Owning a home means adding a few line items to your to-do sheet. Spending a few hours on home maintenance throughout the year will save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs. So do yourself – and your happiness – a favor, get familiar with this recommended new home maintenance list so you’ll take good care of the biggest and best investment you’ll ever make.

MONTHLY

• Fire extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed.
• Washing machine: Discharge filter, sink stoppers, drain holes: Clean out debris.
• Garbage disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Water softener: Check and replenish salt when necessary.
• Forced-air heating system: Change filters (unless otherwise noted by filter or manual).
• Range hood: Clean grease filter.

EVERY 3 MONTHS

• Faucets and shower heads: Clean aerators.
• Basement floor drain: Clear away blockages and debris.

EVERY 6 MONTHS

• Smoke detector: Test batteries and replace if needed.
• Interior caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
• Clothes dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.

SPRING

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters: Clean and clear (unless house is installed with no maintenance gutters then check for damage).
• Downspouts: Inspect for proper connections and drainage flow.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding; repair if needed.
• Air conditioner: Remove cover and remove debris from exterior.
• Outdoor faucets: Turn on valves to outdoor faucets. Reconnect garden hoses.
• Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Windowsills, doorsills, thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed.
• Window and door screens: Clean screening and repair or replace if necessary.
• Trees/bushes/shrubs: Prune any limbs or branches making contact with the home. Maintain at lest six inches of clearance between landscaping and siding.

FALL

• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters: Clean and clear (unless house is installed with no maintenance gutters then check for damage).
• Downspouts: Inspect for proper connections and drainage flow.
• Chimney: Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding; repair if needed.
• Air conditioner: Cover with a tarp.
• Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Window and door weather stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deteriorating or if it does not seal.
• Outdoor faucets: Shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses indoors.
• Trees/bushes/shrubs: Prune any limbs or branches making contact with the home. Maintain at lest six inches of clearance between landscaping and siding.

ANNUALLY

• Main drain: Have a rooter professional clean out the main line, particularly if there are mature trees in your yard whose roots could have cracked the pipe in their search for moisture.
• Water heater: Drain water until it is clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC system: Have a professional tune up your heat/air conditioning system.