Spring home maintenance checklist

17 jobs, timed for mild winters. Tick them off as you go.

1. March

   • Check that downspouts drain away from the houseIf you have: Gutters
   • Run the sump pump by pouring water into the pitIf you have: Sump pump
   • Look over the roof from the ground after winter
   • Check the grading so water runs away from the foundation

2. April

   • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
   • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
   • Book a heat pump service visitIf you have: Heat pump
   • Book an air conditioner check before the heatIf you have: Central AC
   • Check when the septic tank was last pumped; book it if dueIf you have: Septic tank
   • Have the well water testedIf you have: Well
   • Look over the well cap and the ground around itIf you have: Well
   • Clean the gutters and downspoutsIf you have: Gutters
   • Open the pool for the seasonIf you have: Pool
   • Turn on and check the sprinklersIf you have: Sprinklers

3. May

   • Rinse debris off the outdoor AC unitIf you have: Central AC
   • Walk the drain field for soggy spots or odorsIf you have: Septic tank
   • Look over the deck for loose boards; reseal if water soaks inIf you have: Deck

Lines marked "If you have" apply only to houses with that feature. The free planner on the home page drops them for you and saves a calendar file that repeats every year.