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How often to replace household items

A searchable chart of how often to replace or clean 59 things around the house, from air filters to smoke alarms, each with its source. Where sources disagree, the range shows it. Your product's manual comes first.

By the Tagwell team · Last reviewed October 12, 2026

Air and HVAC

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
HVAC air filter (1-inch)Check it every month and write the install date on the frame.	Every 90 daysRange: 30-90 days	pets, smokers in the home, construction or sanding, fan set to run all the timeSigns: filter looks gray or clogged when you check it	Filtrete (3M), Homeowner manual, Heating and cooling maintenance checklist
HVAC media filter (4- to 5-inch)Write the date on the cabinet so next year's swap is easy to track.	Every 12 monthsRange: Up to 12 months	pets, smokers, construction or sanding, fan set to run all the timeSigns: media is dark gray; weaker airflow from vents	Filtrete (3M), AprilAire
Central AC or heat pump tune-up (cooling)Book it in early spring, before contractors get busy.	Every year, in springRange: Once a year	older system, uneven cooling, high billsSigns: weak cooling, unusual noises, rising energy bills	Heating and cooling maintenance checklist, Homeowner manual
Furnace or boiler tune-up (heating)Have heating equipment and chimneys checked by a pro before the first cold snap.	Every year, in fallRange: Once a year	older system, fuel-burning equipmentSigns: uneven heat, short cycling, unusual smells or noises	ENERGY STAR, U.S. Fire Administration
Chimney, fireplace and vent inspectionSchedule it in late summer or early fall, before you light the first fire.	Every yearRange: At least once a year	you burn wood oftenSigns: smoke backing into the room, debris in the firebox, damaged cap	Chimney Safety Institute of America, U.S. Fire Administration
Whole-house humidifier water panel (furnace-mounted)Swap it in early fall so you start the season with a clean panel.	Once per heating seasonRange: Once a season; some models every 3 months in season	hard water, heavy humidifier useSigns: warning light on the humidifier; panel crusted with minerals	Owner FAQs, When to change water panels
Portable humidifier wick filterBuy wicks in a multipack at the start of winter.	Every 30-60 daysRange: 30-60 days	hard water, running it all daySigns: wick is stiff, crusty or discolored; less mist	Honeywell
Portable humidifier tankEmpty and refill with fresh water daily, and scrub it every third day.	Every 3 daysRange: Refill daily; scrub every third day	anyone in the home has asthma or allergiesSigns: film, slime or scale in the tank; musty smell	EPA
Air purifier HEPA filterIntervals vary by brand, so check your model's manual.	Every 12 monthsRange: About 12 months; follow the filter light	heavy dust, pet dander or smokeSigns: filter indicator light; visibly dark filter	Honeywell
Air purifier carbon pre-filterWashable mesh pre-filters get cleaned on the same 3-month schedule.	Every 3 monthsRange: About 3 months	heavy dust, pet dander, smoke or cooking odorsSigns: pre-filter is gray or clogged; odors linger	Honeywell
Window AC filterRinse it, let it dry and slide it back in.	Every 30 daysRange: Monthly while in use	pets, dusty rooms, running it all daySigns: dust on the filter screen; weaker airflow	GE Appliances
Dehumidifier filter and bucketWash the bucket when you clean the filter to stop mold and mildew.	Every 2-3 weeksRange: Every 2-3 weeks, or 250 run hours on newer models	running it all the time, damp basementSigns: filter light is on; musty smell; slime in the bucket	GE Appliances, University of Georgia Extension
Ceiling fan bladesReverse the fan direction at the same time for the new season.	Twice a year (spring and fall)Range: Spring and fall	dusty rooms, petsSigns: dust lines on the blades	University of Georgia Extension
Vacuum filter (washable)Let it air-dry for at least 24 hours before putting it back.	Every monthRange: At least monthly	pets, heavy useSigns: weaker suction	Dyson

Water and filters

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Refrigerator water filterFlush a new filter as your manual directs before drinking from it.	Every 6 monthsRange: 6 months, or about 170-200 gallons	slow dispenser flow, high sedimentSigns: filter light is on; slow water flow; small ice cubes	Whirlpool, GE Appliances
Brita Standard pitcher filterSet the pitcher's indicator each time you change the filter.	Every 2 months (40 gallons)Range: 40 gallons, about 2 months	large household, heavy useSigns: filter indicator; slower flow; taste changes	Brita, Culligan
Brita Elite pitcher filterOlder pitchers may call this filter Longlast+; it has the same 120-gallon life.	Every 6 months (120 gallons)Range: 120 gallons, about 6 months	large household, heavy useSigns: filter indicator; slower flow	Brita
Faucet-mount water filterBrita rates its faucet filters at 100 gallons.	Every 3-4 monthsRange: 3-6 months	hard water, heavy useSigns: filter indicator light; slower flow	Brita, Culligan
Under-sink water filterCheck the gallon rating on your cartridge and set a reminder for whichever comes first.	Every 6 monthsRange: 4 months to 2 years, by model	hard water, high sediment, heavy useSigns: slower flow; taste or odor returns	Aquasana, Pentair
Reverse osmosis pre-filters (sediment and carbon)Change the pre-filters on time to protect the membrane.	Every 6-12 monthsRange: 6-18 months	high sediment, hard waterSigns: slower flow from the RO faucet; taste changes	Culligan, Pentair, Aquasana
Reverse osmosis membraneWrite the install date on the housing with a marker.	Every 2-3 yearsRange: 1-5 years, by brand and water quality	poor feed water, skipped pre-filter changesSigns: taste changes; slower water production	Culligan, Pentair, Aquasana
Whole-house sediment pre-filterKeep a spare cartridge and the housing wrench near the filter.	Every 6 monthsRange: 2-9 months	well water, high sediment, hard waterSigns: cartridge looks brown or clogged; lower water pressure	Pentair, Aquasana
Shower filterWrite the install date on the cartridge with a marker.	Every 6 monthsRange: About 6 months	hard water, several people showering dailySigns: chlorine smell returns; lower flow	Aquasana
Water softener saltAdd salt when it drops below the water level in the brine tank.	Check monthlyRange: Check monthly; refill about every 2-4 months	very hard water, large householdSigns: salt below the water line; hard-water spots return	University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, Culligan
Water softener resin bedUse a resin bed cleaner made for softeners.	Every 3-12 monthsRange: 3-12 months, based on iron levels	iron in your waterSigns: softening fades even with salt in the tank	University of Minnesota Water Resources Center
Tank water heater flushTurn the heater off a few hours ahead so the water cools first.	Every yearRange: 6-12 months	hard waterSigns: popping or rumbling noises; rusty or cloudy hot water	A. O. Smith, Rheem
Water heater anode rodCheck it when you flush the tank.	Every yearRange: Once a year	softened water, heavy hot water useSigns: rod heavily corroded or worn thin	A. O. Smith, Rheem
Water heater relief (T&P) valveFollow the instructions on the valve's label, and watch for hot water.	Every yearRange: Yearly by you; every 5 years by a pro	older water heaterSigns: drips or leaks from the valve or discharge pipe	A. O. Smith, University of Georgia Extension

Kitchen

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Range hood grease filter (metal mesh)Most metal filters can go in the dishwasher.	Every monthRange: 1-6 months	frying, wok cooking, cooking dailySigns: greasy film; hood less effective	Cleaning the filters (Kitchen Hub hood), Vent hood, cleaning metal grease filters, Broan BCSD1 range hood owner's manual
Range hood charcoal filter (recirculating)Charcoal filters can't be washed, so keep a spare.	Every 3-6 monthsRange: 3-6 months	frying, wok cooking, heavy daily cookingSigns: cooking odors linger; filter is shiny with grease; indicator strip changed	Broan-NuTone, Broan BCSD1 range hood owner's manual, GE Appliances
Dishwasher filterRinse it under warm water and scrub with a soft brush.	Every monthRange: Every 2-4 weeks	running it daily, large familySigns: dirty or gritty dishes; odors; debris on the filter	Whirlpool
Refrigerator condenser coilsUnplug the fridge first and use a coil brush or vacuum.	Once a yearRange: 3-12 months	pets, heavy kitchen traffic, construction dustSigns: fridge runs constantly; dust on the grille	Preventive maintenance for refrigerators, How and when to clean condenser coils, University of Georgia Extension
Refrigerator air filterChange it with the water filter so you only track one date.	Every 6 monthsRange: About 6 months	strong-smelling foodsSigns: odors in the fridge	Whirlpool
Garbage disposalFlush with warm water and baking soda, then scrub the rubber splash guard.	Twice a yearRange: Spring and fall, or when it smells	grease goes down the drain, heavy useSigns: odor from the drain	University of Georgia Extension, Complete disposer care and use manual, Garbage disposal FAQ
Kitchen spongeMicrowaving cuts bacteria but doesn't sterilize, so replace sponges often.	Every weekRange: 1-2 weeks	used for raw meat juices, smells sourSigns: sour smell; slimy or falling apart	Cardinale et al., Scientific Reports (2017), NPR via MPR News

Laundry

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Dryer lint screenNever run the dryer without the lint filter in place.	Every loadRange: Before and after each load	towels, pet hairSigns: lint on the screen; longer drying times	U.S. Fire Administration
Dryer vent ductVacuum lint from the duct and the area behind the dryer.	Twice a year (spring and fall)Range: Spring and fall	long or bendy duct runs, large householdSigns: longer drying times; outdoor flap doesn't open; crushed duct	University of Georgia Extension, U.S. Fire Administration
Washing machine fill hosesInspect them in spring and fall; replace right away if you spot damage.	Every 5 yearsRange: 5 years; inspect in between	rubber hoses, bulges or cracksSigns: bulges, kinks, cuts, wear or leaks	Whirlpool, University of Georgia Extension

Safety

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Smoke alarm testPress the test button and make sure everyone can hear it.	Every monthRange: Monthly		U.S. Fire Administration
Smoke alarm batterySealed 10-year alarms have no battery to change.	Every yearRange: At least yearly; many do it when clocks change	alarm chirpsSigns: low-battery chirp	U.S. Fire Administration, NFPA, CPSC
Smoke alarm unitCheck the date on the back, not the date you installed it.	Every 10 yearsRange: 10 years from the manufacture date	Signs: past 10 years old; end-of-life chirp	U.S. Fire Administration
Carbon monoxide alarm testTest it when you test the smoke alarms.	Every monthRange: Monthly		CPSC
Carbon monoxide alarm batterySealed 10-year units have no battery to change.	Every yearRange: Yearly	alarm chirpsSigns: low-battery chirp	CPSC
Carbon monoxide alarm unitA CO alarm in end-of-life mode can't detect carbon monoxide, so replace it right away.	Every 7-10 years (check the label)Range: 7-10 years, by model	Signs: end-of-life beep that doesn't stop after a battery change; ERR or END on the display	Kidde
Fire extinguisher gauge checkKeep it near an exit, not behind the stove.	Every monthRange: Monthly	Signs: needle outside the green zone; dents, rust or leaks	Kidde, University of Georgia Extension
Home fire extinguisherFind the manufacture date on the bottom or stamped on the cylinder.	Every 12 yearsRange: Up to 12 years from manufacture	Signs: gauge out of the green; damage	Kidde
GFCI outlet testPress TEST, check the power is off, then press RESET.	Every monthRange: Monthly to twice a year	after a power outageSigns: outlet won't trip or reset	CPSC, University of Georgia Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension
Radon testFollow the test kit's instructions for placement and timing.	Every 2 yearsRange: Every 2 years	basement living space, after renovations	University of Georgia Extension

Bathroom

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Tub, shower and sink caulkRecaulk any section that is cracked, gapped or peeling.	Twice a yearRange: Spring and fall	heavy shower use, poor ventilationSigns: cracks, gaps, peeling or mildew that won't scrub off	University of Georgia Extension, Utah State University Extension
Bathroom exhaust fan grilleMake sure the fan duct vents outdoors, not into the attic.	Twice a yearRange: Spring and fall	heavy use, dusty homeSigns: dust on the grille; fan is noisy or weak	University of Georgia Extension
Toothbrush or brush headSwap brushes at the start of each season.	Every 3-4 monthsRange: 3-4 months	frayed bristlesSigns: matted or frayed bristles	American Dental Association

Bedroom and personal

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
MattressUse a mattress protector to help it last.	Every 6-8 yearsRange: 6-8 years; latex can last longer	sagging, worse sleep, allergy flare-upsSigns: sags, lumps or noisy springs; you wake stiff; you sleep better elsewhere	Sleep Foundation
Mattress rotationSkip it for zoned mattresses, which shouldn't be rotated.	1-2 times a yearRange: 1-2 times a year; older innerspring 2-5 times	older innerspringSigns: body impressions	Sleep Foundation
PillowsFold it in half: if it doesn't spring back, it's time.	Every 1-2 yearsRange: 6 months to 4 years, by fill type	polyester fill, allergiesSigns: flat, lumpy or yellowed; sore neck	Sleep Foundation
Bed sheetsWash pillowcases with your sheets.	Every weekRange: Weekly; every 3-4 days if pets share the bed	pets in the bed, hot weather	How often should you wash your sheets?, How often should you replace your pillows?

Outdoor and garage

Item	How often	Do it sooner if	Source
Gutters and downspoutsMake sure downspouts drain 2-3 feet away from the house.	Twice a year (spring and fall)Range: Spring and fall; more with trees	trees overhanging the roofSigns: overflow in rain; plants growing in gutters; water pooling by the foundation	University of Georgia Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension
Outdoor faucets and garden hoses (winterize)Disconnect hoses, shut off the inside valve, and drain the outdoor faucet.	Every fall, before the first freezeRange: Once a year	cold climate	University of Georgia Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension, NC State Extension
Garage door safety reverseTest with a soft object under the door, never a person or pet.	Twice a yearRange: Spring and fall	kids or pets around the garageSigns: door doesn't reverse when blocked	University of Georgia Extension
Septic tank pumpingSystems with pumps or floats should be inspected yearly.	Every 3-5 yearsRange: Inspect every 3 years; pump every 3-5	garbage disposal use, large household, small tankSigns: slow drains; odors; soggy ground over the drainfield	EPA, University of Georgia Extension

General guidance from manufacturers, safety agencies and extension services. Your product's manual comes first. For a month-by-month plan, see the printable yearly home maintenance calendar.

Questions

How often should I replace my HVAC filter?

Check it monthly and replace a 1-inch filter about every 90 days, sooner with pets. See the HVAC row and our HVAC filter guide.

How often should smoke alarms be replaced?

Every 10 years from the manufacture date on the back, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. See how often to test and replace smoke detectors.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each row links to its source: manufacturers, safety agencies like the U.S. Fire Administration and CPSC, and university extension services. Where sources disagree, the row says so. Your product's manual comes first.

Can I get reminders for these?

Yes. Tagwell has these jobs built in, so you can pick the ones you have and get a reminder when each is due. It's free to start.

Get reminded instead

Tagwell has these jobs built in. Pick the ones your home has and get a reminder when each is due, with the filter size or model saved on the task.

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Sources

Linking to a row? Every item has its own anchor, for example tagwellhome.com/how-often-to-replace/#hvac-filter-1-inch.