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Printable yearly home maintenance calendar

A month-by-month home maintenance schedule: a short list of jobs for each month of the year, plus quick checks to do every month. Every task links to its source. Print it, or let Tagwell remind you.

By the Tagwell team ·

Every month

Quick checks. Most take 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Check the HVAC air filter; change it if dirty 5 min sourceENERGY STAR says check monthly
  • Test smoke alarms 5 min sourceUSFA says test every alarm monthly
  • Test carbon monoxide alarms 5 min sourceCPSC says test monthly
  • Test GFCI outlets 10 min sourceCPSC says test at least once a month
  • Check the fire extinguisher gauge is in the green 2 min sourceVisual check once a month
  • Clean the dishwasher filter 10 min sourcePrevents dirty dishes and odors
  • Clean the range hood grease filter 10 min sourceGrease buildup slows the fan
  • Check water softener salt 5 min sourceAdd salt when below the water line
  • Wash the vacuum filter 5 min sourceKeeps suction strong
  • Clean the window AC filter (cooling season) 10 min sourceClean every 30 days while in use
  • Replace the kitchen sponge (weekly) 1 min sourceSponges harbor bacteria even after sanitizing
  • Wash bed sheets (weekly) 15 min sourceMost people should wash sheets once a week
  • Clean the dryer lint screen (every load) 1 min sourceClogged lint filters raise dryer fire risk

January

Winter safety check

  • Test for radon if it's been 2 years 15 min sourceRetesting every 2 years is recommended
  • Check manufacture dates on smoke and CO alarms 15 min sourceSmoke alarms last 10 years; CO alarms 7-10
  • Check the date on each fire extinguisher 10 min sourceExtinguishers are good up to 12 years
  • Replace portable humidifier wicks 10 min sourceWicks clog with minerals every 30-60 days
  • Scrub portable humidifier tanks 15 min sourceEPA advises cleaning every third day
  • Rotate the mattress 10 min sourceEven wear; most beds need it 1-2 times a year
  • Wash bed pillows 20 min sourceMost pillows need washing at least twice a year

February

Water heater and filters

  • Flush the tank water heater 60 min sourceRemoves sediment; recommended at least once a year
  • Check the water heater anode rod 30 min sourceYearly checks help the tank last longer
  • Test the water heater relief (T&P) valve 10 min sourceA working valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup
  • Replace the fridge water filter 10 min sourceDue every 6 months
  • Replace the fridge air filter 5 min sourceDue every 6 months
  • Replace the shower filter 5 min sourceDue every 6 months

March

Spring forward

  • Change smoke and CO alarm batteries when clocks change 20 min sourceAn easy twice-a-year reminder for fresh batteries
  • Replace toothbrushes 5 min sourceBristles wear out in 3-4 months
  • Replace the air purifier pre-filter 10 min sourceDue about every 3 months
  • Inspect tub, shower and sink caulk 15 min sourceCracked caulk lets water into walls
  • Clean bathroom exhaust fan grilles 15 min sourceClean fans clear moisture better
  • Check washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks 10 min sourceBurst hoses cause major water damage

April

Cooling and roof prep

  • Schedule the AC or heat pump tune-up 10 min sourceCheck cooling in spring, before the hot months
  • Clean gutters and downspouts 90 min sourceClogs send water toward your foundation
  • Look over the roof, flashing and soffits 30 min sourceCatch damage before summer storms
  • Check garden hoses and outdoor faucets for leaks 15 min sourceSpring check after winter freezes
  • Dust ceiling fan blades and set them for summer 20 min sourceSeasonal cleaning and direction change
  • Test the garage door safety reverse 10 min sourceThe door must reverse if something blocks it

May

Laundry, fridge and yard

  • Clean the dryer vent duct 45 min sourceLint buildup raises dryer fire risk
  • Clean refrigerator condenser coils 20 min sourceDusty coils make the fridge work harder
  • Clean the garbage disposal 10 min sourceRemoves food buildup that causes odors
  • Clean the window AC filter before first use 10 min sourceClean filters every 30 days while running
  • Clean the dehumidifier coils and filter 15 min sourceSpring service before the humid season
  • Have the lawn mower serviced 30 min sourceA spring tune-up keeps it running safely

June

Early summer upkeep

  • Replace toothbrushes 5 min sourceBristles wear out in 3-4 months
  • Replace the air purifier pre-filter 10 min sourceDue about every 3 months
  • Replace the range hood charcoal filter 10 min sourceRecirculating filters last about 3-6 months
  • Check siding, trim and foundation for cracks 30 min sourceSmall cracks let in water and pests
  • Inspect the deck and fence for rot 30 min sourceReseal or repair before wet weather
  • Check that the sump pump and floor drains work 15 min sourceBe ready for summer storms

July

Midyear refresh

  • Rotate the mattress 10 min sourceSecond rotation of the year
  • Wash bed pillows 20 min sourceSecond wash of the year
  • Check the attic for leaks and blocked vents 20 min sourceHeat and moisture build up in summer
  • Clean basement window wells 20 min sourceWells must drain during summer storms
  • Check the water softener and clean the resin bed 20 min sourceResin cleaner every 3-12 months, more with iron

August

Water filters and plumbing

  • Replace the fridge water filter 10 min sourceDue every 6 months
  • Replace the fridge air filter 5 min sourceDue every 6 months
  • Replace the shower filter 5 min sourceDue every 6 months
  • Check toilets and faucets for leaks 20 min sourceSmall leaks waste water and money
  • Look over the water heater for leaks or rust 10 min sourceCatch problems before heavy winter use
  • Check the septic system schedule 5 min sourceInspect every 3 years; pump every 3-5

September

Heating prep

  • Schedule the furnace or boiler tune-up 10 min sourceCheck heating in fall, before cold weather
  • Book the chimney and vent inspection 10 min sourceChimneys should be inspected at least once a year
  • Replace the whole-house humidifier water panel 20 min sourceStart the heating season with a fresh panel
  • Replace toothbrushes 5 min sourceBristles wear out in 3-4 months
  • Replace the air purifier pre-filter 10 min sourceDue about every 3 months
  • Dust ceiling fans and reverse them for winter 20 min sourceSeasonal cleaning and direction change

October

Seal and check

  • Clean the dryer vent duct 45 min sourceSecond cleaning of the year
  • Check caulk and weatherstripping on windows and doors 30 min sourceStops drafts and leaks before winter
  • Inspect tub, shower and sink caulk 15 min sourceCracked caulk lets water into walls
  • Clean the garbage disposal 10 min sourceRemoves food buildup that causes odors
  • Test the garage door safety reverse 10 min sourceThe door must reverse if something blocks it
  • Review the family fire escape plan 20 min sourceEveryone should know how to get out fast
  • Check washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks 10 min sourceBurst hoses cause major water damage

November

Fall back and freeze prep

  • Change smoke and CO alarm batteries when clocks change 20 min sourceAn easy twice-a-year reminder for fresh batteries
  • Clean gutters after the leaves fall 90 min sourceClear gutters before winter rain and snow
  • Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets 20 min sourceTrapped water can freeze and burst pipes
  • Remove or cover the window AC 30 min sourceSeal the opening against winter drafts
  • Empty and clean gas cans; store garden tools 30 min sourceFall cleanup for the garage
  • Clean the dehumidifier and replace its filter 15 min sourceFall service before storage

December

Indoor heating safety

  • Replace toothbrushes 5 min sourceBristles wear out in 3-4 months
  • Replace the air purifier pre-filter 10 min sourceDue about every 3 months
  • Replace the range hood charcoal filter 10 min sourceRecirculating filters last about 3-6 months
  • Keep anything that burns 3 feet from heaters 10 min sourceUSFA fire safety rule for space heaters
  • Check portable humidifier wicks 5 min sourceReplace every 30-60 days in heavy use
  • Check cords and plugs for fraying 15 min sourceDamaged cords are a fire risk

Adjust it for your home

  • Built for the US and the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, shift every month by six.
  • Warmer climates: AC runs longer, so check HVAC filters often and book the AC tune-up early. Skip freeze prep where pipes never freeze.
  • Colder climates: do November's freeze prep in October, before the first hard freeze, and keep gutters clear before snow.
  • Clocks change on the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November. Hawaii and most of Arizona don't change clocks, so pick two fixed dates.
  • Sealed 10-year smoke and CO alarms have no battery to change. Test them monthly and replace them by the date on the label.
  • Minutes are rough planning estimates, not sourced figures.
  • Your product manuals come first. Intervals match the How Often Do I Replace This? tool (interval_id links each task to it).
  • Hire a licensed pro for gas, electrical, roof and chimney work.

Want the room-by-room version instead? Use the printable home maintenance checklist. For how often each part needs replacing, see how often to replace household items.

Questions

What home maintenance should I do every month?

Test smoke and CO alarms, check the HVAC filter, test GFCI outlets and do the other quick checks in the every-month list. Most take 5 to 10 minutes each.

What should I do to my house in the fall?

Gutters after the leaves fall, a heating checkup, the chimney inspection and getting pipes and hoses ready for freezing weather. The seasonal home maintenance checklist has the season-by-season version.

Does this work in a warm climate?

Yes, with small changes: the notes on this page say what to move or skip where it never freezes. In the Southern Hemisphere, shift every month by six.

Is the calendar free?

Yes. Print it, save the PDF, share it or link to it. No email needed.

Get reminded instead

Tagwell spreads these jobs across your year automatically, only for the things your home has, and reminds you when each is due. Free to start.

Sources

  1. energystar.gov · maintenance checklist
  2. usfa.fema.gov ·
  3. cpsc.gov · CO Alarms
  4. cpsc.gov · 099_0.pdf
  5. kidde.com · service
  6. producthelp.whirlpool.com · How_to_Clean_the_Dishwasher_Filters
  7. products.geappliances.com · gea support search content?contentId=38644
  8. wrc.umn.edu · residentialsoftening
  9. dyson.com · filter care
  10. products.geappliances.com · gea support search content?contentId=16736
  11. nature.com · s41598 017 06055 9
  12. sleepfoundation.org · how often should you wash your sheets
  13. usfa.fema.gov · clothes_dryer_fire_safety_flyer.pdf
  14. fieldreport.caes.uga.edu ·
  15. kidde.com · fire extinguisher refill
  16. honeywellpluggedin.com ·
  17. epa.gov · use and care home humidifiers
  18. sleepfoundation.org · should you flip or rotate your mattress
  19. sleepfoundation.org · how to wash pillows
  20. hotwater.com · water heater maintenance
  21. producthelp.whirlpool.com · When_to_Change_the_Water_Filter
  22. producthelp.whirlpool.com · Preventative_Maintenance_for_Refrigerators
  23. aquasana.com · how often change home water filters
  24. nfpa.org · changing clocks and batteries
  25. ada.org · toothbrushes
  26. honeywellpluggedin.com · ?p=16812
  27. whirlpool.com · installation instructions w11156977 revb.pdf
  28. insinkerator.com · complete garbage disposal installation care use manual en us 74508.pdf
  29. help.broan-nutone.com · How often should the non ducted range hood filters be replaced 2dd8
  30. epa.gov · how care your septic system
  31. csia.org ·
  32. aprilaire.com · frequently asked questions
  33. energystar.gov · ES_Homeowner_Manual.pdf
  34. fyi.extension.wisc.edu · Maintaining Your Home 2.0.pdf
  35. usfa.fema.gov ·

General guidance only. Follow your manufacturer's instructions, and call a licensed professional for gas, electrical, roofing or chimney work.