Spring home maintenance checklist

Check the filter monthly during heavy heating or cooling use. Clean a reusable filter or replace a disposable one when it looks dirty, using the size and type listed by the equipment manufacturer.

Clear leaves and loose debris from around the outdoor unit without opening its panels. Keep plants from blocking airflow. Ask an HVAC technician to handle damaged fins, dirty coils, or anything inside the cabinet.

Schedule the cooling-system check before regular summer use. ENERGY STAR recommends annual pre-season service that covers controls, electrical connections, airflow, coils, the condensate drain, and refrigerant charge where applicable.

Walk the accessible perimeter and document loose, cracked, warped, stained, open, or soft-looking areas. Check paint and sealant without pulling panels or probing concealed layers. Use qualified service for elevated or uncertain damage.

Remove debris and slippery buildup using the gentlest method approved for each material and finish. High pressure can damage wood, mortar, coatings, and joints. Follow the surface instructions, and use EPA lead-safe controls before disturbing painted pre-1978 components.

Check fixed joints for gaps, failed adhesion, and staining. Identify drainage openings and flashing before adding sealant. Check moving windows and doors for worn weather stripping, then follow the installed component instructions for replacement.

Observe gutters and outlets from the ground during safe rainfall and arrange clearing after the main debris season. Use qualified gutter or roofing service for ladder or roof-edge access and document where each outlet sends water.

Inspect from the ground for missing, cracked, or curling shingles and visible problems around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Use a qualified roofer for closer inspection or repairs instead of climbing onto the roof.

If you disconnected hoses and shut off outdoor spigots for winter, turn the supply back on and check for leaks. Frozen pipes can crack without showing damage until water flows again.

Check the maintenance schedule in the water heater manual. Flushing, anode inspection, and relief-valve service vary by model. Hire a plumber if the manual calls for work you cannot perform safely.

Follow the pump manual to test the float and confirm that the pump starts, stops, and sends water through the discharge line. Check that the outlet carries water away from the foundation and is not blocked.

Use each equipment manual for its spring service list. Shut equipment down, wait for moving parts to stop, and isolate the spark plug, battery, or cord as directed before service. Check only the blade, oil, filter, battery, fuel system, guards, and controls that apply to the exact model.

Restore service only after local freeze risk and the installed winterization procedure allow it. Follow the controller, valve, and backflow instructions, then run each zone to find leaks, damaged heads, runoff, overspray, and coverage gaps. Use an irrigation professional when startup or repair is outside the owner instructions.

Grass type, soil, weather, and local restrictions determine whether fertilizer or weed control belongs on the spring schedule. Check local extension guidance first. If you use a pesticide, identify the pest and follow the product label.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Replace removable batteries at least yearly unless the alarm has a sealed long-life battery. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years and CO alarms on the schedule in their instructions.

Test GFCI receptacles monthly using the device instructions. Power should stop when TEST is pressed and return after RESET. Have an electrician replace a device that does not trip or restore power correctly.

Clean accessible tracks and drainage openings using the installed window instructions. Test normal opening, closing, latching, and locking. Do not apply a generic lubricant or force hardware; arrange service for binding, damaged, or insecure components.

Check accessible foundation edges, dryer exhaust terminations, cable entries, and utility penetrations for changed gaps or pest activity. Identify the opening, material, and its drainage, ventilation, utility, and fire-rating requirements before repair. Do not block a vent or drain; use qualified pest, utility, or building service when the opening or compatible method is uncertain.