Printable home maintenance schedule (12 months)
A free month-by-month home maintenance checklist you can print or save as a PDF. Three tasks per month, with a box to tick. No sign-up and no email.
This is a general schedule for a typical U.S. house. For a list that fits your climate, heating type, and equipment, use the schedule generator instead.
January
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Check furnace filter
- ☐ Look for ice dams after storms (from the ground)
February
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Check sump pump before spring rain (if you have one)
- ☐ Check under sinks for slow leaks
March
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Replace furnace filter if due
- ☐ Walk the yard: grading and downspouts after snowmelt
April
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Book AC service before the summer rush
- ☐ Clean gutters after spring buds and seeds drop
May
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Reconnect outdoor hoses and check outdoor faucets
- ☐ Check window screens
June
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Change or check AC/furnace filter
- ☐ Clean the dryer vent path
July
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Check for leaks around toilets and the water heater
- ☐ Trim plants away from the AC unit
August
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Check caulk around tubs and showers
- ☐ Review your emergency kit
September
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Book heating service
- ☐ Check weatherstripping before cold weather
October
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Replace furnace filter if due
- ☐ Schedule chimney inspection (if you use a fireplace)
November
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms (DST ends)
- ☐ Drain hoses and outdoor faucets before the hard freeze
- ☐ Clean gutters after leaf fall
December
- ☐ Test smoke and CO alarms
- ☐ Check that you can reach the main water shut-off
- ☐ Check exposed pipes during cold snaps
Yearly and twice-yearly tasks
- Every year: heating system service, chimney inspection if used, flush or check the water heater following its manual, check the roof and attic from a safe spot.
- Twice a year: clean gutters (spring and fall), check caulk and weatherstripping, vacuum refrigerator coils if your model has them exposed.
- Every 10 years: replace smoke alarms (check the date on the back of each one).
How to use this checklist
Print one copy and stick it inside a kitchen cabinet or on the fridge. Tick each box when the task is done, then write the date next to filter changes so you know when the next one is due. If you prefer reminders, the generator puts the same kind of tasks into your phone calendar.
Get these reminders on your phone
The free home maintenance schedule generator turns this list into calendar reminders (.ics) for iPhone, Google Calendar, or Outlook. Pick your climate and equipment, and tasks you do not need are left out. No sign-up.
Sources and safety
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) for smoke alarm testing and home fire safety.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for carbon monoxide alarms and dryer fire safety.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver for heating and cooling upkeep.
- EPA WaterSense for finding household leaks.
- Chimney Safety Institute of America for chimney inspections.
Gas, electrical, roof, and chimney repairs should be done by a licensed professional. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.