JANUARY
Protect your investment year-round with our easy-to-follow Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist.
Created by experienced home inspectors, this proactive guide breaks maintenance into simple monthly tasks that help prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and extend the life of your home’s major systems. For items that may require a professional touch, we also include recommendations for trusted, vetted service technicians - so you always know who to call when it’s time to bring in an expert.
January – Interior Safety & Water Control
1.🚨🛠️🧑🔧 Clean dryer vent (fire prevention)
Video - How to clean your dryer vent
2.🚨🛠️🧑🔧 Test sump pump and/or sewage ejector pumps (if applicable)
Video - How to test your sump pump
3.🚨🛠️ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
4.⚠️🛠️🧑🔧 Flush water heater to remove sediment
Video - How to flush your water heater
5.⚠️🛠️ Replace furnace filter
6.✅🛠️ Run infrequently used plumbing fixtures; check for leaks
Priority Level
🚨 CRITICAL / SAFETY – High risk if neglected (fire, flooding, health, structural damage)
⚠️ PREVENTIVE / COST-SAVING – Extends system life, avoids expensive repairs
✅ MAINTENANCE / COMFORT – Efficiency, appearance, convenience
Who Should Do It
🛠️ DIY (Homeowner) – Safe for most homeowners
🧑🔧 PRO (Licensed Contractor / Service Tech) – Professional service recommended
Furnace Filter Note: Replace furnace filters monthly unless manufacturer specifications allow longer intervals. Homes with pets, allergies, or wildfire smoke exposure benefit from monthly replacement.