DIY Maintenance Checklists

Replace or clean air filter

Keeps airflow steady and reduces HVAC strain.

Interior · System · HVAC

Check thermostat accuracy

Confirms your system is heating and cooling as set.

Interior · System · HVAC

Inspect supply and return vents

Removes blockages that reduce airflow.

Interior · System · HVAC

Check condensate drain line

Prevents clogs that can cause water damage.

Interior · System · HVAC

Inspect indoor unit for moisture

Catches leaks and rust early.

Interior · System · HVAC

Verify airflow consistency

Flags duct or equipment issues early.

Interior · System · HVAC

Listen for unusual noises

New sounds often signal failing components.

Interior · System · HVAC

Check under sinks for leaks

Catches slow drips before cabinetry is damaged.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Inspect toilet bases for moisture

Stops seal failures from damaging subfloors.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Test water pressure

Detects changes that signal leaks or valve issues.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Inspect visible pipes

Looks for corrosion, sweating, or loose joints.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Run water in unused drains

Keeps traps sealed and prevents odors.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Inspect caulk and grout at fixtures

Seals out moisture around sinks and tubs.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Test GFCI outlets

Confirms safety shutoff protection in wet areas.

Interior · System · Electrical

Inspect outlets and switches

Checks for heat, looseness, or discoloration.

Interior · System · Electrical

Test smoke detectors

Ensures alarms sound in an emergency.

Interior · System · Electrical

Test carbon monoxide detectors

Verifies CO alarms are functioning.

Interior · System · Electrical

Check for leaks

Catches early tank or fitting failures.

Interior · System · Water Heater

Inspect temperature setting

Keeps water safe and energy use reasonable.

Interior · System · Water Heater

Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks

Tracks movement that may need attention.

Interior · System · Structural (Interior Indicators)

Check doors for sticking or misalignment

Early signs of settling or humidity shifts.

Interior · System · Structural (Interior Indicators)

Inspect floors for soft spots

Finds hidden moisture or structural wear.

Interior · System · Structural (Interior Indicators)

Look for water stains

Spots leaks before they spread.

Interior · System · Structural (Interior Indicators)

Check temperature settings

Keeps food safe and energy use steady.

Interior · Appliance · Refrigerator

Clean door seals

Improves efficiency and prevents frost buildup.

Interior · Appliance · Refrigerator

Clean condenser coils

Helps the fridge run cooler and longer.

Interior · Appliance · Refrigerator

Inspect water line

Prevents slow leaks behind the appliance.

Interior · Appliance · Refrigerator

Clean filter

Improves cleaning performance and drainage.

Interior · Appliance · Dishwasher

Inspect spray arms

Clears clogs that reduce wash coverage.

Interior · Appliance · Dishwasher

Run cleaning cycle

Removes buildup and odors.

Interior · Appliance · Dishwasher

Inspect hoses

Checks for cracking or leaks.

Interior · Appliance · Dishwasher

Run cleaning cycle

Removes residue and keeps the drum fresh.

Interior · Appliance · Washer

Inspect hoses

Catches bulges or cracks before they burst.

Interior · Appliance · Washer

Clean detergent tray

Prevents buildup and mold.

Interior · Appliance · Washer

Check for excessive vibration

Flags leveling or load issues.

Interior · Appliance · Washer

Clean lint trap

Improves airflow and reduces fire risk.

Interior · Appliance · Dryer

Inspect vent hose

Checks for kinks or loose connections.

Interior · Appliance · Dryer

Check exterior vent flap

Ensures the flap opens and closes freely.

Interior · Appliance · Dryer

Clean burners or surface

Keeps burners lighting evenly and safely.

Interior · Appliance · Range / Oven

Test heating elements

Confirms consistent heating performance.

Interior · Appliance · Range / Oven

Inspect anti-tip bracket

Ensures the range is secured and stable.

Interior · Appliance · Range / Oven

Clean interior

Removes residue and prevents odor buildup.

Interior · Appliance · Microwave

Test heating function

Confirms the unit heats evenly.

Interior · Appliance · Microwave

Inspect door seal

Ensures the door closes securely.

Interior · Appliance · Microwave

Inspect for leaks

Checks under the sink for drips or moisture.

Interior · Appliance · Garbage Disposal

Clean and deodorize disposal

Keeps the unit clear of buildup and odors.

Interior · Appliance · Garbage Disposal

Test grinding operation

Confirms the motor runs smoothly.

Interior · Appliance · Garbage Disposal

Inspect under-sink cabinet

Looks for leaks or swelling from moisture.

Interior · Area · Kitchen

Clean range hood filter

Improves airflow and reduces grease buildup.

Interior · Area · Kitchen

Test outlets

Checks outlet safety and function.

Interior · Area · Kitchen

Inspect caulk and grout

Seals out water around sinks and backsplashes.

Interior · Area · Kitchen

Inspect grout and caulk

Prevents water from seeping into walls.

Interior · Area · Bathroom

Test ventilation fan

Ensures moisture is vented outside.

Interior · Area · Bathroom

Check toilet stability

Stops leaks at the base before damage spreads.

Interior · Area · Bathroom

Inspect drain flow

Clears slow drains before clogs form.

Interior · Area · Bathroom

Inspect washer connections

Checks hoses and valves for leaks.

Interior · Area · Laundry Room

Inspect dryer venting

Ensures the vent is secure and unobstructed.

Interior · Area · Laundry Room

Check for moisture damage

Catches leaks before flooring is harmed.

Interior · Area · Laundry Room

Inspect for cracks or rot

Prevents water from entering the walls.

Exterior · System · Siding

Inspect seams and caulk

Maintains weather seals.

Exterior · System · Siding

Clean exterior surface

Removes dirt and reduces wear.

Exterior · System · Siding

Inspect exterior caulking

Stops drafts and moisture intrusion.

Exterior · System · Windows & Doors

Inspect weather stripping

Keeps seals tight and energy use lower.

Exterior · System · Windows & Doors

Inspect frames for rot

Catches wood damage early.

Exterior · System · Windows & Doors

Inspect hose bibs

Looks for leaks or loose fittings.

Exterior · System · Exterior Plumbing

Test outdoor faucets

Confirms shutoffs and flow after winter.

Exterior · System · Exterior Plumbing

Inspect irrigation lines

Checks for leaks and broken heads.

Exterior · System · Exterior Plumbing

Clear debris around unit

Keeps outdoor equipment breathing freely.

Exterior · System · HVAC (Outdoor Unit)

Inspect fins

Looks for bent fins or blockages.

Exterior · System · HVAC (Outdoor Unit)

Check refrigerant line insulation

Helps the system run efficiently.

Exterior · System · HVAC (Outdoor Unit)

Verify unit is level

Prevents vibration and wear.

Exterior · System · HVAC (Outdoor Unit)

Inspect boards or surface

Catches rot or loose boards early.

Exterior · Area · Deck / Patio

Check railings

Ensures railings are secure and safe.

Exterior · Area · Deck / Patio

Inspect fasteners

Looks for rust or loose hardware.

Exterior · Area · Deck / Patio

Inspect for cracks

Stops small cracks from spreading.

Exterior · Area · Driveway / Walkways

Check drainage

Prevents pooling near the home.

Exterior · Area · Driveway / Walkways

Test garage door auto-reverse

Confirms safety sensors function.

Exterior · Area · Garage

Inspect tracks and rollers

Ensures smooth, quiet operation.

Exterior · Area · Garage

Lubricate moving parts

Reduces wear on hinges and rollers.

Exterior · Area · Garage

Inspect weather seals

Keeps drafts and pests out.

Exterior · Area · Garage

Trim vegetation away from home

Reduces moisture and pest risks.

Exterior · Area · Yard & Grounds

Inspect trees near structure

Catches limbs that could damage the roof.

Exterior · Area · Yard & Grounds

Check drainage after rain

Finds pooling before it reaches the foundation.

Exterior · Area · Yard & Grounds

Schedule professional HVAC tune-up

Catches problems early and maintains warranty.

Interior · System · HVAC

Inspect ductwork for leaks

Sealed ducts improve efficiency by 20–30%.

Interior · System · HVAC

Check blower motor and fan

Worn parts reduce airflow and increase energy use.

Interior · System · HVAC

Flush water heater tank

Removes sediment that reduces efficiency and lifespan.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Inspect or replace anode rod

Protects the tank from corrosion.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Test main water shut-off valve

Ensures you can stop water in an emergency.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Inspect supply lines to fixtures

Old rubber hoses can burst suddenly.

Interior · System · Plumbing

Have electrician inspect panel

Catches corrosion, loose connections, and overloads.

Interior · System · Electrical

Replace smoke and CO detector batteries

Ensures reliable operation year-round.

Interior · System · Electrical

Verify circuit breaker labels

Helps in emergencies and future work.

Interior · System · Electrical

Flush water heater to remove sediment

Extends tank life and improves heating efficiency.

Interior · System · Water Heater

Inspect anode rod condition

Sacrificial rod protects tank from corrosion.

Interior · System · Water Heater

Check venting for blockages (gas units)

Proper venting prevents carbon monoxide buildup.

Interior · System · Water Heater

Schedule professional roof inspection

Experts catch problems homeowners miss.

Exterior · System · Roof

Check attic ventilation

Proper ventilation extends roof life.

Exterior · System · Roof

Inspect and clean roof vents

Blocked vents cause moisture problems.

Exterior · System · Roof

Inspect gutters for rust or corrosion

Replace damaged sections before failure.

Exterior · System · Gutters & Downspouts

Check and tighten gutter hangers

Prevents sagging under water weight.

Exterior · System · Gutters & Downspouts

Inspect foundation for new cracks

Tracks movement that may need attention.

Exterior · System · Foundation

Inspect siding for damage or rot

Catches moisture intrusion before it spreads.

Exterior · System · Siding

Inspect window and door seals

Worn seals increase energy bills and drafts.

Exterior · System · Windows & Doors

Inspect attic insulation condition

Finds gaps that increase heating and cooling loss.

Interior · System · Insulation & Ventilation

Review walls and ceilings for new cracks

Tracks movement that may need attention.

Interior · System · Structural (Interior Indicators)

Have dryer vent professionally cleaned

Reduces fire risk and improves drying.

Interior · Appliance · Dryer

Clean refrigerator condenser coils

Improves efficiency and extends compressor life.

Interior · Appliance · Refrigerator

Inspect dishwasher seals and spray arms

Prevents leaks and ensures clean dishes.

Interior · Appliance · Dishwasher