Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the ideal time to check your home for winter damage and get it ready for summer. A few hours of maintenance now can prevent bigger, more expensive problems later. Use this checklist to work through the main systems room by room and outside.

Heating and cooling

Your air conditioner has been sitting idle all winter. Get it ready before the first hot day.

• Replace the HVAC filter. Check it monthly during heavy-use seasons.
• Clean around the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, branches and debris, and trim plants back so air can flow freely.
• Test the AC early. Run it on a mild day to make sure it cools before you really need it.
• Schedule a professional tune-up. A technician can check refrigerant levels, electrical connections and the condensate drain.
• Check the condensate line. A clogged line can cause water leaks or shut the system off.
• Update thermostat settings for the cooling season and replace backup batteries if your thermostat uses them.

Our pages on air conditioning and ductwork explain what home warranty plans typically cover for these systems.

Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can damage pipes in ways you do not notice until spring.

1. Test outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Turn them on and look for leaks or low pressure, which can signal a cracked pipe inside the wall.
2. Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets and near the water heater.
3. Flush the water heater according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove sediment.
4. Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit and making sure the pump turns on and drains it. Spring rain makes this especially important.
5. Inspect visible pipes in the basement or crawl space for corrosion or moisture.

See our sump pump page for more on how this equipment works and what coverage typically includes.

Roof, gutters and exterior

Winter weather is tough on the outside of your home.

• Inspect the roof from the ground with binoculars for missing, cracked or curled shingles. Hire a professional for a closer look if needed.
• Clean gutters and downspouts so spring rain flows away from the house.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Check siding, trim and caulk around windows and doors for gaps or damage.
• Look at the foundation for new cracks or signs of water intrusion.
• Inspect decks and railings for loose boards, popped nails or rot.

Appliances

• Clean the refrigerator coils to help it run efficiently. Check your manual for their location.
• Clean the dryer vent, both the lint trap and the duct to the outside. Lint buildup is a fire risk.
• Inspect washer hoses for cracks or bulges, and consider replacing older rubber hoses.
• Clean the dishwasher filter and check for leaks.
• Run the garbage disposal with cold water and check for leaks underneath.

Safety checks

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries as needed.
• Check fire extinguishers for proper pressure and expiration dates.
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors by pressing the test and reset buttons.
• Test the garage door's auto-reverse by placing an object in its path while it closes. The door should reverse when it touches the object.

Yard and outdoor systems

• Inspect irrigation systems for broken heads or leaks after winter.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house, roof and power lines.
• Open and inspect the pool if you have one, including the pump, filter and heater.
• Check outdoor lighting and replace burned-out bulbs.

Keep records

Write down what you checked, what you fixed and when. Save receipts for professional service. Records help you track the age and condition of your systems, and many home warranty plans may ask for proof of maintenance if a claim is questioned.

How Warranty Wizards can help

Even well-maintained systems eventually wear out. We help homeowners compare home warranty plans from independent third-party providers and explain what each plan covers before you buy. You can request a free quote at /get-a-quote/.