Nobody wants to deal with a busted furnace in January or discover roof leaks during a spring downpour. That’s why staying ahead of seasonal maintenance can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in emergency repairs. Think of it as giving your house a regular tune-up, just like you would for your car.

Here’s a season-by-season approach that won’t overwhelm your weekends or your wallet. Most of these tasks take under an hour and use tools you probably already own.

Spring: Wake Up Your House

Exterior Focus

• Inspect your roof from the ground using binoculars. Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Clean gutters and downspouts – expect to spend $200-300 if you hire pros, or grab a sturdy ladder and do it yourself
• Check caulking around windows and doors. A $4 tube of exterior caulk from Home Depot’s caulk and sealants section can prevent costly water damage
• Power wash siding, deck, and walkways – rent a pressure washer for $40-60/day from Home Depot tool rental
• Test outdoor faucets by turning them on slowly. If water drips from inside the house, you might have freeze damage – frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive flooding

HVAC and Indoor Air

• Replace HVAC filters – mark your calendar for every 3 months. Quality filters run $8-15 each from Filtrete
• Schedule AC tune-up before the heat hits. Expect to pay $100-150, but it’ll extend your unit’s life
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – batteries should be changed twice yearly

Summer: Beat the Heat

Energy Efficiency

• Seal air leaks around windows with weatherstripping from Lowe’s hardware section ($10-20 per window)
• Check attic insulation – if you can see floor joists, you need more insulation
• Clean AC condenser coils with a garden hose to improve efficiency by up to 15%
• Install or clean ceiling fans – they can make rooms feel 4 degrees cooler

Outdoor Maintenance

• Trim trees and shrubs away from your house – branches should be at least 6 feet from your roof
• Inspect and clean deck/patio – power wash and apply sealant every 2-3 years ($30-50 for deck stain from Home Depot’s exterior wood stains)
• Check sprinkler systems for leaks or broken heads

Fall: Prep for Winter

Heating System

• Schedule furnace inspection – basic tune-ups cost $80-120 but prevent expensive mid-winter breakdowns
• Replace furnace filters and stock up for winter
• Test heating system by running it for 10-15 minutes on a cool morning

Winterization Tasks

• Drain outdoor water lines and disconnect hoses to prevent freeze damage
• Clean fireplace and chimney – hire certified professionals from CSIA’s directory for $200-400 if you use it regularly
• Weatherstrip doors and windows – foam tape costs under $10 per door and can cut heating bills
• Fertilize lawn with winter fertilizer for healthier spring growth

Winter: Indoor Focus Time

Interior Projects

• Deep clean and organize – tackle one room per weekend
• Check for drafts using a lit candle near windows and doors
• Inspect plumbing in crawl spaces and basements for leaks
• Test garage door opener and lubricate moving parts with white lithium grease from Home Depot’s lubricants section

Safety Checks

• Test GFCI outlets monthly by pressing test and reset buttons
• Check water heater for leaks and flush sediment if it’s over 5 years old
• Inspect extension cords for damage – replace any with cuts or exposed wires

Budget-Smart Scheduling

Space out expensive tasks throughout the year. Plan major expenses like roof repairs or HVAC replacement during off-seasons when contractors offer better rates. Keep a home maintenance fund with $50-100 monthly contributions – it’ll cover most routine maintenance without stress.

Most importantly, tackle small problems before they become big ones. A $5 tube of caulk today beats a $500 water damage repair next month.

Key Takeaways

• Set calendar reminders for filter changes and seasonal tasks
• Budget $50-100 monthly for maintenance supplies and small repairs
• Address small issues immediately to prevent costly emergency repairs
• Focus spring and fall on exterior prep, summer on efficiency, winter on indoor projects
• Keep basic tools handy: caulk gun, weatherstripping, quality ladder, and pressure washer rental contacts