Maintenance by season · Last checked: October 21, 2026

Spring home maintenance checklist March–May

🖨 Print this page All months & seasons

Timing depends on where you live. Freeze-related jobs are tied to your area's average first and last frost dates: look up your frost dates or ask your local National Weather Service office or Extension service.

March Spring storms and the last frosts

• ☐ Know your area's storm risks and pick a shelter spot: a small, inside, windowless room or basement on the lowest level. Make sure everyone knows it. [21]
• ☐ Stock a storm kit: water, food, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid, medicines, phone charger, copies of important papers. [22]
• ☐ Walk around the house and look from the ground for winter damage to roof, siding and gutters.
• ☐ Keep outdoor faucets winterized until your last frost date has passed. [12] Look up your average frost dates ↗ Guide → If you find a problem →
• ☐ Spring tune-up for the mower and other small engines: air filter, oil, spark plug, sharp blade, fresh stabilized fuel. [38] If you find a problem →

April Spring rain

• ☐ After heavy rain, check the basement or crawl space for water or damp spots. [13] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Test the sump pump again before the next big storm. [24] If you find a problem →
• ☐ After your last frost date: reconnect hoses and check outdoor faucets for leaks. Look up your average frost dates ↗ If you find a problem →
• ☐ Wash or replace window screens before you open windows. [33] If you find a problem →
  • ☐ Vacuum window and sliding-door tracks
  • ☐ Clear the weep holes on the outside bottom of the frames
• ☐ Put battery leak alarms where leaks start: under sinks and near the water heater, washer, dishwasher, fridge and toilets. [16] If you find a problem →

May Warming up

• ☐ Clear leaves, grass and plants away from the outdoor AC unit. [28] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Check caulk around tubs, showers, sinks and windows. Re-seal cracked or peeling spots. [25] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Make sure soil and mulch slope away from the foundation so water drains away. [23]
• ☐ Check the deck and steps for loose boards, rails or nails, and for soft wood. [35] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Refresh the storm kit: swap old batteries, water and medicines. [22]

Every month, all season

• ☐ Check the HVAC filter. Change it if it looks dirty, and at least every 3 months. [1] [2] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Press the test button on every smoke alarm. [3] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Check CO alarms the way the maker's instructions say. [5]
• ☐ Test GFCI outlets: press TEST, then RESET. [8] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Look under sinks and around the water heater and toilets for drips. [15] If you find a problem →
• ☐ Clean the dryer lint filter every load. [11] If you find a problem →

Sources (fetched and checked October 21, 2026)

1. ENERGY STAR, Heat & Cool Efficiently
2. ENERGY STAR, Maintenance Checklist
3. U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarms
5. U.S. Fire Administration, Carbon Monoxide Safety flyer (PDF)
8. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI Fact Sheet (PDF)
11. Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Clothes Dryer Care
12. American Red Cross, Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes
13. U.S. EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
15. U.S. EPA WaterSense, Home Maintenance (leaks)
16. Travelers Insurance, How Water Sensors Can Help Prevent Damage
21. Ready.gov, Tornadoes
22. Ready.gov, Build a Kit
23. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Building Science Education: Stormwater Gutters and Downspouts
24. WAYNE Water Systems, Submersible Sump Pump owner's manual (PDF)
25. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Insulation and Air-Sealing Essentials
28. Bryant, How to Clean AC Coils
33. Milgard, Window & Door Care Tips
35. North American Deck and Railing Association, Check Your Deck consumer checklist (PDF)
38. Briggs & Stratton, How To Tune Up Your Lawn Mower