean Washer Inlet Filters and Check for Leaks

Clean your washer’s inlet filters in warm soapy water once every three months. Filters can get dirty fast, since they filter the water in the machine. Replace them as needed.

Turn off water supply BEFORE removing inlet filters. Follow all manufacturer instructions for removing inlet filters.

Check Sink, Tub, and Shower Caulking

Check for any leaks around tub, shower, and sink caulking. Leaks can cause damp spots and mould in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Quickly re-caulk any gaps you find.

Drain and Flush Hot Water Heater

To make sure your hot water tank lasts longer and works well, flush it out to get rid of any sediment buildup.

Clean Air Exchanger Filters

Get rid of as much dust as possible by removing filters and vacuuming them. Wash them out in a mixture of lukewarm water and non-harsh soap. Rinse well and air dry, then put them back in place.

Air conditioning unit in front of a brick wall

Annual House Maintenance

Your home is an investment, so make sure to nurture and maintain it properly.

Septic Tanks: Get your septic tanks checked by a professional once a year and keep an eye out for backup now and then.

Air Conditioners: Disconnect your air conditioner, spray it with a hose to get rid of any loose dirt or dust, then use a coil cleaner on the outside.

Person adding new caulking around a window

Spring Cleaning

Get your home prepped for summertime with these simple, yet important tasks.

Roof: Check the roof’s surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits, and clean the gutters and downspouts, making sure they drain properly. Make any repairs needed.

Caulking: Fill cracks and caulk edges around the outside of your home as quickly as possible.

Windows and Doors: Wash all window and door screens, and give windowsills, doorsills, and thresholds a fresh coat of paint if necessary.

Fall Check

Winter is coming! Make sure your home is ready by doing the following.

Roof: Check the roof’s surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits, and clean the gutters and downspouts, making sure they drain properly. A great way to prevent ice dams from forming is to install de-icing cables. Make any repairs needed.

Caulking: Fill cracks and caulk edges around the outside of your home as quickly as possible.

Siding: Check siding and give it a good clean. Make any repairs needed.

Windows and Doors: Check weather stripping on all windows and doors, and repair if necessary.

Thermostat Sensor: Make sure your thermostat is working properly, and clean its heat sensor, contact points, and contacts.

Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect outdoor faucets and drain out all hoses.

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