Owning a home means keeping up with more than the mortgage and utility bills. A few minutes spent checking your home each month can help you spot leaks, damaged equipment, and other issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
You don’t need to spend an entire weekend on home upkeep to make a difference. These 14 monthly tasks can help you keep your home in good shape, protect your belongings, and avoid some costly surprises.
Give Your HVAC System Some Attention
Check your heating and cooling system’s air filter each month, and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Listen for unusual noises, look for visible leaks, and make sure furniture or dust isn’t blocking your supply and return vents.
Related: 17 Basic Home Maintenance Skills Many People Struggle With Today
Check Your Gutters
Look at your gutters and downspouts for leaves, twigs, sagging sections, and signs that water isn’t draining properly. Clear debris from a safe position, or hire a professional if the gutters are high, damaged, or hard to reach.
Related: 14 Red Flags That Your Home Is Slowly Falling Apart
Walk Around Your Property
Take a lap around your home and look for changes such as cracked siding, standing water, damaged screens, or gaps around exterior openings. Check accessible areas like the garage, attic, basement, or crawl space for moisture, unusual odors, pest activity, and signs of wood damage.
Related: 20 Practical Ways to Stay Comfortable Without Running the Heater All Day
Inspect Large Trees
Look at trees near your home for dead branches, trunk cracks, recent leaning, or visible damage after a storm. If you spot possible signs of instability or decay, contact a certified arborist rather than attempting to remove large limbs yourself.
Related: 13 Home Repairs You Should Never Do Yourself
Check for Plumbing Leaks
Look beneath sinks, around toilets, behind the washing machine, and near exposed pipes for drips, damp spots, or water stains. Musty smells and swollen cabinets can also point to hidden moisture, so investigate any changes before the damage spreads.
Related: 13 Home Repairs You Should Leave to the Professionals
Deep Clean Kitchen Appliances
Wipe down the stovetop, microwave, refrigerator shelves, and dishwasher seals to remove grease, spills, and food residue. Check the range hood filter for grease buildup and clean it according to the appliance manual, since accumulated grease can become a fire hazard.
Test Your Garage Door Safety Features
Test the garage door’s auto-reverse system and photo-eye sensors according to the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping hands and feet away from moving parts. If the door fails to reverse or the sensors don’t work properly, stop using the automatic opener until the problem has been corrected.
Check Your Fire Extinguishers
Look at each fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge, inspection label, and body for damage or signs of corrosion. Keep extinguishers easy to reach, follow the maintenance instructions on the label, and make sure everyone at home knows where they are and how to use them safely.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Press the test button on every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector once a month, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the expiration or replacement date on each unit, since service life varies by model, and replace batteries when needed.
Clean the Garbage Disposal
Remove visible food scraps from the sink area and follow your disposal manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning away residue and odors. If you use ice or a mild cleaning method recommended for your model, run cold water as directed and never put your hands inside the disposal.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Check exterior windows and doors for cracked caulk, worn weatherstripping, loose hardware, and gaps that could let in drafts or rain. Replacing damaged seals and repairing small gaps can make rooms more comfortable and help reduce heating and cooling costs.
Check the Dryer Vent
Clean the dryer’s lint screen after every load, then inspect the exterior vent monthly for lint buildup, blockages, or a flap that doesn’t open properly. If clothes take longer to dry or airflow seems weak, stop using the dryer until you’ve checked and cleaned the vent as needed.
Check Your Roof
From the ground, use binoculars to look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, sagging areas, or branches resting on the roof. Check again after severe weather, and contact a qualified roofing professional if you notice damage rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.
Organize Closets and Storage Areas
Spend a few minutes putting items back where they belong, removing things you no longer need, and keeping walkways clear. While sorting, look for damp spots, musty odors, droppings, or chewed packaging that could point to moisture or pest problems.
