Month

Activity

January/February

• Clean or replace furnace filter
• Check/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace filter
• Ensure that air intakes, exhausts and meters are clear of snow
• Clean humidifier
• Clean range hood filter
• Check and fill basement floor drain

March/April

• Clean or replace furnace filter
• Check/clean HRV; wash or replace filter
• Clean humidifier and turn it off
• Check sump pump
• Check gutters and downspouts and clean if needed
• Inspect air conditioning; service as needed (usually every two or three years)
• Inspect basement or crawl space for signs of seepage/leakage
• Open vents to outdoor crawlspaces
• Ensure that ground slopes away from foundation wall

May/June

• Open outside hose connection
• Clean windows, screens and hardware; install screens
• Check that air intake and exhausts are clear of debris, nests, etc.
• Clean range hood filter
• You can turn off your HRV if your windows are mostly open in the summer; if you have air conditioning and keep your windows mostly closed you can keep it running
• Undertake spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees

July/August

• Use dehumidifier in damp basements
• For central air conditioning; clean filter in air handling unit
• Check exterior finishes
• Check exterior wood for deterioration
• Check caulking and weather-stripping around windows, including around entry door from garage and home
• Check basement floor drainage trap; replenish with water if needed
• Have furnace/heating system serviced (every two years for an electric furnace)

September/October

• Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed
• Clean range hood filter
• Clean leaves out of eaves troughs
• Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage
• Close outside hose connection
• Close windows, skylights
• Clean and reactivate HRV, if it was turned off
• Winterize landscaping

November/December

• Clean or replace furnace filter
• Check/clean heat recovery ventilator; wash or replace filter
• Clean humidifier and turn it on (if needed)
• Check exhaust fans
• Ensure gas valve is clear of ice and snow
• Test space heating system
• Close vents to crawl spaces
• Check and clean furnace

Annually

• Dust or vacuum electric baseboards
• Vacuum ducts behind warm air and return air grilles
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working
• Test pressure relief valve on hot water tank; drain water from tank
• Do safety checks: smoke alarm, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, door and window locks
• Check and, if needed, oil door hinges
• Lubricate garage door motor, chain, etc.
• Check attic for signs of moisture in summer or fall
• Check septic system; clean if needed (usually about every three years)

Every 2-5 Years

• Check and repair driveway cracks
• Check and repair the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and chimney, recaulk as necessary
• Refinish wood surfaces, including window frames and doors