Check and change the HVAC filter
Keep airflow healthy and help your system run efficiently.
The guide library
Take better care of every part of your home.
Clear, safety-conscious guidance organized by system—so you can find the right task quickly.
AppliancesSimple care that helps major appliances last. 7 starter tasks.↓Heating & coolingFilters, seasonal checks, and warning signs. 5 starter tasks.↓Home safetyAlarms, extinguishers, and essential checks. 3 starter tasks.↓Lawn careIdentify lawn weeds and compare label-based herbicide coverage.↓Plumbing & waterLeaks, shutoffs, pumps, and water heating. 7 starter tasks.↓Roof, drainage & exteriorProtect the shell of your home from weather and water. 4 starter tasks.↓
Starter library
Practical maintenance guides
Check downspout discharge
Confirm roof runoff is visibly directed away from the foundation without creating a new hazard.
Check the dryer’s exterior vent
Confirm the exterior covering opens and airflow is not visibly restricted while the dryer operates.
Check plumbing for leaks
Catch small drips before they become expensive water damage.
Check the water softener and salt level
Establish a salt-checking routine and watch for leaks or unusual operation.
Clean the dishwasher filter
Use the appliance manual to clean a removable owner-serviceable filter.
Clean the dryer lint path
Reduce drying time and lower the risk of lint-related fire.
Inspect gutters and downspouts
Move rainwater away from the roof, walls, and foundation.
Clean accessible refrigerator coils
Follow the refrigerator manual to remove dust from owner-accessible condenser coils.
Inspect exterior caulk and seals
Find gaps around windows and doors before water and drafts get in.
Inspect the HVAC condensate drain
Look for blockage or overflow signs before condensate damages nearby materials.
Inspect home fire extinguishers
Check access, pressure indication, physical condition, and model-specific service dates.
Inspect the outdoor AC unit
Keep the outdoor unit visibly clear and spot damage before peak cooling demand.
Inspect the refrigerator door seal
Check that the door gasket is clean, intact, and sealing consistently.
Inspect the roof from the ground
Use a ground-level visual check to spot obvious roof damage without climbing.
Inspect washing-machine hoses
Find bulges, cracks, corrosion, or small leaks before a supply hose fails.
Inspect the water heater area
Use a visual check to catch leakage, venting concerns, or damage early.
Locate and label the main water shutoff
Make the home’s water shutoff easy to find before a leaking pipe becomes an emergency.
Run the washer cleaning cycle
Use the model-specific cycle and approved cleaner to reduce residue and odors.
Review and arrange cooling-system service
Review service records and arrange a qualified cooling-system check before hot weather.
Review and arrange heating-system service
Review service records and arrange a qualified heating-system check before the heating season.
Review tank water-heater service
Review the tank heater’s maintenance requirements and arrange qualified service as needed.
Review tankless water-heater service
Review model-specific descaling and inspection needs for a tankless water heater.
Test GFCI receptacles
Use built-in test and reset controls to confirm accessible GFCI receptacles interrupt power.
Test smoke and CO alarms
Confirm every alarm sounds and is ready when you need it.
Test the sump pump
Verify the pump works before heavy rain or snowmelt.