Home maintenance guides
Step-by-step guides for every task in the HouseByMonth calendar. Each one shows when to do the task in every U.S. climate zone, how to do it safely and when to call a professional.
Month by month
Seasonal checklists
Fall home maintenance checklist, by climateWhat to do around your home before winter, with the right months for each U.S. climate zone, from outdoor faucets and gutters to heating tune-ups.
Spring home maintenance checklist, by climateWhat to check around your home after winter, with the right months for each U.S. climate zone, from the roof and gutters to the AC tune-up and sump pump.
Task guides
How often to change your HVAC air filterCheck your HVAC filter every month and replace it when it's dirty, often every 60 to 90 days. Learn what speeds that up and how to swap a filter right.
How often to inspect and pump your septic tankThe EPA says to inspect a household septic system at least every three years; most tanks need pumping every three to five years. Here is how to plan it.
- How often to inspect your roof
Inspect your roof at least twice a year, in spring and fall, and after high winds. See the best month for your climate, warning signs and when to call a pro.
How to clean a dryer vent and when to do itClean the dryer lint filter every load and the vent duct on a regular schedule. Step-by-step cleaning, warning signs, and when to call a professional.
How to flush a tank water heaterFlush your tank water heater at least once a year to clear sediment. Safe step-by-step instructions for gas and electric models, plus when to call a plumber.
How to prevent frozen pipes, by climateProtect your pipes before the first hard freeze, keep them safe during cold snaps and thaw a frozen pipe without damage. Timing by U.S. climate zone.
How to test and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsTest smoke and CO alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year, and replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Here is the full maintenance routine.
- How to winterize your house, by climate
A fall checklist to winterize your house: outdoor faucets, pipe insulation, weatherstripping, heating tune-up and sprinklers, timed for your U.S. climate zone.
When to clean your gutters, by climateClean gutters in spring and again in late fall after the leaves drop. See the best months for your climate zone, warning signs and safe ladder steps.
When to get your chimney inspected and swept, by climateGet your chimney inspected once a year and swept when needed. See the best month for your climate zone, warning signs, and what a sweep should check.
When to schedule AC and furnace tune-upsBook an AC tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall, before each season starts. See the right months for your climate and what the visit covers.
When to winterize your sprinkler system, by climateWinterize your sprinkler system before the first hard freeze and restart it after the thaw. Timing by U.S. climate zone, safe blow-out pressures and steps.