The Ultimate Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

So you just bought a home and you may be thinking to yourself, "Well now what? How do I properly take care of my investment?"

Well Inspector Johnny is here to help by providing this seasonal, step by step maintenance checklist to help you keep your home safe, efficient, and problem-free year round. This will cover what to do, why it matters, tools you’ll need, and when to call a pro.

How to Use This Guide

• Time it: Block 2–4 hours per season. Big items (chimney, HVAC, dryer vent) may require a pro.

• Safety first: De-energize circuits, shut off gas/water where applicable, use stabilized ladders, PPE (gloves, safety glasses, N95 for dust), and never work alone on ladders or roofs.

• Know your limits: If anything feels risky or unfamiliar, hire it out. A small service call is cheaper than a hospital visit or a major repair.

Fall Home Maintenance (Step-by-Step)

1) Check your home for water leaks

Why: Leaks lead to mold, rot, and high bills.

Steps:

1. Meter test: Turn off all fixtures. Note the water meter. If it moves over 30–60 minutes, you likely have a hidden leak.

2. Visual sweep: Inspect under sinks, around toilets, at water heater base, and beneath refrigerator/ice maker. Look for stains, soft flooring, or bubbling paint.

3. Exterior & roof: Scan hose bibs, irrigation valves, and roof penetrations (plumbing vents, chimneys).

4. Action: Tighten connections, replace worn supply lines, and re-caulk as needed. Call a plumber if the meter indicates a continuous, unexplained flow.

2) Have your heating system serviced

Why: Efficiency, safety (CO risks), and reliability.

Steps:

• Replace/clean filters.

• Vacuum floor registers/returns.

• Clear 3 feet around the furnace. Steps (Pro tech):

• Combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, flame sensor cleaning, draft/CO testing.

3) Protect your home from frozen pipes

Steps:

1. Insulate: Add foam sleeves to pipes in unconditioned spaces (crawlspace, garage, attic).

2. Disconnect hoses: Drain and cap exterior hose bibs; install frost-proof spigots if needed.

3. Heat tape (as needed): For vulnerable runs; follow manufacturer specs and GFCI protection.

4. Thermostat: Keep home at ≥55°F when away.

5. Shutoff practice: Know main water shutoff location and test it annually.

4) Test your emergency generator

Steps:

1. Move unit outdoors (never in garage); check oil & air filter.

2. Add fresh fuel + stabilizer.

3. Start, warm up, then load test: plug in a lamp/heater (portable) or use transfer switch (standby).

4. Let it run 15–20 minutes; verify voltage/frequency.

5. Log run time and schedule quarterly exercise.

5) Chimney sweep & damper check

Steps:

1. Hire a certified chimney sweep for inspection/cleaning (creosote removal, flue integrity).

2. Test the damper for smooth operation and full closure.

3. Install spark arrestor and cap if missing.

4. Fireplace safety: Keep 36" clearance from combustibles; store ashes in a metal container outdoors.

6) Remove bird nests from flues & outdoor fixtures

Steps:

1. Confirm inactive nests (follow local wildlife rules).

2. Wear PPE; gently remove nesting material.

3. Install pest screens/guards rated for the appliance (never block dryer/combustion exhaust).

4. Replace cracked exterior light gaskets to keep insects out.

7) Clean and service smoke/CO alarms

Steps:

1. Vacuum dust from covers.

2. Replace batteries (if replaceable) and test all alarms.

3. Age out: Smoke detectors ~10 years, CO detectors ~5–7 years. Replace if older.

4. Ensure one smoke alarm per bedroom, in hallways, and on each level; CO alarms outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances.

8) Blow out your lawn irrigation system

Steps:

1. Shut irrigation water & controller.

2. Attach compressor at blow-out port; limit to 40–60 PSI (per system spec).

3. Open each zone until mist stops, then move to next.

4. Drain backflow preventer; leave valves half-open for winter.

9) Improve weatherstripping and window/door caulk

Steps:

1. Close a door on a sheet of paper—if it slides out easily, weatherstripping is weak.

2. Replace worn door sweeps and compression seals.

3. Scrape loose exterior caulk; apply high-quality paintable exterior sealant.

4. Repaint or seal bare wood.

10) Re-caulk bathroom fixtures

Steps:

1. Remove old caulk with a plastic scraper and caulk remover.

2. Clean with isopropyl alcohol; let dry.

3. Apply 100% silicone at tub/shower perimeters; tool smooth; cure 24 hours.

4. Re-check after first week; touch up as needed.

11) Run gas-powered lawn equipment dry

Steps:

1. Add stabilizer, run engine 10 minutes.

2. Shut fuel valve and run until stall to empty carb.

3. Change oil, fog cylinders (per manual), clean air filter.

Summer Home Maintenance (Step-by-Step)

1) Inspect your roof for damage

Steps:

1. From the ground with binoculars, check for lifted/missing shingles, cracked tiles, or loose flashing.

2. Look for hail bruising, granule loss, and corrosion on metal.

3. In the attic, check for stains or daylight at penetrations.

4. Call a qualified roofer for unsafe slopes or confirmed damage.

2) Check fascia and trim for deterioration

Steps:

1. Probe suspect wood with an awl; soft = rot.

2. Scrape, prime, and repaint minor areas; replace rotted boards.

3. Reseal joints and end-grain with exterior sealant.

4. Make sure gutters are tight and pitched to downspouts.

3) Professional A/C service (plus DIY tune-up)

Professional Checks: Refrigerant pressures, superheat/subcool, electrical checks, condensate safety switch.

Homeowner Steps:

• Cut power; clear vegetation 2–3 feet around condenser.

• Gently hose fins from inside out; do not pressure-wash.

• Replace return filters; flush condensate line with warm water + a small amount of vinegar.

4) Inspect your water heater

Steps:

1. Check for rust, leaks, and scorch marks.

2. Test TPR valve (careful—hot water discharges).

3. Drain a few gallons to remove sediment (tank type).

4. Set temperature to 120°F.

5. Consider a pan and drain line if unit is on a finished floor.

5) Re-check your home for water leaks

Repeat the Fall method—summer irrigation and A/C condensate lines often expose new issues.

6) Replace damaged extension cords

Rules of thumb:

• If brittle, cracked, or warm to the touch—discard.

• Use outdoor-rated cords outside; match amp load; avoid daisy-chains; plug high-draw tools directly into outlets.

7) Inspect your fire extinguishers

Steps:

1. Verify gauge is in the green.

2. Confirm the date (replace/servicing at 10–12 years for many consumer units).

3. Keep an ABC extinguisher on each level + garage + kitchen (kitchen Class K if cooking with oil).

4. Review PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) with family.

Spring Home Maintenance (Step-by-Step)

1) Inspect backyard play equipment

Steps:

1. Tighten all bolts; replace missing caps.

2. Smooth splinters; seal exposed wood.

3. Verify anchors are secure; ensure shock-absorbing surfacing is deep enough (typically 9–12" mulch or rubber per mfr. guidance).

4. Eliminate head/neck entrapment gaps (3.5–9" risk zone).

2) Inspect wood decks and concrete patios

Deck steps:

1. Check ledger flashing against the house—most critical failure point.

2. Verify post connections, guard/handrail tightness, and fastener corrosion.

3. Probe joists/boards for rot; re-seal or replace as needed.Patio steps:

4. Mark trip hazards; repair spalling/cracks; re-caulk expansion joints.

3) Verify stairway nightlights

Steps:

1. Test top/bottom nightlights; replace bulbs/LED modules.

2. Add plug-in nightlights near stairs and hallways; test GFCI where applicable.

4) Inspect exterior siding

Steps:

1. Look for cracks, warping, or open joints.

2. Re-caulk penetrations (lights, vents, meters).

3. Touch up paint; maintain clearances above grade.

5) Test all window and door locks

Steps:

1. Lube latches/hinges with silicone.

2. Adjust strike plates; replace worn hardware.

3. Add secondary locks where needed.

6) Inspect appliance water hoses

Steps:

1. Turn off supply valves; inspect washer, fridge/ice maker, and dishwasher hoses for bulges/cracks.

2. Replace with braided stainless lines every 5–7 years.

3. Confirm shutoffs don’t leak and fully close.

7) Create & practice a home emergency escape plan

Steps:

1. Map two exits per bedroom.

2. Assign a family meeting point outside.

3. Practice daytime and nighttime drills.

4. Teach older children how to open egress windows.

Winter Home Maintenance (Step-by-Step)

1) Clean gutters and downspouts

Steps:

1. Stabilize ladder; wear gloves and eye protection.

2. Scoop debris; flush downspouts with a garden hose.

3. Install strainers or guards; confirm downspout discharge 6–10 feet away from the foundation.

2) Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house

Why: Reduces termite/rodent risk and moisture near the foundation.

3) Replace window screens with storm windows (where used)

Steps:

1. Clean tracks; inspect weatherstripping.

2. Install storm panels; ensure weep holes are open.

3. Consider interior film for drafty windows if storms aren’t available.

4) Locate and understand gas shutoff valves

Steps:

1. Find the main (usually at meter) and each appliance valve.

2. Practice quarter-turn operation (inline = on; cross-line = off).

3. If you smell gas: leave immediately and call your utility—do not operate switches.

5) Clean the dryer exhaust system

Steps:

1. Unplug dryer; pull it out.

2. Disconnect duct; remove lint from duct and wall cap; verify exterior damper opens freely.

3. Vacuum under/behind the dryer.

4. Reconnect with smooth metal duct (no foil/plastic).

6) Inspect electrical holiday decorations

Steps:

1. Discard frayed cords; ensure tight, dry connections.

2. Use outdoor-rated cords/strands outside and GFCI-protected outlets.

3. Avoid overloading circuits; follow watt/amp limits.

7) Clean kitchen exhaust hood & filter

Steps:

1. Remove metal filters; soak in hot water + degreaser; rinse and dry.

2. Wipe the hood interior; check fan operation and ducting.

3. Replace charcoal filters (ductless systems) as specified.

8) Test all GFCI devices

Steps:

1. Press TEST; verify power cuts off.

2. Press RESET; verify power returns.

3. Replace any device that fails to trip/reset or is warm to the touch.

Annual Pro Tip: Schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection

A yearly maintenance inspection by an InterNACHI® inspector catches small issues before they become big ones and gives you a prioritized action plan for the next 12 months. If you’re in Joplin and the greater southwest Missouri area, I’m happy to help—book your maintenance inspection and we’ll tailor this checklist to your specific home and budget needs.

Tools & Supplies (Starter List)

• Ladder, gloves, eye/ear protection, dust mask or N95

• Screwdrivers, nut drivers, adjustable wrench, utility knife

• Silicone and paintable exterior caulk + caulk gun

• Exterior sealant/paint, wood filler/epoxy (for trim)

• Silicone spray lubricant

• Binoculars (roof scan), flashlight, non-contact voltage tester

• Hose, nozzle, gutter scoop, 5-gal buckets, shop vacuum

• Replacement filters (HVAC, hood, water), braided stainless supply lines

• Fire extinguisher(s), smoke/CO alarms as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

At least annually for most homes; more often for large families or long duct runs. Lint is a common fire starter.

Do I really need pro HVAC service if I change filters?

Yes. Combustion testing, heat exchanger inspection, electrical checks, and refrigerant diagnostics require a trained tech with instruments.

What temperature should my water heater be set to?

Generally 120°F for safety and energy efficiency. Higher temps increase scald risk and energy costs.

Can I blow out irrigation lines without a compressor?

You can drain some water by gravity, but residual water will freeze. Compressed-air blowout is the reliable method (observe system PSI limits).

Final Word

Homeowners who follow this seasonal cadence avoid emergencies, protect property value, and lower utility costs. Use this guide to stay ahead—and if you want a pro to walk it with you, schedule an annual home maintenance inspection and I’ll build you a customized punch-list, price out fixes, and connect you with trusted trades.