Home Maintenance Checklist

Inspect the air handler filter monthly and replace it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it is visibly clogged.

Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet and AFCI breaker and confirm they trip and reset correctly.

Remove and rinse the dishwasher bottom filter and clear food from the spray-arm jets so dishes come out clean.

Clear disposal odor and buildup by grinding ice and citrus, and check for leaks and foreign objects.

Press and hold the TEST button on every smoke alarm to confirm the horn sounds and the unit is powered.

Press the TEST button on every CO alarm to confirm it is powered and the horn sounds.

Confirm each extinguisher is in its place, accessible, fully charged, and undamaged, and check the pressure gauge.

Confirm the door reverses when it meets resistance and when the photo-eye beam is broken.

Peel the lint off the screen before each drying cycle and deep-clean it monthly to restore airflow.

Walk the perimeter and use binoculars to scan the roof surface for missing, cracked, curled, or visibly displaced shingles.

Clear accumulated leaves, twigs, and granular debris from gutters and flush downspouts so water flows freely.

Verify downspout extensions or splash blocks direct water at least 3–4 feet from the foundation and that the soil slopes away.

Scan top-floor ceilings, exterior walls, and the area around chimneys for stains, bubbling, or musty odor.

With the attic light off on a sunny day, scan the roof deck for pinpoints of daylight that indicate missing shingles, gaps, or nail pops.

Inspect the air handler filter monthly and replace it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it is visibly clogged.

Clear debris from around the outdoor AC or heat-pump condenser and check the fins for bending or dirt buildup.

Have a licensed HVAC technician inspect and tune the air conditioner or heat pump before the cooling season.

Combine the spring cooling check and fall heating check into a biannual maintenance contract for both seasons.

Inspect the base and back of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets for water stains, dampness, or warped wood.

Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank and check the bowl after 10 minutes for a flapper leak.

Pour water into the sump pit and confirm the pump starts, empties the pit, and the discharge line flows freely.

Note any breaker that trips more than once and identify what is on that circuit rather than resetting it repeatedly.

Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet and AFCI breaker and confirm they trip and reset correctly.

Confirm exterior and garage outlets have in-use weatherproof covers and that GFCI protection works.

Vacuum or brush the dust from the condenser coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to restore cooling efficiency.

Remove and rinse the dishwasher bottom filter and clear food from the spray-arm jets so dishes come out clean.

Remove the mesh or baffle filter above the range and degrease it so the fan can capture cooking grease effectively.

Clear disposal odor and buildup by grinding ice and citrus, and check for leaks and foreign objects.

Swap the refrigerator water filter and any undersink or whole-house cartridges at the interval set by the maker.

Remove the fan grille, vacuum dust from the housing and wheel, and confirm the damper and duct are venting outside.

Look for water, odor, or a spongy floor at the toilet base that signals a failed wax ring seal.

Walk the exterior and check vinyl, wood, stucco, or fiber-cement siding for cracks, loose panels, and peeling paint.

Walk the yard after rain and confirm the ground slopes away from the foundation on all sides with no pooling.

Scan exposed foundation walls for new or widening cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, and signs of settlement.

Change the oil, replace the spark plug and air filter, sharpen the blade, and stabilize fuel for mowers and trimmers.

Probe decking, posts, railings, and the house-ledger connection for soft rot and check that railings are solid.

Slowly re-pressurize the system, check each zone for broken heads and overspray, and adjust the controller for the season.

Press and hold the TEST button on every smoke alarm to confirm the horn sounds and the unit is powered.

Press the TEST button on every CO alarm to confirm it is powered and the horn sounds.

Confirm each extinguisher is in its place, accessible, fully charged, and undamaged, and check the pressure gauge.

Have a certified technician perform the annual maintenance inspection required by NFPA 10 for each extinguisher.

Test interior and exterior stair handrails and deck guardrails for solid anchoring and correct height.

Check screens for holes, tears, and loose spline, and repair or rescreen so they keep insects out when windows are open.

Open and close each operable window and confirm the latch engages and the sash stays put at any open position.

Disconnect the opener, manually lift the door halfway, and confirm it stays put; lubricate rollers and hinges.

Confirm the door reverses when it meets resistance and when the photo-eye beam is broken.

Apply a light lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener drive to reduce wear and noise.

Peel the lint off the screen before each drying cycle and deep-clean it monthly to restore airflow.

Have a professional clean the full dryer exhaust duct from the dryer to the exterior wall cap once a year.

Inspect the air handler filter monthly and replace it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it is visibly clogged.

Confirm the indoor coil condensate drain is flowing freely and the pan is not overflowing or backed up.

Inspect the base and back of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets for water stains, dampness, or warped wood.

Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank and check the bowl after 10 minutes for a flapper leak.

Note any breaker that trips more than once and identify what is on that circuit rather than resetting it repeatedly.

Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet and AFCI breaker and confirm they trip and reset correctly.

Vacuum or brush the dust from the condenser coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to restore cooling efficiency.

Remove and rinse the dishwasher bottom filter and clear food from the spray-arm jets so dishes come out clean.

Remove the mesh or baffle filter above the range and degrease it so the fan can capture cooking grease effectively.

Clear disposal odor and buildup by grinding ice and citrus, and check for leaks and foreign objects.

Swap the refrigerator water filter and any undersink or whole-house cartridges at the interval set by the maker.

Press and hold the TEST button on every smoke alarm to confirm the horn sounds and the unit is powered.

Press the TEST button on every CO alarm to confirm it is powered and the horn sounds.

Confirm each extinguisher is in its place, accessible, fully charged, and undamaged, and check the pressure gauge.

Confirm the door reverses when it meets resistance and when the photo-eye beam is broken.

Apply a light lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener drive to reduce wear and noise.

Peel the lint off the screen before each drying cycle and deep-clean it monthly to restore airflow.

Walk the perimeter and use binoculars to scan the roof surface for missing, cracked, curled, or visibly displaced shingles.

Clear accumulated leaves, twigs, and granular debris from gutters and flush downspouts so water flows freely.

Scan chimney flashing, plumbing vent boots, and roof valleys for lifted, rusted, or missing metal sealant.

Inspect the underside of the roof deck and rafters for water stains, damp insulation, or mold growth.

Confirm insulation is evenly spread to the recommended depth and has not been compressed, scattered, or displaced by pests or work.

Confirm continuous soffit or eave vents are clear of insulation, dust, and bird nests so attic intake airflow is unobstructed.

Check that the attic access is weatherstripped, insulated, and closes tightly to stop conditioned air from escaping.

With the attic light off on a sunny day, scan the roof deck for pinpoints of daylight that indicate missing shingles, gaps, or nail pops.

Inspect the air handler filter monthly and replace it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it is visibly clogged.

Have a licensed HVAC technician inspect, clean, and test the furnace or heat pump before the heating season.

Combine the spring cooling check and fall heating check into a biannual maintenance contract for both seasons.

Inspect the base and back of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets for water stains, dampness, or warped wood.

Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank and check the bowl after 10 minutes for a flapper leak.

Check the water heater tank base, connections, and relief valve for water, rust, or soot around the burner.

Check the braided and rubber supply hoses behind the washer and dishwasher for bulging, cracking, or leaking connections.

Disconnect hoses, shut off interior supply valves, and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze.

Walk the home and check appliance, lamp, and extension cords for cuts, kinks, heat damage, and loose plugs.

Feel outlets and switch plates for warmth and look for discoloration, buzzing, or a burning-plastic odor.

Note any breaker that trips more than once and identify what is on that circuit rather than resetting it repeatedly.

Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet and AFCI breaker and confirm they trip and reset correctly.

Look for extension cords used as permanent wiring, daisy-chained strips, or cords run under rugs.

Vacuum or brush the dust from the condenser coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to restore cooling efficiency.

Remove and rinse the dishwasher bottom filter and clear food from the spray-arm jets so dishes come out clean.

Remove the mesh or baffle filter above the range and degrease it so the fan can capture cooking grease effectively.

Clear disposal odor and buildup by grinding ice and citrus, and check for leaks and foreign objects.

Swap the refrigerator water filter and any undersink or whole-house cartridges at the interval set by the maker.

Remove the fan grille, vacuum dust from the housing and wheel, and confirm the damper and duct are venting outside.

Check the caulk joint where the tub or shower base meets the wall and floor for gaps, mildew, and peeling.

Inspect shower wall and floor grout lines for crumbling, cracks, and missing sections that let water reach the substrate.

Look for water, odor, or a spongy floor at the toilet base that signals a failed wax ring seal.

Scan exposed foundation walls for new or widening cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, and signs of settlement.

Change the oil, replace the spark plug and air filter, sharpen the blade, and stabilize fuel for mowers and trimmers.

Identify limbs overhanging the roof or within 10 feet of service lines and arrange pruning to prevent damage.

Wipe down, dry, and cover or store patio furniture and cushions to prevent rust, mildew, and fabric fading.

Press and hold the TEST button on every smoke alarm to confirm the horn sounds and the unit is powered.

Install fresh batteries in all battery-operated smoke alarms once a year, unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery.

Check the manufacture date stamped on each smoke alarm and replace any unit that is 10 years old or has no date.

Press the TEST button on every CO alarm to confirm it is powered and the horn sounds.

Check the replacement date on each CO alarm and replace any unit that is past it, per the manufacturer instructions.

Confirm each extinguisher is in its place, accessible, fully charged, and undamaged, and check the pressure gauge.

Identify and tag the main water, gas, and electrical shutoffs and confirm every adult in the home can reach them.

Test interior and exterior stair handrails and deck guardrails for solid anchoring and correct height.

Verify entry, pathway, and stair lights work and aim downward to illuminate walkways and deter intruders.

Inspect the weatherstripping around exterior doors and operable windows for gaps, compression, and air leaks.

Check the caulk joints where window and door frames meet the siding for gaps, cracks, and adhesion failure.

Inspect the sweep at the bottom of exterior doors and the threshold beneath for wear, gaps, and pest entry.

Disconnect the opener, manually lift the door halfway, and confirm it stays put; lubricate rollers and hinges.

Confirm the door reverses when it meets resistance and when the photo-eye beam is broken.

Apply a light lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener drive to reduce wear and noise.

Peel the lint off the screen before each drying cycle and deep-clean it monthly to restore airflow.

Check the washer supply hoses for bulging and cracks and confirm the machine is level and not walking.

Scan top-floor ceilings, exterior walls, and the area around chimneys for stains, bubbling, or musty odor.

Look for frost, drips, or moisture on roof sheathing and nails that indicates poor ventilation or excess indoor humidity.

Inspect the air handler filter monthly and replace it at least every 3 months, or sooner if it is visibly clogged.

Inspect the base and back of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets for water stains, dampness, or warped wood.

Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank and check the bowl after 10 minutes for a flapper leak.

Note any breaker that trips more than once and identify what is on that circuit rather than resetting it repeatedly.

Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet and AFCI breaker and confirm they trip and reset correctly.

Vacuum or brush the dust from the condenser coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to restore cooling efficiency.

Remove and rinse the dishwasher bottom filter and clear food from the spray-arm jets so dishes come out clean.

Remove the mesh or baffle filter above the range and degrease it so the fan can capture cooking grease effectively.

Clear disposal odor and buildup by grinding ice and citrus, and check for leaks and foreign objects.

Swap the refrigerator water filter and any undersink or whole-house cartridges at the interval set by the maker.

Press and hold the TEST button on every smoke alarm to confirm the horn sounds and the unit is powered.

Press the TEST button on every CO alarm to confirm it is powered and the horn sounds.

Confirm each extinguisher is in its place, accessible, fully charged, and undamaged, and check the pressure gauge.

Confirm the generator will always run outdoors at least 20 feet from the home, never indoors or near windows, with working CO alarms.

Confirm the door reverses when it meets resistance and when the photo-eye beam is broken.

Apply a light lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener drive to reduce wear and noise.

Peel the lint off the screen before each drying cycle and deep-clean it monthly to restore airflow.