Home Maintenance Guides
Step-by-step instructions for taking care of your home. Everything from flushing a water heater to cleaning a dryer vent.
HVAC & Air Quality
Replace HVAC air filter
Swap out your furnace or air handler filter to maintain airflow and air quality.
Read guide →Schedule AC tune-up
Have a technician service your central air conditioning before cooling season.
Read guide →Schedule heating system tune-up
Have a technician inspect and service your furnace or heat pump before heating season.
Read guide →Clean mini-split filters
Remove and rinse the reusable filters in each indoor mini-split head unit.
Read guide →Replace whole-home humidifier evaporator pad
Swap the water panel or evaporator pad in your whole-home humidifier each fall.
Read guide →Check ERV/HRV filters
Inspect and clean the filters in your energy or heat recovery ventilator.
Read guide →Replace UV air purifier bulb
Swap the UV-C lamp in your in-duct air purification system annually.
Read guide →Replace thermostat batteries
Swap the AA or AAA batteries in your non-smart thermostat before they die.
Read guide →Clean bathroom exhaust fans
Remove lint and dust buildup from bathroom exhaust fan grills and blades.
Read guide →Plumbing & Water
Flush water heater
Drain a few gallons from the bottom of your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
Read guide →Test water heater pressure relief valve
Briefly lift the PRV lever to confirm the safety valve operates correctly.
Read guide →Inspect water heater anode rod
Check and replace the sacrificial anode rod that protects your water heater tank from corrosion.
Read guide →Flush tankless water heater
Descale the heat exchanger in your tankless water heater using white vinegar or a descaler solution.
Read guide →Replace whole-house water filter cartridge
Swap the sediment or carbon filter cartridge in your whole-home water filtration system.
Read guide →Refill water softener salt
Check the salt level in your water softener brine tank and refill as needed.
Read guide →Test sump pump
Pour water into the sump pit to confirm the float switch triggers and the pump evacuates water.
Read guide →Test well water quality
Send a water sample to a certified lab to test for bacteria, nitrates, and common contaminants.
Read guide →Have septic tank inspected and pumped
Schedule a professional septic pump-out to remove accumulated solids.
Read guide →Inspect toilet supply lines
Check the braided stainless supply lines at each toilet for bulging, cracking, or corrosion.
Read guide →Inspect washing machine hoses
Check the water supply hoses at the back of your washer for bulging, cracking, or wet spots.
Read guide →Safety & Electrical
Test smoke detectors
Press and hold the test button on each smoke detector to verify the alarm sounds.
Read guide →Replace smoke detector batteries
Swap out the 9V or AA batteries in all battery-powered smoke detectors.
Read guide →Replace smoke detectors (10-year lifespan)
Replace all smoke detectors when they reach 10 years of age.
Read guide →Test carbon monoxide detectors
Press the test button on each CO detector to confirm the alarm and battery are functional.
Read guide →Test GFCI outlets
Press the Test and Reset buttons on all GFCI outlets to verify they're working.
Read guide →Inspect fire extinguisher
Check that your fire extinguisher is charged, accessible, and within its inspection date.
Read guide →Lead paint hazard awareness check
Review your home for deteriorating paint and take precautions before any renovation in a pre-1978 home.
Read guide →Replace smart lock and doorbell batteries
Check and replace batteries in smart locks, video doorbells, and other battery-powered smart devices.
Read guide →Kitchen Appliances
Clean dishwasher filter
Remove and rinse the dishwasher's bottom filter assembly to clear food debris.
Read guide →Clean refrigerator condenser coils
Vacuum dust from the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator.
Read guide →Replace refrigerator water filter
Swap the inline water filter for your refrigerator's ice maker and water dispenser.
Read guide →Clean over-range microwave grease filter
Remove and wash the aluminum mesh grease filter underneath your over-range microwave.
Read guide →Clean garbage disposal
Deodorize and clean your garbage disposal with ice, salt, and citrus peels.
Read guide →Check gas range connections for leaks
Apply soapy water to the gas connections at the back of your range and check for bubbles.
Read guide →Laundry
Clean dryer lint trap
Remove and clear lint from the dryer's lint screen after every load.
Read guide →Clean dryer vent duct
Remove lint buildup from the full length of your dryer exhaust duct to the exterior.
Read guide →Run washing machine drum cleaning cycle
Run a hot cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet to remove detergent residue and mildew.
Read guide →Clean front-load washer door gasket
Wipe the rubber door seal on your front-load washer to prevent mold and mildew.
Read guide →Exterior & Structure
Clean gutters
Clear leaves, debris, and granules from all gutters and flush downspouts.
Read guide →Inspect roof for damage
Walk the perimeter and use binoculars to look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
Read guide →Clean and inspect skylights
Clean skylight glass and inspect the seals and flashing for signs of leakage.
Read guide →Inspect and recaulk windows and exterior doors
Check exterior caulk around window frames and door frames, and reapply where cracked or missing.
Read guide →Inspect foundation for cracks
Walk the exterior and interior basement perimeter to look for new or widening cracks.
Read guide →Inspect deck for rot and loose fasteners
Probe deck boards, posts, and ledger board for soft spots and check fasteners for corrosion.
Read guide →Restain or reseal wood deck
Apply a penetrating water repellent or stain to your wood deck to protect against moisture and UV damage.
Read guide →Garage
Fireplace & Chimney
Lawn & Outdoor
Apply exterior pest barrier treatment
Treat the perimeter of your home with a residual insecticide to prevent ants, spiders, and roaches from entering.
Read guide →Service lawn mower
Sharpen the blade, change the oil, and replace the air filter and spark plug each spring.
Read guide →Winterize irrigation system
Blow out or drain all water from your sprinkler system before the first hard freeze.
Read guide →Start up and inspect irrigation system
Reactivate your irrigation system and check each zone for proper coverage and broken heads.
Read guide →Pool & Hot Tub
Open pool for season
Remove the winter cover, reconnect equipment, and balance the water chemistry for swim season.
Read guide →Close pool for winter
Balance chemistry, blow out lines, and cover the pool before the first freeze.
Read guide →Drain and refill hot tub
Drain, clean, and refill the hot tub to refresh the water and prevent chemical buildup.
Read guide →Generator
Solar Panels
Oil & Propane
Central Vacuum
Administrative
Review homeowner's insurance policy
Review your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions annually and update after major improvements.
Read guide →Update home inventory for insurance
Photograph and document your valuable possessions and major appliances for insurance claims.
Read guide →Document repairs and improvements
Log completed repairs, contractor invoices, and home improvements for your home value record.
Read guide →