Replace or inspect the furnace / air-handler filter
Restricted airflow can increase energy use and strain forced-air equipment.
Open DIY guideDIY HOME MAINTENANCE
DIY home maintenance guides.
Practical instructions for routine homeowner-safe maintenance, with clear guidance on when a job is better left to a qualified professional because it involves specialized tools, difficult access, fuel, electricity or equipment-specific procedures.
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Schedule the annual gas furnace tune-up and heat-exchanger safety check
A pre-season inspection can catch combustion, venting, electrical and airflow problems before sustained cold weather.
Open DIY guideSchedule the annual electric furnace / air-handler check
Electrical connections, heat strips, blower components and airflow still need periodic inspection even without combustion.
Open DIY guideSchedule annual boiler / hydronic heating service
Boilers rely on safe pressure, controls, pumps and venting or electrical components that should be checked before winter.
Open DIY guideSchedule the fall heat-pump heating check
Heat pumps work through both heating and cooling seasons, so a fall operating check can catch problems before cold weather.
Open DIY guideSchedule the central AC / heat-pump cooling check
A spring check can identify airflow, drainage, electrical and outdoor-unit problems before heavy cooling use.
Open DIY guideStart up the evaporative (swamp) cooler and check pads
A controlled seasonal startup helps identify leaks, mineral buildup, worn pads, airflow problems and water-distribution issues before regular evaporative-cooling use.
Open DIY guideDecommission and drain the evaporative (swamp) cooler
Water left in an exposed cooler or supply line can freeze and cause damage.
Open DIY guideInspect and start the irrigation system for its main watering season
A controlled seasonal inspection helps find broken heads, leaks, poor coverage and misdirected spray before regular irrigation use.
Open DIY guideSchedule the fall sprinkler and backflow winterization
Trapped water can freeze in irrigation piping, valves and backflow components.
Open DIY guideTest the sump pump and float switch
A sump pump is most useful only if the float, discharge path and power source work before heavy moisture reaches the pit.
Open DIY guideInspect the foundation perimeter, drainage and sump-pump readiness
Roof runoff, poor grading, ponding and blocked drainage can direct water toward the foundation or crawlspace.
Open DIY guideCheck the water-softener salt level
Running low on salt can reduce softener performance and allow hardness to return.
Open DIY guideReplace the refrigerator water filter
A filter used beyond its rated capacity may reduce flow and filtration performance.
Open DIY guideReplace smoke / CO alarm batteries or perform the scheduled battery check
Working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms depend on reliable power and regular testing.
Open DIY guideReplace or inspect the whole-house humidifier pad
Mineral buildup can reduce humidifier output and contribute to leaks or poor airflow.
Open DIY guideReplace whole-house / reverse-osmosis filter stages
Filter life depends on water quality and use, but overdue cartridges can reduce performance and flow.
Open DIY guideClean the dryer exhaust vent
Lint accumulation can reduce dryer performance and increase fire risk.
Open DIY guideInspect and lubricate the garage-door system
Annual inspection can catch loose hardware, worn rollers and abnormal operation before a failure strands the door.
Open DIY guideFlush sediment from a tank-style water heater
Sediment can accumulate in tank-style water heaters and may reduce efficiency or contribute to noise and wear.
Open DIY guideSchedule the wood fireplace / chimney inspection and cleaning as needed
Creosote, blockages and damaged flue components can create fire or carbon-monoxide hazards.
Open DIY guideHave the gas fireplace inspected before heating season
Gas fireplaces still rely on safe combustion, venting, ignition and controls.
Open DIY guideService the hot tub / spa water and filtration system
Regular water balance, sanitation and filter maintenance protect equipment and reduce water-quality problems.
Open DIY guideInspect and maintain the wood deck
High-altitude sun, snow and moisture cycles can weather wood and expose loose or deteriorated components.
Open DIY guideInspect and clean the composite / PVC deck
Composite and PVC decking usually does not need routine staining or sealing, but the deck, railings, stairs and visible fasteners still benefit from regular inspection and cleaning.
Open DIY guideCheck pool water balance, circulation and visible equipment
Routine water testing, circulation checks and filter attention help protect swimmers, surfaces and pool equipment during active use.
Open DIY guidePrepare the outdoor pool for its main use season
A careful seasonal startup helps identify equipment or surface damage, restore circulation and establish appropriate water conditions before regular use.
Open DIY guideWinterize the outdoor pool before sustained freezing weather
Freezing conditions can damage exposed pool plumbing and equipment when a seasonal outdoor pool is not closed correctly.
Open DIY guidePrepare the home for a hard freeze
Freezing temperatures can damage exposed plumbing, hoses, irrigation components and other water-containing equipment when they are not prepared in time.
Open DIY guideOptional home check after a hailstorm
Hail is highly localized. A warning covering the broader area does not prove this home was hit or damaged, and nothing needs to be checked immediately.
Open DIY guideInspect the EV charger, cable and connector for visible wear or damage
A damaged connector, cable, enclosure or mounting point can create charging faults and should be addressed before continued use.
Open DIY guideService and descale the tankless water heater as recommended
Mineral scale, inlet debris and neglected service can reduce flow, efficiency and equipment life, especially where water is hard.
Open DIY guideSchedule the standby generator's annual service and readiness check
A standby generator can sit unused for long periods, so scheduled service helps verify the battery, fluids, controls, transfer equipment and fault history before an outage.
Open DIY guideReview solar-panel production and inspect the system from the ground
A production drop, visible damage or inverter fault can reveal problems that are easy to miss when the system otherwise operates quietly.
Open DIY guideTest private-well water and review the well system annually
Private-well owners are responsible for monitoring water quality and noticing changes in pressure, taste, odor, color or system operation.
Open DIY guideReview septic-system condition, records and pumping schedule
Keeping track of inspections, pumping history and warning signs helps reduce the chance of backups, drain-field damage and emergency service.
Open DIY guideInspect roof drainage and clean gutters/downspouts as needed
Blocked gutters, damaged downspouts and drainage problems can send water toward siding, foundations and landscaping and can worsen freeze-related problems.
Open DIY guideInspect washing-machine supply hoses and shutoff connections
A failed washer hose or leaking connection can release a large amount of water before anyone notices.
Open DIY guideRetest the home for radon on a periodic schedule
Radon levels can vary over time and can change after renovations, HVAC changes or other building modifications.
Open DIY guideClean or replace HRV / ERV ventilation filters and inspect accessible intakes
Balanced ventilation systems rely on clean filters and open intake/exhaust paths to move fresh air efficiently.
Open DIY guideInspect and service the whole-house dehumidifier
A dehumidifier needs an open drain path, a clean filter and unobstructed airflow to manage indoor moisture as designed.
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