Your Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist

• Change or re-key the locks (and update garage and keypad codes)
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen

• Find your main water shut-off and label it so anyone in your home can find it fast in an emergency
• Find your electrical panel and label the breakers
• Find the gas shut-off at the meter
• Know where the sump pump is and test it

A leak is stressful enough. Knowing (and labeling!) your water shut-off can save you thousands in damage.

• Change the furnace filter and write down the size
• Note the age of your furnace, A/C and water heater
• Schedule any service your inspection report recommended

• Set up USPS mail forwarding (it’s easiest to do a week or two before you move)
• Update your driver’s license address with the Wisconsin DMV (it’s free online) and your vehicle registration
• Tell your car insurance company your new address, especially if it isn’t bundled with your home insurance (your rate may change)
• Set up or transfer electric, gas, water, internet and trash pickup
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, employer, doctors and subscriptions
• Update your voter registration
• Update your pet’s microchip info and license if your city requires one

• Save your closing documents, inspection report and seller disclosures
• Start a home binder or digital folder for warranties, manuals and receipts
• Check your December property tax bill for the Wisconsin Lottery and Gaming Credit

• Schedule a furnace tune-up with an HVAC tech each fall
• Replace the furnace filter every 1–3 months (check it monthly)
• Keep the area around the furnace clear: no stored items within 3 feet
• Test carbon monoxide detectors

• Schedule an A/C tune-up each spring before first use
• Clean or replace the air filter before cooling season
• Clear debris from the outdoor condenser unit
• Straighten any bent fins on the condenser

Never run central A/C when it’s below 60°F outside. It can damage the compressor.

• Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment (it really extends its life)
• Test the pressure relief (T&P) valve
• Check for corrosion, rust or leaks around the base
• Know your unit’s age: the average lifespan is 10–15 years

Call a plumber if you notice rusty water, rumbling sounds or visible corrosion. Otherwise, a pro check every 3–5 years is plenty.

• Clean gutters each spring and fall (or consider gutter guards)
• Inspect the roof for missing, curled or cracked shingles
• Check flashing around the chimney, vents and skylights
• Look for moss or algae growth
• Make sure downspouts carry water at least 4–6 feet away from the house and garage
• Add downspout extenders if needed (inexpensive and easy!)

• Check right after the ground thaws, before heavy rain season
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the house and garage: about 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet
• If soil has settled toward the foundation, add topsoil and regrade
• Clear window wells and make sure they drain after rain
• Look for foundation cracks: wide (¼″+), horizontal or stair-step cracks deserve a professional opinion
• Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from siding and the foundation

Soil sloping toward the house is one of the leading causes of wet basements.

• Look for water stains, dark spots or daylight through the roof decking
• Check insulation for wet or compressed areas
• Look for ice dam damage along the eaves
• Make sure attic vents aren’t blocked
• Check for signs of pests: droppings, nesting or chewed wood or wiring

Small roof leaks can go unnoticed for months. Catching them in the attic first can save thousands.

• Slowly pour water into the pit until the float triggers the pump
• Confirm the discharge line is clear and drains well away from the home
• Clean out any debris in the pit
• Know its age: the average lifespan is 7–10 years

Highly recommended: a battery backup. If the power goes out during a storm (exactly when you need it most), it keeps your basement dry.

• Clean the dryer vent duct at least once a year (a leading cause of house fires)
• Check that the exterior vent flap opens freely
• Vacuum the refrigerator coils

• Test all GFCI outlets (bathrooms, kitchen, garage, exterior)
• Check under sinks for slow leaks or water stains
• Know where your main water shut-off is

• Have the chimney inspected and swept before the first fire of the season
• Make sure the damper opens and closes fully
• Look for cracked mortar or a damaged firebox

• Replace smoke detector batteries every spring (tie it to daylight saving time)
• Check that your fire extinguisher is charged and easy to reach
• Re-key your locks if you haven’t since moving in

• Walk the full exterior and look for winter damage to siding, trim and the foundation
• Check window and door caulking; re-caulk any cracked or missing spots
• Test smoke and CO detectors and replace the batteries
• Test the sump pump
• Inspect the deck, fence and patio for loose boards or posts
• Check grading around the home and garage after the ground thaws
• Clean gutters if you didn’t in the fall, and check downspout extensions
• Peek in the attic for any winter leak or ice dam damage

• Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs before the first freeze
• Disconnect and store garden hoses
• Seal gaps around windows, doors and the foundation
• Trim tree branches that hang over the roof
• Clean gutters after the leaves fall and check downspout extensions
• Stock an emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, sand or salt for ice
• Schedule your furnace tune-up if you haven’t yet

• Clean gutters and downspouts and confirm water drains away from the foundation
• Check attic insulation and ventilation; clear soffit and ridge vents to help prevent ice dams
• Trim branches and bushes back from the roofline
• Fill or seal driveway cracks before freeze-thaw cycles widen them
• Store the grill, patio furniture and hoses
• Stock up on pet-safe ice melt and keep a shovel handy

• Shut off exterior spigots and add foam covers
• Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic and basement
• Let faucets drip on extreme-cold nights if pipes run along exterior walls
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is

• Schedule furnace service and swap in a fresh filter
• Seal drafts around doors, windows and where pipes or wires enter
• Replace worn weatherstripping on exterior doors (garage door too)
• Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise to push warm air down
• Have the chimney cleaned and inspected if you use the fireplace

• Test smoke and CO detectors
• Clean out the dryer vent
• Check the sump pump (and backup battery)
• Test any backup generator before you need it
• Keep an emergency kit with a flashlight, blankets and water

• Organize the garage and clear a path to winter gear
• Service the snowblower: fresh gas, check the belt and blade
• Walk the yard for anything that could be a hazard once it’s buried in snow

• Look for fogging between panes of double-pane windows (it means the seal has failed)
• Ask about replacing just the glass unit before assuming you need new windows
• Check for cracked or missing glazing on older wood windows
• Make sure every window opens, closes and locks

• Run a basement dehumidifier in summer, set to 50% or below
• Empty the reservoir often, or run a hose to a floor drain
• In winter, aim for 35–45% humidity with a whole-home or room humidifier
• Grab a plug-in hygrometer (under $15) to take the guesswork out