What home maintenance should I do every month?

Each month, check and replace the furnace or AC filter as needed, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, look under sinks for leaks, run water in unused drains to keep them sealed, and check the water softener salt.

When should I service my furnace and AC in Michigan?

Service the air conditioner in spring, around April, before the first hot week. Service the furnace in early fall, around September, before heating season begins.

How do I prevent ice dams on my roof?

Ice dams form when heat escaping the attic melts snow that refreezes at the roof edge. Prevent them with solid attic insulation, proper ventilation, and sealing air leaks from the living space into the attic.

What maintenance is most important before winter in Michigan?

Drain outdoor faucets, service the furnace, seal drafts, check attic insulation, and confirm the sump pump works. These prevent the two most common and costly winter problems: frozen pipes and ice dams.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist | Total House Inspection

JAN
MAR

First Quarter

Deep Winter into Early Spring

January

Watch roof edges for ice dams and clear them early
Check the attic for moisture or frost on the underside of the roof
Test smoke and CO detectors
Keep heat steady to protect pipes during cold snaps

February

Test the sump pump during any winter thaw
Check windows for condensation that signals seal failure
Replace the furnace filter

March

Walk the foundation for cracks from frost heave
Clear gutters of winter debris before spring rain
Inspect the roof for any winter damage

APR
JUN

Second Quarter

Spring Reset

April

Have the AC serviced before the first hot week
Clean gutters and check downspout drainage
Re-caulk exterior windows and doors where needed

May

Test the sump pump before spring storms
Inspect and seal the deck if the finish is worn
Check and repair window screens

June

Service sprinklers and check for leaks
Inspect siding and trim for damage
Clean the dryer vent all the way to the exterior

JUL
SEP

Third Quarter

Summer into Fall

July

Check AC performance and clear the condenser of debris
Inspect attic ventilation and insulation
Test smoke and CO detectors

August

Touch up exterior paint and seal exposed wood
Check grout and caulk in bathrooms and kitchen
Trim trees and shrubs back from the house

September

Schedule furnace service before heating season
Check door and window weather stripping
Clean gutters as leaves begin to fall

OCT
DEC

Fourth Quarter

Winterizing

October

Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
Winterize the sprinkler system
Confirm the heating system runs before the cold sets in

November

Test the furnace and replace the filter
Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
Seal drafts around doors, windows, and outlets

December

Test smoke and CO detectors again before holidays
Check attic insulation to prevent ice dams
Keep an emergency kit ready for winter storms

Michigan note: The two costliest winter problems here are ice dams and frozen pipes. Both trace back to the same fixes: solid attic insulation, steady indoor heat, and sealed drafts. Handle those in the fall and you head off most winter emergencies.

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