Home Maintenance Checklist for Canadian Homes

Spring maintenance (March – May)

• Inspect the roof for lifted shingles, ice-dam damage, and missing flashing
• Clean eavestroughs and downspouts; extend downspouts at least 6 ft from the foundation
• Walk the foundation for cracks, heaving, and grading that slopes toward the house
• Service the central air conditioner or heat pump before first use
• Test sump pump and battery backup
• Reseal driveway cracks and check interlock or deck boards
• Clean the dryer vent from outside all the way to the machine
• Replace furnace filter and schedule annual HVAC tune-up if not done in fall

Summer maintenance (June – August)

• Inspect and reseal exterior caulking around windows and doors
• Wash siding; check for wood rot, loose vinyl, or damaged brick mortar
• Stain or seal the deck, fence, and any exposed wood
• Trim trees away from the roof and hydro lines
• Clean the BBQ, inspect the propane line for leaks
• Flush the water heater to remove sediment
• Test GFCI and AFCI outlets throughout the house
• Check attic ventilation and look for signs of moisture or pests

Fall maintenance (September – November)

• Book a furnace inspection and change the filter
• Clean eavestroughs after leaves drop; check downspout drainage
• Shut off exterior taps, drain hoses, insulate outdoor spigots
• Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise (pushes warm air down)
• Weatherstrip doors and windows; caulk gaps larger than a nickel
• Have the chimney and wood stove inspected before first fire
• Service the snowblower; stock salt, shovels, and windshield fluid
• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors; replace batteries
• Rake leaves off lawn and away from the foundation

Winter maintenance (December – February)

• After every heavy snow, clear vents (furnace intake, dryer, high-efficiency exhaust)
• Watch for ice dams; use a roof rake from the ground
• Keep interior humidity between 30–40% to prevent window condensation
• Open cabinets under sinks on cold nights to prevent frozen pipes
• Check the attic hatch seal; look for frost or icicles inside
• Test the sump pump mid-winter
• Confirm CO detector on every floor and outside sleeping areas
• Keep a written note of any repairs needed for spring

Appliances & HVAC accessories most checklists skip

• Fridge: vacuum the condenser coils twice a year — dusty coils make the compressor work harder and shorten its life; wipe door seals monthly
• Washing machine: run an empty hot cycle with a washer cleaner or vinegar monthly; leave the door open between loads
• Dryer: clean the lint trap every load, and clean the dryer vent duct itself once a year — a clogged vent is a leading cause of house fires
• Dishwasher: clean the bottom filter monthly; run an empty hot cycle with a cleaner or vinegar
• Standalone or chest freezer: defrost and clean once a year; vacuum its coils same as the fridge
• HRV or ERV: clean or replace the core and filters every 3-4 months — a dirty core cuts ventilation efficiency significantly
• Furnace humidifier: clean or replace the pad each fall before heating season
• Dehumidifier: clean the coils and filter monthly during the season it runs; empty and rinse the tank regularly
• Households with pets: check return-air vents and registers for pet hair buildup more often than the standard schedule

Garage, plumbing & electrical

• Garage door: clean tracks and lubricate rollers, hinges, and the opener chain or belt twice a year
• Garage door opener: test the auto-reverse safety feature — place a block in its path and confirm it reverses on contact
• Drains: run water in every drain monthly, including ones you don't use daily, to keep the trap filled and prevent sewer gas smell
• Septic systems: have the tank inspected and pumped every 3-5 years — going longer risks a much more expensive backup
• Well systems: book an annual water test for bacteria and nitrates, and have the pump and pressure tank inspected periodically
• Electrical: take a plug tester around the house once a year and check every outlet — it catches reversed wiring or an open ground in seconds
• Yard drainage: confirm grading still slopes away from the foundation, and regrade any low spots where water pools

Practical tips

• Print this checklist and tape it inside a kitchen cupboard — pick a Saturday each season and knock it out in one morning.
• Photograph the roof, foundation, and mechanicals once a year. Comparison photos catch slow damage.
• Keep receipts and service dates in your Home Binder — it protects warranty claims and helps at resale.
• Maintenance and cleaning are different jobs — this checklist covers systems and appliances; for your room-by-room cleaning routine, see the House Cleaning Checklist.

Frequently asked questions