As a homeowner, you are the temporary caretaker for your property. If you perform your job successfully, your home will long outlive you! Keeping your house operating efficiently, safely, and smoothly requires scheduled maintenance and occasional repairs. Check our seasonal calendar of home maintenance must-dos to ensure you’re on track with caring for your residence.

A home is the most expensive purchase most people will ever make. To protect your investment, you’ll need to do some routine maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape. Understanding how to perform and when to schedule these tasks can help you fix problems before they start and identify minor repairs before they become major (and expensive) projects. Use this guide to help plan for and schedule your home’s maintenance by season (along with a handful of monthly tasks). If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to more involved repairs, don’t be afraid to hire a professional handyman to help.

Every month:

• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• Clean or replace furnace or air-conditioning air filters (when in use), ventilation filters, humidifier filters, and range hood filters.
• Inspect electrical cords for wear.
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
• Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.

Every spring:

• Remove debris from gutters, window wells, and downspouts.
• Inspect roof, siding, trim, foundation, and chimney for damage.
• Wash windows, window screens, and door screens.
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
• Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
• Test sump pump by dumping a bucket of water into the basin to activate the pump.
• Have air-conditioning system serviced.
• Drain or flush water heater.
• Fertilize your lawn.

Every Summer:

• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.
• Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
• Clean kitchen exhaust-fan filter.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
• Check dishwasher for leaks.
• Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed.
• Seal tile grout.
• Prune trees and shrubs.

Every fall:

• Remove debris from gutters, window wells, and downspouts.
• Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
• Inspect chimney for leaks and obstructions, and clean fireplace flues.
• Have furnace serviced.
• Check water heater for leaks.

 Every winter:

• Cover your air-conditioning unit.
• Check basement for leaks during thaws.
• Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
• Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
• Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
• Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens. Used with permission. ©Meredith Corporation. http://www.meredith.com. All rights reserved.