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Spring home maintenance checklist

This spring home maintenance checklist walks you through everything worth doing once the snow is gone and before summer heat arrives. Spring is the season to undo winter's damage and get ahead of the busy months — inspecting the roof and gutters, servicing the air conditioner, checking the exterior and foundation, and reopening the outdoor plumbing you shut off in fall. Here's how to work through it, roughly in the order that matters most.

1. Exterior and roof

• Inspect the roof for winter damage. From the ground with binoculars, look for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles and any flashing that came loose under snow and ice.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts. Clear out the debris that built up over winter so spring rain drains freely instead of overflowing against the house.
• Check siding, trim, and paint. Look for cracked or peeling paint, warped boards, and gaps that need re-sealing before summer sun and storms make them worse.
• Inspect the foundation for cracks. Freeze-thaw cycles can open new cracks over winter — note anything that has grown so you can watch or repair it.
• Confirm grading slopes away from the house. Soil that has settled toward the foundation sends water where you don't want it; regrade low spots so runoff flows away.

2. Air conditioning

• Service the AC before summer. Book a tune-up early, while technicians are easy to schedule — not during the first heat wave when everyone calls at once.
• Replace the filter. A clean filter keeps the system running efficiently and improves airflow all season.
• Clear debris around the outdoor condenser. Rake out leaves, cut back plants, and give the unit a couple of feet of clearance so it can breathe.
• Test that it cools. Run a cooling cycle on a mild day to confirm the system actually blows cold air before you depend on it.

3. Plumbing

• Reconnect and test outdoor faucets. Turn the exterior water supply back on and run each hose bib, watching for drips or reduced pressure.
• Check for leaks that appeared over winter. Inspect exposed pipes, hose bibs, and fittings for splits that a freeze may have caused, especially in unheated areas.
• Consider flushing the water heater. Draining sediment once a year can help the tank run efficiently and last longer — spring is a convenient time to do it.

4. Windows, doors, and screens

• Swap storm windows for screens. Put in screens so you can open up for fresh air, and check them for tears or holes while you're at it.
• Re-caulk and refresh weatherstripping. Replace anything that dried out or cracked over winter to keep conditioned air in once you start cooling.
• Clean the windows. Wash glass inside and out, and clear the tracks so windows open and close smoothly.

5. Yard, deck, and equipment

• Start up the irrigation system. Turn the water back on, walk the zones, and check for broken heads or lines before you rely on the schedule.
• Inspect and seal the deck. Look for loose boards, popped fasteners, and rot, then clean and reseal the surface if the finish has worn.
• Service the lawn mower. Change or top up the oil, check or sharpen the blade, and clear old fuel so it's ready for the first mow.
• Check trees and branches. Prune dead or damaged limbs, especially any hanging over the roof, driveway, or power lines.

6. Safety

• Test smoke and CO detectors. Press the test button on each one and replace batteries as part of a twice-a-year routine.
• Clean the dryer vent. Clear lint from the vent and duct — a clogged vent is a fire risk and makes the dryer work harder.
• Check fire extinguishers. Confirm the gauge reads full and the unit isn't past its date, and make sure everyone knows where it is.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first for spring home maintenance?

Start outside with the roof and gutters. Winter is hard on both, and problems there lead to leaks once spring rain arrives. Clear the gutters, look for damaged shingles, and check that downspouts drain away from the foundation before moving on to the rest of the list.

When should I service my AC?

Service the air conditioner in spring, before the first hot spell, while HVAC technicians are still easy to book. Replace the filter, clear leaves and debris away from the outdoor condenser, and run a test cycle to confirm it actually cools.

How do I check for winter damage?

Walk the exterior of the house in daylight. Look at the roof from the ground for missing or lifted shingles, check siding and trim for cracks or peeling paint, inspect the foundation for new cracks, and test outdoor faucets for leaks that freezing temperatures may have caused.

Related guides

• Fall home maintenance checklist
• How often should you service your AC?
• Home maintenance schedule by month