The twelve-month home maintenance calendar

What is due each month, who does it, and what skipping it costs. Hover any month for the reasoning.

Owner task Licensed trade Walk-through
January
Filter check
You · 10 min
Monthly
February
Book spring cooling check
Agent books, contractor does
Annual
March
Water heater age audit
Agent tracks, you approve
From year 3
April
Cooling system service
Licensed trade
Annual
May
Gutters + exterior walk
You inspect, agent books
Twice yearly
June
Reachable filters & vents
You · 20 min
Quarterly
July
Coils + condensate drain
Licensed trade
Annual
August
Alarm battery + test day
You · 15 min
Annual
September
Book heating check
Agent books, contractor does
Annual
October
Heating system service
Licensed trade only
Annual
November
Gutters + roof check
You inspect, agent books
Twice yearly
December
Records review
Agent files, you confirm
Annual
The two that prevent the biggest bills: the HVAC filter (monthly, and Energy Star warns a dirty one raises energy costs and leads to early failure) and the anode rod (checked from about year three, and the difference between a cheap part and a new water heater).

Cadences follow the U.S. Energy Star home maintenance checklist (filters monthly; pre-season cooling check in spring and heating check in fall; professional service covering coils, blower, refrigerant and condensate drain) and Energy Star's water-heater maintenance guidance. Anode-rod inspection timing follows manufacturer guidance. Gas, refrigerant and electrical work belongs to a licensed trade — an agent books it, never performs or advises it.