The Complete Home Maintenance Checklist by Season

Owning a home means managing dozens of systems that each run on their own schedule. Miss a task and you might not notice for months — until a small oversight becomes an expensive emergency.

This seasonal checklist covers the maintenance that actually matters, organized by when to do it.

Spring

Spring is about recovering from winter and preparing for heat and humidity.

• HVAC tune-up — Schedule professional service before cooling season. A well-maintained system runs 15-25% more efficiently.
• Inspect the roof — Look for missing or damaged shingles after winter storms. Catching a $200 repair now prevents a $5,000 leak later.
• Clean gutters and downspouts — Clogged gutters cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and fascia rot.
• Test sump pump — Pour water into the pit and confirm it activates. Do this before heavy spring rains, not during.
• Service lawn equipment — Change oil, replace spark plugs, sharpen mower blades.
• Check exterior caulking — Reseal around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim.

Summer

Summer maintenance is about managing heat, moisture, and outdoor systems.

• Deep clean dryer vent — Lint buildup is the leading cause of dryer fires. Clean the full duct run, not just the trap.
• Inspect and clean deck or patio — Power wash and reseal wood surfaces. Check for loose boards or popped nails.
• Service irrigation system — Check for leaks, adjust heads, and confirm coverage. A single misaligned head can waste 500+ gallons per month.
• Inspect plumbing for leaks — Check under sinks, around toilets, and near the water heater. Even small drips cause mold.
• Trim trees away from the house — Branches within 10 feet of the roof invite pests and cause storm damage.

Fall

Fall is the most important maintenance season. Everything you do now prevents winter emergencies.

• Replace HVAC filter — If you only change it twice a year, now is one of those times.
• Flush water heater — Sediment builds up and reduces efficiency by up to 30%. This takes 20 minutes and saves hundreds in energy costs.
• Winterize outdoor faucets — Disconnect hoses, shut off interior valves, and drain the lines. A burst pipe costs $5,000+ on average.
• Inspect weatherstripping — Check all exterior doors and windows. Replace any that are cracked, compressed, or missing.
• Clean chimney and inspect flue — If you use a fireplace, annual cleaning prevents chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Test smoke and CO detectors — Replace batteries and test every unit. Replace detectors older than 10 years.

Winter

Winter is about monitoring and handling what you can while systems are under stress.

• Check attic insulation — Look for ice dams, which signal heat escaping through the roof. Add insulation if needed.
• Monitor for frozen pipes — Keep interior temps above 55°F, even in unused rooms. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
• Inspect for drafts — Hold a candle near windows and doors. Visible flickering means you're losing heated air.
• Plan spring projects — Use winter to research contractors, compare quotes, and schedule early before the spring rush.

The Pattern

Most homeowners spend 1-3% of their home's value annually on maintenance. The difference between spending that money proactively versus reactively is roughly $1,800/year in avoidable costs — plus the stress of dealing with emergencies.

The hardest part isn't doing the work. It's remembering what needs to be done, when, and how. That's exactly what Kept is built to solve.