Home Maintenance Checklist by Season

A solid home maintenance plan can help keep your home safe and comfortable all year round. It may also help prevent costly repairs and extend your home’s life span, from the roof to the garage door. 

But we get it — keeping track of everything can feel overwhelming, and finding or creating your own monthly home maintenance checklist can take a lot of time and energy. That’s why we’ve created this seasonal home maintenance checklist. It’s an easy-to-follow and categorized plan, so you can tackle each task with confidence. 

Spring Home Maintenance

The spring season is the perfect time to refresh and revitalize your home. Here’s your spring home maintenance checklist. 

Interior

It’s time for spring cleaning! Ensure you go over the following tasks: 

• Clean or replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters to improve air quality. 
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. 
• Test all light fixtures and replace bulbs if necessary.
• Check windows and doors for drafts — caulk and seal any gaps. 
• Deep clean carpets and upholstery. 
• Inspect the attic for signs of leaks, mold or pests. 
• Inspect the basement for water damage or mold. 
• Clean dryer vents to reduce fire risks. 
• Flush the water heater to remove any sediment buildup. 

Exterior

Give your home’s exterior a fresh look: 

• Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles. 
• Clean gutters and downspouts for proper drainage. 
• Test and adjust outdoor lighting. 
• Wash exterior windows and check screens for any holes. 
• Inspect siding for cracks, peeling paint or damage. 
• Inspect, clean and lubricate the garage door opening system. 
• Check driveway and pathways for cracks. 
• Clean and inspect outdoor HVAC units and clear away debris. 
• Power wash decks, patios and walkways. 
• If applicable, clean and inspect the pool area before filling.

Garden

Let your garden flourish and add these tasks to the list: 

• Clear away dead branches, leaves and other debris from the yard. 
• Inspect fences and gates for any damage and repair if needed. 
• Prepare lawn equipment for the upcoming season. 
• Start planting spring flowers and shrubs. 
• Aerate cool-season grass for healthy grass growth. 
• Fertilize the lawn to keep it lush during the hot weather. 
• If desired, set up a garden irrigation system for the upcoming season. 

Summer Home Maintenance

Hotter weather is here! Let’s go over the summer home maintenance checklist. 

Interior

Keep your home cool with the following tasks: 

• Check and clean ceiling fans. 
• Inspect the plumbing for leaks — check under sinks and around toilets. 
• Deep clean the kitchen, including behind appliances and inside cabinets. 
• Inspect windows and doors for wear and tear and replace any stripping. 
• Test the home security system for any malfunctions. 
• Check the attic insulation for energy efficiency during the hot weather. 
• Clean refrigerator coils for energy efficiency. 
• Inspect the basement for excess humidity — consider using a dehumidifier if needed. 

Exterior

Protect the outside of your home from the blazing sun: 

• Inspect the roof for possible moss or algae growth, and clean as needed. 
• Restain or reseal the deck to protect it from the summer sun. 
• Examine your garage door’s cables, hardware and safety features. 
• Clean and inspect the gutters for debris after spring rains. 
• Wash and inspect the siding for any damage or signs of pests. 
• Pressure wash the driveway to remove dirt and stains. 
• Inspect window screens for holes. 

Garden

Ensure your garden stays healthy and hydrated: 

• Mow the lawn regularly and water it deeply for a healthy yard. 
• Trim plants and trees to get the desired shape. 
• Weed the garden and apply mulch to keep plants healthy. 
• Inspect and maintain the garden’s irrigation system, adjusting for hotter weather. 
• Check outdoor furniture for wear and clean it for summer use. 
• Harvest summer produce from the garden — if applicable. 

Fall Home Maintenance

Fall is upon us, which means it’s time to prepare for the upcoming colder weather. Use this fall home maintenance checklist as a guide. 

Interior

Create a safe and comfortable space in your home: 

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before winter. 
• Clean and inspect the fireplace or wood stove and have the chimney swept. 
• Schedule a professional furnace inspection and replace filters. 
• Inspect the windows and doors for drafts — seal gaps and install storm windows if needed. 
• Deep-clean carpets — especially in high-traffic areas. 
• Inspect the attic for proper insulation to prepare for winter. 
• Check the basement for any leaks or water damage before the colder season. 

Exterior

Ensure your home’s exterior is robust and ready for winter: 

• Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles before the winter storms. 
• Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams. 
• Check outdoor lighting. 
• Drain and store garden hoses, and shut off exterior faucets to avoid frozen pipes. 
• Inspect your garage door’s insulation, lubricate its moving parts, check the rollers and ensure the tracks are clear. 
• Inspect the siding and exterior paint and touch up as needed 
• Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks, and contact a professional for repairs before snow and ice arrive. 

Garden

Prepare your garden for the colder season: 

• Rake and compost fallen leaves. 
• Plant bulbs for spring flowers like tulips and daffodils. 
• Fertilize the lawn to help it recover from the summer’s heat. 
• Winterize garden equipment by draining or stabilizing fuel from lawn mowers and trimmers. 
• Protect outdoor furniture by covering it or moving it indoors. 
• Mulch flower beds to protect plants from frost. 
• Clean and store gardening tools for winter. 

Winter Home Maintenance

Although winter brings extreme cold, don’t let that stop you from protecting your home. Let’s review this winter home maintenance checklist. 

Interior

Keep your home warmer and safer with these tasks: 

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Schedule a radon test — radon levels are typically higher during the heating season.
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts, and use insulation film or weather stripping if necessary. 
• Check the attic and basement for any signs of leaks, mold or pests. 
• Inspect plumbing for leaks and check the insulation around pipes to prevent them from freezing. 
• Deep clean kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator and oven. 
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down. 
• Flush out the water heater to remove any sediment buildup. 
• Monitor indoor humidity levels — use a humidifier if needed for added comfort. 

Exterior

Snow and ice are at its peak. Ensure the outside of your home stays clear: 

• Inspect the roof for ice dams and remove snow buildup to prevent leaks. 
• Check exterior lighting. 
• Monitor your garage door’s performance and check its bottom seal to keep the cold and pests out. 
• Check exterior pipes and faucets for freezing, insulating where necessary. 
• Inspect whether gutters are clear from debris to prevent ice dams. 
• Inspect driveways and walkways for ice patches and apply salt or sand as needed. 
• Keep outdoor HVAC units clear of snow and ice. 
• Inspect the siding for any damage from winter storms. 

Garden

Your garden may need extra care during colder temperatures: 

• Clear snow off trees and shrubs to prevent branches from breaking. 
• Protect plants from frost and cover them with burlap or frost cloth. 
• Plan for spring planting and organize seeds and gardening tools. 
• Stock bird feeders for winter wildlife. 
• Check fences and gates for any damage after heavy snow. 
• Clean up fallen limbs and debris after storms. 
• Prune live tree branches to encourage new growth in the springtime.

Upgrade to a Strong, High-Quality Garage Door Today

With this list, you’ll keep every corner of your home in top shape. Know that you don’t have to carry responsibility for each and every task — you can hire help if needed. When it comes to your garage door, Oregon City Garage Door is here to help. 

We offer comprehensive garage door maintenance, installation and repair services to ensure your doors work smoothly year-round. We can also help with emergency repairs and the installation of a brand-new garage door. 

We’re ready to help you — request an estimate online or contact us to learn more about our seasonal tuneup services.