Monthly Home Maintenance Schedule
48 tasks across 12 months — the calendar HomeScore recommends for keeping a home's systems healthy, insurance claims low, and resale value compounding.
The 12-month calendar
- ·Test smoke + CO detectors; replace any 10+ yr old
- ·Inspect attic insulation depth (R-49 target in cold climates)
- ·Review homeowners insurance renewal + re-quote 1 alt carrier
- ·Check basement + crawl space for winter water intrusion
- ·Replace HVAC filter (do this every 30–90 days year-round)
- ·Vacuum refrigerator coils
- ·Inspect bathroom fan exhaust to exterior (not into attic)
- ·Tighten loose handles, hinges, and outlet plates
- ·Inspect roof from ground with binoculars after winter
- ·Clean gutters + downspouts before spring rains
- ·Test sump pump (pour 5 gal in pit)
- ·Schedule AC tune-up (avoid May–July booking lag)
- ·Turn on exterior spigots; check for freeze damage
- ·Test sprinkler system; replace damaged heads
- ·Inspect washing-machine hoses (replace if 5+ yrs)
- ·Power-wash siding + walkways
- ·AC professional tune-up ($100–$250)
- ·Clean dryer vent (DIY $20 kit; pro $100–$200)
- ·Inspect deck/patio: reseal wood, tighten railings
- ·Caulk + seal exterior penetrations before summer
- ·Trim trees away from roof + power lines (20 ft clearance)
- ·Walk perimeter; confirm grading slopes away from foundation
- ·Service lawn equipment
- ·Check garage door balance + safety reverse
- ·Calculate year-to-date maintenance spend vs. 1% target
- ·Update home-record: any new appliances, work, warranties
- ·Test GFCI + AFCI outlets (push test button)
- ·Run dishwasher empty with vinegar cycle
- ·Schedule chimney sweep + furnace tune-up
- ·Inspect weatherstripping on doors + windows
- ·Replenish emergency kit (water, batteries, flashlights)
- ·Check water heater anode rod (every 3–5 yrs)
- ·Furnace professional tune-up ($120–$250)
- ·Bleed radiators (hydronic systems)
- ·Reverse ceiling-fan direction (clockwise for winter)
- ·Caulk windows + door frames before cold sets in
- ·Drain + shut off exterior spigots; disconnect hoses
- ·Blow out sprinkler system (or hire it: $75–$150)
- ·Final gutter cleaning after leaf drop
- ·Stock ice melt + snow shovels
- ·Replace HVAC filter (heating-season cadence: every 60 days)
- ·Test heating system on all zones
- ·Inspect roof + flashing one last time before snow
- ·Review home inventory + update insurance riders
- ·Inspect holiday lighting wiring before installing
- ·Test backup power: generator, UPS, battery backups
- ·Compile maintenance log for tax + resale records
- ·Plan next-year capital projects + budget
Get a personalized schedule
HomeScore builds a month-by-month plan based on your home's age, systems, climate, and budget — with replacement timelines + sinking-fund targets.
Frequently asked
What home maintenance should I do each month?+
Each month has 4 core tasks plus the always-on HVAC filter check. Spring focuses on exterior + cooling prep; summer on yard + audit; fall on heating + winterization; winter on indoor systems + safety. The 1% rule says budget 1% of home value annually for maintenance — split across these 12 months.
How much does monthly home maintenance cost?+
Average 2026 monthly cost: $150–$500 depending on home size and age. Annual total: $1,800–$6,000. Big-ticket months (AC tune-up in May, furnace tune-up in September, gutter cleaning in March + October) drive spikes; routine months stay under $50.
What's the 1% rule for home maintenance?+
Budget 1% of home value per year for maintenance + small repairs. A $400K home → $4,000/yr or ~$333/mo. Older homes (pre-1980) need 1.5–3%. This excludes capital replacements like roof or HVAC — those need a separate sinking fund.
Do I really need a professional HVAC tune-up?+
Yes — once per season per system. Cooling tune-up in May, heating tune-up in September. $100–$250 each. Manufacturers void warranty if maintenance isn't documented. Skipping tune-ups shortens system life by 30–40%.
What home maintenance can I skip?+
Power-washing the entire house annually (every 2–3 yrs is fine), professional window cleaning (DIY works), gutter guards (most need cleaning anyway), and 'air-duct cleaning' which the EPA notes provides no proven health benefit in normal homes.