Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring is when winter damage becomes visible and cooling season preparation still costs less than an emergency call. Here is the full list, in the order worth doing it.
Fact-checked and reviewed by a licensed home inspector (ASHI #A-4471) by Ray Whitfield. Read our content review process.
Spring maintenance has two jobs: find what winter broke, and get the cooling system ready before the first hot week, when every HVAC company in your area is booked for ten days.
Start outside, from the top down
- Inspect the roof from the ground with binoculars — look for lifted, cracked, or missing shingles, and any granule loss visible at downspout outlets
- Check flashing at chimneys, vents, and valleys, where most leaks begin
- Clean gutters and downspouts fully; flush with a hose to confirm flow
- Confirm downspouts discharge at least four to six feet from the foundation
- Walk the perimeter: soil should slope away from the house about six inches over the first ten feet
- Look for foundation cracks that have widened over winter; photograph and date them for comparison
- Inspect siding and trim for rot, especially at ground level and below windows
- Reseal or repair failed exterior caulk around windows and doors
Cooling system
- Replace the furnace or air handler filter and note the size somewhere you will find it again
- Clear at least two feet around the outdoor condenser unit; remove leaves and cut back plantings
- Gently rinse condenser coils with a garden hose from the inside out, with the power off at the disconnect
- Pour a cup of distilled vinegar down the condensate drain line to prevent clogs
- Run the system for fifteen minutes on a mild day, before you need it
- Schedule a professional tune-up in April or May, not July
Water and plumbing
- Turn on exterior hose bibs and check for leaks inside the wall — a burst freeze-damaged line often only shows when pressure returns
- Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit; confirm it cycles and discharges
- Check the water heater for corrosion at fittings and moisture at the base
- Drain a few gallons from the water heater tank to flush sediment
- Inspect under every sink for slow leaks and swelling cabinet bases
Safety systems
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; replace batteries
- Replace any smoke alarm more than ten years old, and CO alarms more than seven
- Check fire extinguisher gauges; replace or service anything out of the green
- Clean the dryer vent duct — lint buildup is a common cause of house fires
- Confirm GFCI outlets trip and reset in kitchens, baths, garage, and exterior
Yard and exterior
- Prune branches within six to ten feet of the roof
- Service the mower and other outdoor equipment
- Inspect decks and porches for soft boards, loose rails, and rusted fasteners
- Check the driveway and walkways for frost-heave cracks; seal before they widen
- Clear window wells and confirm drains are open
| Task | DIY cost | Professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gutter cleaning | $0 – $40 | $120 – $300 |
| HVAC tune-up | n/a | $90 – $200 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $25 kit | $100 – $180 |
| Roof inspection | $0 | $150 – $400 |
| Downspout extensions | $20 – $60 | $150 – $350 |
| Water heater flush | $0 | $100 – $200 |
Frequently asked questions
When should I schedule an AC tune-up?
April or May in most climates. Technicians are available, rates are normal, and any needed part arrives before you need cooling.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Twice a year in most areas — spring and late fall. Homes under heavy tree cover often need three or four cleanings.
What is the most important spring maintenance task?
Drainage. Clean gutters, extended downspouts, and soil sloping away from the foundation prevent the most expensive category of home repair.
Editorial note. This article is general guidance, not a substitute for a professional inspection. If you suspect a gas leak, electrical fault, structural damage, or any condition that may be unsafe, leave the area if necessary and contact a licensed professional or your utility immediately.
