The 2025 Home Maintenance Checklist: A Mechanic’s Seasonal Schedule

By Aerion Solaris Certified Maintenance Mechanic

As a mechanic, I don't fix things when they break; I maintain them so they don't break. The average emergency repair costs 3x to 4x more than preventative maintenance. This checklist applies the same industrial maintenance logic I use at the plant to your residential property.

Spring: Recovery and Preparation (March – May)

The goal in spring is to repair winter damage and prep for heat.

• HVAC Service: Schedule your AC tune-up before May 15th. A standard tune-up costs $80–$150 but saves up to 15% on summer energy bills.
• Roof Inspection: From the ground (use binoculars), scan for shingles that are curling or missing. If you see grit in your downspouts, your shingles are nearing end-of-life (typically 20–25 years for asphalt).
• Sump Pump Test: Thaws bring water. Pour 5 gallons of water into your sump pit to ensure the float triggers immediately. A failed pump causes an average of $44,000 in flood damage.

Summer: Exterior Protection (June – August)

Heat and UV rays destroy finishes. Summer is for sealing.

• Deck Inspection: Look for "popped" nails. If a nail head sticks up 1/8th inch, hammer it down or replace it with a screw. Reseal wood decks every 2–3 years.
• Dryer Vent Cleaning: Humidity makes lint stickier. Disconnect the vent and vacuum it out. Clogged vents cause 2,900 fires annually in the US.
• Window Seals: Check exterior caulking. If you can slide a credit card between the trim and siding, re-caulk with a high-quality exterior silicone (approx. $8 per tube).

Fall: The Critical Systems (September – November)

This is the most important season for mechanical systems.

• Water Heater Flush: Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, insulating the burner and wasting fuel. Hook a garden hose to the drain valve and run it until the water is clear (approx. 10–15 minutes).
• Gutter Cleaning: Clean gutters after the last leaf falls (usually late November). Ensure downspouts extend at least 3 to 5 feet away from the foundation to prevent basement leaks.
• Shut Off Outdoor Water: Disconnect hoses and shut off the interior valve to outdoor spigots. If a pipe freezes and bursts, it can release 250 gallons of water per hour into your walls.

Winter: Interior Safety (December – February)

Shift focus to indoor air quality and safety while the exterior is frozen.

• Furnace Filters: Change your filter every 3 months. Use a MERV 8 to 11 rating; anything higher restricts airflow too much for standard residential blowers.
• Smoke & CO Detectors: Replace batteries on New Year’s Day. Verify the manufacture date on the back of the unit; smoke detectors expire after 10 years, and CO detectors expire after 5–7 years.
• Refrigerator Coils: Vacuum the condenser coils behind or under your fridge. Dirty coils force the compressor to run 30% longer, shortening its lifespan.

The "1% Rule" for Budgeting

A reliable rule of thumb for 2025 is to budget 1% to 4% of your home’s value for maintenance annually. For a $400,000 home, set aside $333 per month ($4,000/year). If you don't spend it this year, roll it over—you will need it when the $8,000 HVAC system eventually fails.