Home Maintenance Checklists by Season

Here's what needs doing — every winter, spring, summer and fall

by: Education & Outreach, from: AARP, Updated 2011

Rake leaves.
Clean and inspect gutters, downspouts and eaves.
Weatherize the house (including the attic and basement) for cool and cold weather with, as needed, insulation, weather stripping, caulk, plaster, or replacement windows.
Check and clean the furnace and replace air filters.
Put away unused lawn furniture, hoses, planters, grills and other outdoor items.
If you live in a cold climate, buy and store salt, sand, a snow shovel and snow blower.
Drain outdoor water faucets and irrigation pumps.
Clean your clothes dryer’s vent system. (Lint buildup can cause the dryer to run longer to dry your clothes, which wastes energy. Even worse, lint buildup in the vent can lead to a fire.)
Create and store an emergency survival kit for bad weather. Include batteries, candles, water and canned or packaged food that won’t spoil.
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, inspect and clean the hearth and stock up on firewood. Hire a chimney sweep if you haven’t had the chimney flue cleaned in a while or if you regularly use your fireplace or wood stove.
Change screens to storm windows and remove and clean window air-conditioning units.
Fill oil or propane tanks.
Keep walkways, paths and the driveway clear of leaves and debris.
Change batteries in smoke detectors.

In cold climates, keep paths and driveways clear of snow and ice.
Keep a blanket, shovel, sand and first aid kit in your car.
Stock up on canned goods and household items, including lightbulbs and batteries. Buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They're more energy efficient and last longer.
Check for proper lighting inside and outside the house.
Check any holiday lights inside and outside the house and make sure they are in good working order.
Make sure space heaters work properly, and never leave them on unattended or placed too close to furniture or draperies.
Check sinks, tubs and toilets for leaks in the faucet or tank.