Monthly Checklists To Stay On Top Of Home Maintenance Tasks

My wife and I bought a new home in August. When you buy a new home, sometimes you don’t stop to think about all the house related work you’re going to need to do.

You have to make sure there is always salt in the water softener, change the furnace filters, turn the outside water spigots off in the fall, turn them back on in the spring, clean the air intakes, check the gutters, etc.

I’ve found that it can be a bit exhausting trying to remember all of these things. By the time you do remember them it can be 2 months down the line, and your outside spigot has frozen.

At our old townhouse I once forgot to add salt to our water softener for so long that it ended up causing problems with the entire system!

In order to make sure that your home stays in top shape, it helps to have a home maintenance task checklist.

Monthly Checklists Of Home Maintenance Activities

I recently found a website that has been very helpful to me in helping me to remember when I need to do certain home upkeep tasks.

The site gives task lists of maintenance tasks you should be doing every couple of months. Here’s a look at some of the things you should be doing to keep up your home.

January/February
1. Clean or replace furnace filter.
2. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Clean snow from air intakes, exhausts and meters.
4. Clean range hood filter.
5. Remove excess snow from roof to prevent ice dams.
6. Clean and check sump pump and pit.
7. Inspect pressure and temperature valve on water heater (recommendations and safety needs).
8. Clean faucet aerators and turn on infrequently used faucets and put water in floor drains to maintain the trap’s water barrier
9. Observe humidity levels and adjust the setting on the humidistat or air exchanger controller as needed to eliminate condensation or frost on windows.

March/April

1. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Clean or replace furnace filter.
3. Clean snow from air intakes, exhausts and meters.
4. Remove excess snow from roof to prevent ice dams.
5. Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed.
6. Inspect basement/crawl space for seepage/leakage.
7. Do safety checks: smoke detectors, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide alarms, door and window locks.
8. Check and repair any damaged screens.
9. Adjust thermostat for season change.
10. Observe humidity levels and adjust the setting on the humidistat or air exchanger controller as needed to eliminate condensation or frost on windows.

May/June

1. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Clear air intakes, exhaust and meters of debris, nests, etc.
3. Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed.
4. Be sure to check settling after spring thaw.
5. Open outside hose connection.
6. Check and clean central air conditioning system.
7. Check landscaping sprinklers to ensure proper alignment (do not let them soak your siding or foundation).
8. Replace air conditioning or furnace filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Clean A/C condenser. (Here’s how you can clean the AC condenser yourself!)
10. Inspect pressure and temperature valve on water heater.
11. Maintain proper grades for drainage throughout the property.
12. Inspect roof for damage and make repairs when necessary.

July/August

1. Clear air intakes, exhaust and meters of debris, nests, etc.
2. Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed.
3. Check exterior finishes for moisture damage.
4. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Air out damp basements on dry days or use dehumidifier.
6. Have furnace (heating system) serviced.
7. Check hot water heater for mineral buildup, drain, refill.
8. Check and repair interior caulking and grout on tile in showers and baths.
9. Check and repair all cracked, separated or missing exterior caulking and weather stripping, especially around windows and entry doors. Use ASTM C-920 sealant.
10. Seal coat and repair asphalt driveway as needed.
11. Replace air filters monthly when air conditioning or as recommended by the manufacturer.
12. Clean A/C condenser.

September/October

1. Check fireplace and chimney, service or clean if needed.
2. Clean range hood filter.
3. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Clear air intakes, exhaust and meters of debris, nests, etc.
5. Do safety checks: smoke detectors, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide alarms, door and window locks.
6. Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed.
7. Check roofing and flashing and repair signs of wear or damage.
8. Check roof vents/soffit vents.
9. Drain and close outside hose connection.
10. Winterize landscaping and blow out irrigation system.
11. Inspect pressure and temperature valve on water heater.
12. Maintain proper grades for drainage throughout the property.
13. Adjust thermostat for season change.
14. Check humidity levels to prevent excessive moisture.
15. Clean dryer vent.
16. Check garage floor for cracks – seal & caulk.

November/December

1. Clean or replace furnace filter.
2. Check and clean mechanical ventilation system (HRV/ERV). Check your manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Check exhaust fans.
4. Clear air intakes, exhausts and meters of snow, debris, etc.
5. Remove excess snow from roof to prevent ice dams.
6. Check adjustment of door thresholds.
7. Observe humidity levels and adjust the setting on the humidistat or air exchanger controller as needed to eliminate condensation or frost on windows.

Doing Your Own Home Maintenance Tasks Can Save You Money

Doing your own home maintenance tasks is a good way to learn more about how your home works, and save money in the process.

While you may not always be able to do everything on your own, you can at least take care of a lot of the small things, and in the process ensure that your home stays happy, healthy and functional for your family.

Have your own home maintenance tasks that you do that we missed here?  Tell us what they are in the comments!