All You Need to Keep Your Home in Shape
We prepared a printable home maintenance to-do list just for you. Print it and use it to make sure you don’t forget anything.
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE TO-DO LIST
Pro Tips
The Complete Home Maintenance To-Do List
Tackle home maintenance tasks like changing furnace filters or smoke detector batteries with our complete home maintenance to-do list. Start today!
Monthly Maintenance
Each month, perform these simple maintenance tasks to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Change or Clean Furnace and HVAC Filters
Dust, dirt, pet dander, and other particles are susceptible to clogging up your furnace and HVAC air filters. Replace or clean them once per month to ensure proper performance. This step also helps improve the air quality within your home.
Clean All Wall Heater Grilles
It is important to clean the grilles and soak filters in warm, soapy water once per month to prevent dirt and dust from building up.
Note: The breaker must be turned off before the grille is removed. Ensure that it has dried completely before putting it back in its place.
Scrub Down
For maximum freshness and a spotless home, scrub down all counters, tiles, and floors on a monthly basis.
SHOP CLEANING PRODUCTS
Vacuum Registers and Grilles
Prevent the accumulation of dust by vacuuming all registers and grilles. To ensure the best indoor air quality possible, check that vents remain clean.
SHOP REGISTERS AND GRILLES
Check Water Softener
Ensure the proper performance of appliances that rely on water by verifying the state of your water softener and adding salt as needed. This extends the life of your softener and prevents the buildup of hard-water mineral scaling both in water heaters and pipes.
SHOP WATER SOFTENERS
Check the State of Fire Extinguishers
Examine these life-saving devices monthly to ensure they’re in good working order. Check the seals, inspect them for any damage, and test their pressure using the indicators.
SHOP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Clean Your Range Hood Filter
To ensure that it’s working properly, remove the grease filter from your range hood and soak it in warm sudsy water sprinkled with baking soda. Scrub it well using a soft-bristled brush, rinse, and air dry.
SHOP RANGE HOOD FILTERS
Test All Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is incredibly simple. Press and hold “Test” until you hear a loud alarm. Should the alarm sound weak or not make any noise at all, replace the batteries without delay.
Note: Old batteries should never be used in smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
Quarterly Home Maintenance
When performed on a quarterly basis, these DIY-friendly chores can help your home age well.
Clean Out Lint Ducts and Surrounding Areas of the Dryer
To reduce the risk of a fire, it is crucial to vacuum the lint ducts and areas around your dryer. Remove the lint filter and, using a vacuum, clean out the lint trap housing. Be sure to disconnect the dryer duct and clean out the duct work as well.
Note: Always ensure that the gas valve has been turned off before cleaning.
Replace Any Frayed Cords
Take a close look at any electronic devices or appliances plugged into outlets, and promptly replace any frayed cord wires or cables.
SHOP WIRES AND CABLES
Clean Washer Inlet Filters and Look for Any Leaks
The inlet filters in your washing machine help keep any debris and mineral deposits out of your machine’s water. Clean them once every three months in warm, soapy water, and replace them as required.
Note: Always ensure the water supply is turned off BEFORE removing inlet filters. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to remove inlet filters properly.
Inspect Sink, Tub, and Shower Caulking
Inspect your tub, shower, and sink caulking for any leaks. These can create water patches, which can cause mould to grow in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Re-caulk any gaps as quickly as possible.
SHOP CAULKING
Drain and Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Flush out your hot water heater from time to time to remove any built-up sediments in the tank and improve both its performance and lifespan.
SHOP HOT WATER HEATERS
Clean Out Air Exchanger Filters
Dismantle your filters and vacuum them out to remove as much dust as possible. Then, soak then in warm water with a mild soap. Rinse them off, then let dry and put them back in place.
SHOP AIR EXCHANGER FILTERSAnnual Tasks
A house is among the best investments, so make sure to treat yours as such.
Septic Tanks: Have your septic tanks inspected by a professional and check for any backup between inspections.
Air Conditioners: When the temperatures rise, give your air conditioner a good cleaning. First, disconnect it. Then, spray your unit with a hose to remove any debris, and use coil cleaner on the outside.
Spring Cleaning
Get your home in tip top shape for summer thanks to these simple, yet important tasks.
Roof: Inspect the surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits of your roof. Clear out your gutters and downspouts, and ensure they are still draining properly. Make any repairs required.
Caulking: Take a closer look at your exterior caulking and fill in any cracks and edges.
Windows and Doors: Thoroughly clean the screens of all windows and doors. Apply a coat of paint to any windowsills, doorsills, and thresholds that need it.
Pro Tip
As soon as the weather begins to warm up, it’s time to start getting your yard ready for spring! Click here to know where to start.
Fall Maintenance
Ensure your home is ready for the cold winter months by doing the following.
Roof
Inspect the surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits of your roof. Clear out your gutters and downspouts, and ensure they are draining properly. De-icing cables are great for preventing ice dams from forming. Make any repairs required.
Caulking
Take a closer look at your exterior caulking and fill in any cracks and edges.
Siding
Examine your home’s siding and give it a deep cleaning. Be sure to also make any repairs needed.
Windows and Doors
Check your window and door weather stripping and repair any areas that need it.
Thermostat Sensor
Clean the heat sensor, contact points, and contacts of your thermostat, and test its accuracy.
Outdoor Faucets
Disconnect outdoor faucets and empty out your hoses.
Pro Tip
Want to kick your autumn maintenance up a notch? Click here to find out more. For fall garden care, click here.
