Home maintenance tracker
By Stephen Morrison, Editor Last reviewed
Every recurring job that keeps a house safe and efficient, with how often to do it, from the agency that says so. Mark a task done and the tracker works out when it's next due. It saves on this device.
Your home has
Tasks for things you don't have are hidden.
Status
0 overdue
- Due in the next 14 days0
- Not tracked yet0
- Up to date0
Monthly
| Task | Last done | Next due | Mark done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test smoke alarms · Monthly Press the test button on every alarm. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Test carbon monoxide alarms · Monthly Push the test button each month. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Inspect HVAC air filter (clean or change) · Monthly Check furnace, AC and heat-pump filters once a month. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Test GFCI outlets · Monthly Press TEST, confirm power cuts, then RESET. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Check fire extinguisher charge · Monthly Make sure it’s fully charged; recharge or replace as needed. Source | Not tracked |
Every 3 months
| Task | Last done | Next due | Mark done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain a quart from the water heater · Every 3 months Removes sediment that cuts efficiency. Follow the manual. Source | Not tracked |
Spring and fall
| Task | Last done | Next due | Mark done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean gutters and downspouts · Spring and fall More often under trees. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Test water heater relief (T&P) valve · Spring and fall Confirm the pressure and temperature relief valve operates. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils · Spring and fall Clean coils help older models run efficiently. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Clean kitchen and bath exhaust fan screens · Spring and fall Check the fans and clean the screens. Source | Not tracked |
Yearly
| Task | Last done | Next due | Mark done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace smoke alarm batteries · Yearly Not needed for sealed 10-year alarms. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Replace CO alarm batteries · Yearly Unless the alarms have sealed 10-year batteries. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Cooling system check-up · Yearly, in spring Have the AC or heat pump checked before the cooling season. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Heating system check-up · Yearly, in fall Have the furnace or heat pump checked before the heating season. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Clean the dryer vent pipe · Yearly Sooner if clothes take longer than normal to dry. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Chimney, fireplace and vent inspection · Yearly NFPA 211 calls for inspection at least once a year. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Test private well water · Yearly For total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH. Source | Not tracked |
Every 2 years or more
| Task | Last done | Next due | Mark done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retest radon levels · Every 2 years EPA advice for homes with a mitigation system; also retest after major renovation. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Septic system inspection · Every 3 years Yearly for systems with pumps or electrical parts. Tanks are typically pumped every 3–5 years. Source | Not tracked | ||
| Replace smoke alarms · Every 10 years Replace the whole alarm, not just the battery. Source | Not tracked |
Also worth knowing
- Dryer lint filter: clean it before or after every load (NFPA). That's too often to track, but it's the single best dryer fire prevention.
- CO alarm replacement: sources differ on timing. CPSC says to follow the manufacturer's instructions, so check the date on the back of each alarm.
- After a renovation: retest radon. Major renovations can change radon levels in any home (EPA). See the renovation checklist.
Common questions
How often should I test smoke alarms?
Monthly, says the U.S. Fire Administration. Replace the batteries at least once a year (unless they’re sealed 10-year alarms), and replace the whole alarm every 10 years.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
ENERGY STAR says to inspect, clean or change the air filters in your furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump once a month. Change it when it looks dirty, and at least as often as the filter’s maker says.
When should I have my HVAC serviced?
Once a year for each system: ENERGY STAR suggests checking the cooling system in spring and the heating system in fall, before each season starts.
How often does a septic tank need pumping?
EPA says household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years, and the system should be inspected at least every three years (yearly for systems with pumps or electrical parts).
Do I need to test for radon again?
If you have a radon mitigation system, EPA suggests retesting every two years. Every home should test again after major renovations, because they can change radon levels.
Where is my tracker saved?
In your browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. “Add to calendar” downloads a file your calendar app can import (Google, Apple or Outlook), so reminders follow you everywhere.
Sources
- U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke alarms
- NFPA/CPSC, Get to know carbon monoxide alarms
- CPSC, Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms
- ENERGY STAR, Maintenance checklist
- U.S. DOE, Energy Saver Guide (2022)
- NFPA, Clothes dryer safety tips
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (citing NFPA 211)
- ESFI, How to test a GFCI
- EPA, A Citizen’s Guide to Radon
- EPA SepticSmart, How to care for your septic system
- EPA, Protect your home’s water
- University of Georgia Extension, Home Maintenance Checklist
Formulas and figures last checked against these sources on. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.