Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Recover and Inspect

Spring is your home's annual physical. After winter's stress, you inspect for damage, undo your winterizing, and get cooling systems ready before summer. Work through this in priority order, and for a version matched to your climate, build your free Owner Tools.

Inspect for winter damage

• Clean the gutters of accumulated winter debris so spring rain drains properly. See roof & gutters.
• Inspect the roof from the ground for shingles loosened or damaged by snow, ice, and wind.
• Check exterior caulk and grading. Reseal gaps and make sure soil slopes away from the foundation so spring rain doesn't pool. See exterior.

Prep for cooling season

• Service the HVAC with a professional tune-up before the heat arrives — spring booking beats a July breakdown. See HVAC.
• Clear the AC condenser of leaves and debris and trim plants back from it.
• Replace the HVAC filter to start cooling season clean.

Reactivate outdoor systems

• De-winterize and test irrigation, checking for lines or heads that cracked over winter. See lawn & irrigation.
• Reconnect and inspect outdoor faucets for freeze damage.
• Clean refrigerator coils before summer makes them work overtime. See appliances.

Refresh the basics

• Test smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries.
• Test GFCI outlets, especially outdoor ones you'll use all summer.

With the inspection done and cooling systems ready, you're set for the warm months. For a personalized spring plan, build your Owner Tools — free and climate-aware.