The snow is gone, and you’ve made it through winter. But hold on—don’t relax just yet! Spring is when smart homeowners check for damage and fix small problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Most people know to clean gutters and change air filters. But did you know checking for tiny pest entry points could save you thousands? Or that testing irrigation systems now can protect your home’s foundation all summer?
Let’s look at what should be on your spring home maintenance checklist to keep your home in great shape.
Your Home Maintenance Spring Checklist
Don’t Skip Your HVAC System Checkup
Dirty air ducts and filters block airflow and make your HVAC system work harder. This means higher bills and a shorter lifespan for expensive equipment. A clean filter can cut your energy costs by up to 15%, so replacing it is an easy maintenance step.
Need to remember when to change filters? Set a phone reminder for every 30–90 days, depending on your filter type.
If you have an air conditioner, it’s been sitting unused all winter. Now it needs attention before the heat hits and you discover expensive necessary repairs.
Did your home experience cold weather or freezing temperatures this winter? Cold temperatures can damage outdoor units, so check for any visible issues.
For best results, schedule a pro to check your entire HVAC system, including air ducts. Yes, it costs $100–$200, but replacing a burnt-out system runs $5,000+. Worth it? Absolutely.
Look For Foundation Cracks After Cold Weather
Winter freeze-thaw cycles and cold temperatures can create new foundation problems. Check your exterior walls and foundation when the ground is still damp from spring rains.
See a crack wider than a pencil? That’s a red flag. Horizontal cracks are even more serious than vertical ones—they mean the wall might be getting pushed in.
Water seeping into your basement isn’t just annoying—it leads to mould, mildew, and structural damage. Walk around your house after a heavy rain. Any water pooling near the foundation needs to be addressed with necessary repairs.
Don’t panic over hairline cracks—they’re normal in most homes. But take photos of any cracks you find so you can check later if they’re getting bigger.
Clear Those Gutters (Even if You Did it Last Fall)
Winter storms can leave a mess in your gutters. Pine needles, leaves from neighbouring yards, and even small animals can create blockages you don’t expect.
Clogged gutters aren’t just annoying—they can rot your exterior walls, damage your foundation, and cause water to back up under your shingles. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone else, you’ll want to clean your gutters as soon as you can.
While you’re up there, check for:
- Loose or damaged shingles that need replacing
- Gaps around vents or chimney flashing
- Sagging gutter sections that need to be reattached
Water should flow freely through downspouts and at least three feet away from your foundation. If it doesn’t, add extensions to protect your basement and foundation.
Check Your Sump Pump Before Spring Rains
If your house has a basement, your sump pump is an essential tool that prevents expensive water damage. Cold weather can cause parts to crack or batteries to fail.
Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on automatically and remove the water quickly.
Replace backup batteries if needed—power often goes out during spring storms exactly when your sump pump needs to work most!
Inspect Fire Safety Equipment
Spring home maintenance should always include safety checks. Test all carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, replacing batteries as needed.
Check fire extinguishers to make sure they:
- Are easily accessible
- Have adequate pressure (gauge needle in green zone)
- Show no signs of damage
- Haven’t expired (yes, they do expire!)
If your home uses gas appliances, carbon monoxide detectors are absolutely essential. Place them near bedrooms and on each floor of your home.
Stop Pests Before They Move In
Spring is when bugs and rodents start looking for new homes—don’t let yours be available!
Check these spots on your exterior walls where pests commonly enter:
- Gaps around pipes and utility entries
- Torn window screens
- Cracks in exterior walls
- Spaces under doors
- Vents without screens
A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. Most bugs need even less space.
Signs of pests include droppings, gnaw marks, or nests in your attic, basement, and garage. Clean these areas thoroughly and seal entry points with steel wool, caulk, or weather stripping.
Don’t store firewood against your house—it’s a perfect home for termites and carpenter ants that will move into your walls next.
Test Irrigation Systems Before Regular Watering
Your irrigation systems sat unused all winter, exposed to freezing temperatures. Now pipes might be cracked, heads could be damaged, and settings need adjustment.
Run each zone for a few minutes while you watch for:
- Sprinkler heads that don’t pop up fully
- Water spraying toward the house instead of away
- Leaks creating puddles
- Dry spots getting missed
Fix problems now before you waste water all summer or create foundation issues from poor drainage.
Most systems have batteries in the timer that need yearly replacement. Check yours while you’re resetting the schedule for spring.
Inspect Outdoor Spaces and Furniture
After cold weather and freezing temperatures, your outdoor spaces need attention. Check outdoor furniture for:
- Rust on metal parts
- Cracked or peeling paint
- Loose screws or bolts
- Torn cushions or covers
Clean furniture now and make necessary repairs before the outdoor entertaining season begins.
Also check electrical outlets in outdoor spaces to ensure they’re working properly and have proper covers to protect against moisture.
Get Up in Your Attic With a Flashlight
Your attic tells the truth about your roof. Water stains, mould, or wet insulation mean you have roof damage that needs fixing ASAP.
While you’re up there, check that:
- Insulation still covers all areas evenly
- Bathroom vents lead outside (not just into the attic)
- No signs of pests like droppings or nests
- Visible wires aren’t damaged or chewed
Good attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup that can rot wood and create perfect conditions for mould. Make sure vents aren’t blocked by insulation.
Clean and Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard all year round. Spring home maintenance should include:
- Checking around the base for leaks
- Draining a gallon of water to remove sediment
- Testing the pressure relief valve
If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider having it professionally inspected for any necessary repairs.
Find and Fix Leaky Pipes Now
A small drip under a sink can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year. It can also lead to mould growth and cabinet damage you don’t notice until it’s a major problem.
Check these spots for leaky pipes to fix:
- Under every sink with a flashlight
- Around toilet bases for any softness in the floor
- Behind washing machines
- Under dishwashers (look for warped flooring)
Not sure if you have a leak? Check your water meter, don’t use any water for two hours, then check again. If it moved, you have a leak somewhere.
Listen for the sound of running water when everything’s turned off. That whisper sound isn’t normal—it’s water escaping somewhere.
Keep Your Home in Great Shape This Spring
A single weekend of home maintenance now can save you from major headaches and costly repairs later. Start with these quick checks, then tackle small problems before they grow.
Remember, most home disasters don’t happen suddenly—they develop slowly from small issues that go unnoticed. Taking care of your biggest investment just makes sense.
Which project on this spring maintenance checklist will you tackle first this weekend?