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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


