Monthly:

• Vacuum/clean the stairs.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter.
• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• Check the fire extinguisher gauge and expiration date.
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
• Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.

Fall:

• Rake the leaves.
• Aerate and fertilize the lawn.
• Have the forced-air heating system inspected.
• Have your fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
• Replace old, drafty windows.
• Touch up paint exterior siding and trim.
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.
• Pressure wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
• Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
• Check the water heater for leaks.

Winter:

• Cover the air-conditioning unit.
• Check the basement for leaks during thaws.
• Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
• Monitor roof vents for freezing over.
• Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
• Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt.

Spring:

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Check the attic for leaks.
• Change the air conditioner filter.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Make sure windows and door seals and operate properly.
• Refinish the deck.
• Pressure wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure gutters discharge water away from the house.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
• Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
• Service air-conditioning system.
• Drain or flush the water heater.
• Fertilize your lawn.
• Prune trees and shrubs
• Check that the sump pumps are working.

Summer:

• Regularly mow and edge the lawn.
• Water lawn and plants as needed.
• Oil garage door, opener, chain, and hinges
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
• Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.

Other tasks that need attention as needed throughout the year:

• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.
• Clean sink, tub, shower, and dishwasher drains.
• Check toilet supply/shut-off valves.
• Remove mineral deposits from faucet aerators and showerheads.
• Dust furniture and light fixtures.
• Appliance maintenance or repairs.
• Repair kitchen or bathroom plumbing leaks.
• Replace washers in interior/exterior faucets and showerhead.
• Make sure water drains away from the house.
• Check the sidewalks for no tripping hazards.
• Monitor for bugs and pests such as mice, set traps, or contact a professional.