Yearly home maintenance checklist, month by month

45 jobs a year, timed for mild winters. Tick them off as you go.

1. January

   • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
   • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
   • Look under sinks for slow leaks

2. February

   • Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks
   • Trim branches back from the roof and siding

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. June

   • Clean the pool filterIf you have: Pool

7. July

   • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
   • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
   • Vacuum the refrigerator coils
   • Look under sinks for slow leaks

8. August

   • Clean the pool filterIf you have: Pool

9. September

   • Descale the tankless water heater (or book it)If you have: Tankless water heater
   • Walk the drain field for soggy spots or odorsIf you have: Septic tank
   • Book a chimney sweep and inspectionIf you have: Fireplace or wood stove
   • Run the sump pump by pouring water into the pitIf you have: Sump pump

10. October

    • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
    • Book a heating tune-up before the coldIf you have: Furnace
    • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
    • Flush sediment from the water heater (or book it)If you have: Tank water heater
    • Have the water heater's anode rod checkedIf you have: Tank water heater
    • Look over the well cap and the ground around itIf you have: Well
    • Close the pool for winterIf you have: Pool
    • Check window and door seals for drafts
    • Seal gaps where pests get in before cold nights

11. November

    • Clear leaves and snow away from the outdoor unitIf you have: Heat pump
    • Clean the gutters and downspoutsIf you have: Gutters
    • Shut off and drain the sprinklersIf you have: Sprinklers
    • Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets

"Add these to my calendar" opens the free planner with this already ticked. Tick the rest of your house there, and it saves one calendar file that repeats every year.