A Practical Home Maintenance Plan for the Year

A maintenance calendar gives each task a place, so you do not have to remember everything at once. Build it around your home’s equipment manuals, product instructions, and warranty documents.

Put regular checks on the calendar

• Check HVAC filters and clean or replace them on the schedule appropriate to the system and filter.
• Look beneath sinks and around accessible appliance connections for signs of leaks.
• Keep supply and return vents clear of furniture.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and follow the instructions for battery and alarm replacement. The U.S. Fire Administration’s smoke-alarm guide explains the different alarm types.

Record a concern when you notice it, including the date and a photograph if useful.

Plan around the seasons

In spring, inspect irrigation for leaks and look at how water drains after rain. Check exterior finishes using the care directions for the material.

Before the hottest weather, make sure cooling-system service is up to date. Clear loose debris around outdoor equipment while maintaining the manufacturer’s required clearance.

In fall, check gutters, weatherstripping, and outdoor plumbing preparation. Arrange fireplace or chimney service if your home has one and it is due.

During winter, monitor forecasts and follow the protection instructions for exposed plumbing and irrigation.

Give equipment its own schedule

A water heater, garage door, dryer, and air-conditioning system do not all need the same work at the same interval. Add their manual-specific tasks to your calendar and use qualified service providers where appropriate.

Avoid treating pressure washing, water-heater flushing, roof work, or chemical drain cleaning as universal do-it-yourself tasks. The wrong method can damage a surface or piece of equipment.

Keep a simple home record

Store manuals, model numbers, service receipts, and warranty documents together. Note who completed each task and when the next check is due.

If a problem may be covered by your Alta home’s warranty, review the warranty information and submit the details through the appropriate channel. A maintenance record can help you describe what happened clearly.