73 recurring tasks and 7 yearly deadlines. 13 of them apply to nearly everyone; the rest depend on whether you own or rent, drive, have pets, and what’s in your home.
Monthly adulting tasks
Very little truly needs doing every month. These are the few things that do.Apply flea and tick prevention
Pet ownersAbout 5 minutes
Missing a dose leaves a gap where fleas and ticks (and the diseases they carry) can take hold.How: Apply or administer your pet’s flea/tick prevention on schedule, per your vet’s recommendation.If you skip it: A flea infestation in your home or a tick-borne illness in your pet.Give heartworm prevention
Pet ownersAbout 5 minutes
Heartworm treatment is far more dangerous and expensive than prevention.How: Give your pet’s monthly heartworm preventive on schedule.If you skip it: A heartworm infection requiring a long, risky, and costly treatment.Wash your mini-split’s filters
Homeowners · Mini-split (ductless)About 15 minutes
Ductless filters are washable, not disposable, and they clog faster than ducted ones. A clogged unit loses efficiency and can start dripping or smelling musty.How: Lift the front panel, slide out the mesh filters, rinse them under lukewarm water, let them dry fully, and slide them back in.If you skip it: Weaker heating and cooling, higher bills, and a moldy smell that costs a service visit to chase down.Every two or three months
Filters, detectors, and tire pressure: quick jobs that are easy to lose track of because they only come up a few times a year.Check tire pressure
VehicleAbout 10 minutes
Underinflated tires wear faster, hurt fuel economy, and are more likely to blow out.How: Check each tire’s pressure against the sticker in the driver’s door jamb and top off as needed.If you skip it: Reduced fuel economy, uneven tire wear, and higher blowout risk.Test smoke and CO detectors
Smoke/CO detectorAbout 10 minutes
A battery can be fine while the sensor itself has failed. Testing catches that.How: Press the test button on each detector and confirm it sounds; replace any unit over 10 years old.If you skip it: A silent detector failure that only becomes apparent in an emergency.Clean your dishwasher’s filter
DishwasherAbout 15 minutes
Modern dishwashers have a manual filter that traps food debris. Once it’s packed, dishes come out dirtier than they went in.How: Pull the bottom rack, twist out the cylindrical filter and lift the flat screen beneath it, rinse both under hot water with a soft brush, and reseat until it locks. Wipe the door gasket while you’re in there.If you skip it: Gritty dishes, a smell you can’t place, and a drain pump working against debris it wasn’t meant to move.Degrease your range hood filter
Range hoodAbout 20 minutes
A grease-loaded filter stops venting cooking smoke and moisture, and it’s fuel sitting directly above a burner.How: Slide out the mesh filters and soak them in hot water with degreasing dish soap and baking soda, then rinse and dry before reinstalling. Replace charcoal filters in recirculating hoods rather than washing them.If you skip it: Grease film on your kitchen surfaces, lingering cooking smells, and a fire hazard over the stove.Replace the HVAC filter (if your lease makes it yours)
Renters · Central HVAC (ducted)About 10 minutes
In most rentals the tenant replaces filters. A clogged filter strains the system, raises the utility bill you pay, and dumps dust into your air.How: Check your lease or ask your landlord who handles filters; if it’s you, slide out the old one, note the size printed on the frame, and put the date on the new filter’s edge.If you skip it: Higher energy bills, worse air, and a maintenance dispute if the unit fails from neglect.Replace your water filter
Water filterAbout 10 minutes
A spent filter stops removing contaminants and can start harboring bacteria.How: Replace the filter cartridge in your fridge, pitcher, or under-sink filtration system per the manufacturer’s schedule.If you skip it: Reduced filtration effectiveness and worse-tasting water.Run a tub-clean cycle on your washer
WasherAbout 10 minutes
Detergent residue and moisture build up where you can’t see them, especially in front-loaders, and that’s what makes laundry come out smelling musty.How: Run the machine’s tub-clean or self-clean cycle with a washer cleaning tablet or bleach, then wipe the door gasket’s folds dry and leave the door ajar between loads.If you skip it: Mildew in the gasket, laundry that smells worse clean than dirty, and a gasket replacement.Replace your HVAC filter
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)About 10 minutes
A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, raising energy bills and shortening its lifespan.How: Find the filter size printed on the frame, slide the old one out, and slide a new one in with the airflow arrow pointing toward the unit.If you skip it: Higher energy bills now and a costly compressor or blower repair later.Treat the AC condensate line
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)About 10 minutes
A clogged condensate line backs up and overflows the drain pan, soaking ceilings or floors. HVAC techs call clearing it one of the cheapest, highest-value maintenance items there is.How: Pour a cup of distilled vinegar (or drop a condensate tablet) into the line’s access tee near the indoor unit, and confirm water drips freely from the outdoor outlet.If you skip it: A pan overflow that ruins drywall or flooring, and an AC that shuts itself off mid-summer when the float switch trips.Refill water softener salt
Water softenerAbout 10 minutes
Running out of salt lets hard water back into your pipes and appliances.How: Check the salt level in the brine tank and refill it to about two-thirds full.If you skip it: Hard-water scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances.Twice a year
The spring and fall clock changes make a handy reminder for most of these.Review your recurring subscriptions
EveryoneAbout 30 minutes
Forgotten subscriptions quietly add up to real money every month.How: Go through your bank/credit card statements and cancel anything you’re not actively using.If you skip it: Ongoing charges for services you’ve forgotten you’re paying for.Test GFCI outlets
HomeownersAbout 15 minutes
GFCI outlets protect against electric shock in wet areas, but the test/reset mechanism can fail over time.How: Press the “test” button on each GFCI outlet (kitchen, bathroom, garage, outdoor) and confirm it cuts power, then press “reset.”If you skip it: A safety outlet that no longer protects against shock where it matters most.Clean slow drains
HomeownersAbout 20 minutes
Slow drains usually mean a partial clog that gets worse and eventually backs up.How: Use a drain snake or enzyme cleaner on any sink, tub, or shower drain that’s running slow.If you skip it: A full blockage requiring a plumber or a backed-up overflow.Change your car’s oil
VehicleOr every 5,000 milesAbout 45 minutes
Old oil breaks down and stops protecting the engine from wear.How: Follow your owner’s manual’s recommended interval and oil type, or take it to a shop for a full-service change.If you skip it: Accelerated engine wear and a possible voided warranty.Rotate your tires
VehicleOr every 5,000 milesAbout 45 minutes
Tires wear unevenly depending on position. Rotating them extends the life of the full set.How: Have your tires rotated front-to-back (and side-to-side per your vehicle’s pattern) at a tire shop or during an oil change.If you skip it: Uneven wear that forces you to replace tires sooner than necessary.Replace smoke and CO detector batteries
Smoke/CO detectorAbout 20 minutes
Dead batteries are the single most common reason smoke detectors fail during a fire.How: Replace the battery in every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home.If you skip it: A detector that doesn’t sound during an actual emergency.Deep-clean your grill and check the burners and hose
Grill/smokerAbout 45 minutes
Grease buildup is the leading cause of grill fires, and clogged burner ports cook unevenly long before they fail. On gas grills the hose and connections loosen with heat cycles and cart bumps.How: With the tank off, scrub the grates and interior, empty the grease tray, and clear burner ports with a bristle-free brush. On gas models, brush soapy water over the hose and connections and open the valve; bubbles mean a leak. Check the igniter while everything is apart.If you skip it: A grease fire that takes the grill (or the deck) with it, or a slow gas leak you smell only when it’s bad.Lube your bike chain and check tires and brakes
Bike/e-bikeAbout 20 minutes
A dry chain can wear out a drivetrain, the most expensive consumable on the bike, in a single season. Tires lose a few PSI a week whether ridden or not. Soft tires cause most pinch flats; unchecked pads fade quietly.How: Wipe the chain, apply bike-specific lube, and wipe the excess. Inflate to the pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Squeeze the brakes and look at the pad wear line; spin each wheel to catch rubbing. On an e-bike, check the battery contacts while you’re there.If you skip it: A worn cassette and chainrings that turn a $15 chain into a $200 drivetrain job, or brakes you discover are gone mid-hill.Replace your refrigerator’s water filter
RefrigeratorAbout 10 minutes
A spent filter stops removing contaminants and starts restricting flow to the dispenser and ice maker.How: Find the filter (inside the fresh-food compartment or behind the base grille), twist or pull the old cartridge out, and seat the new one. Run a few gallons through to flush the carbon fines.If you skip it: Off-tasting water, slow ice production, and eventually a clogged water line.Vacuum your refrigerator’s condenser coils
RefrigeratorAbout 20 minutes
Dust-blanketed coils make the compressor run hotter and longer, which is both the biggest energy draw and the part that fails.How: Unplug the fridge, find the coils behind the toe grille or on the back, and vacuum them with a brush attachment. A coil brush reaches the middle.If you skip it: Higher electric bills and a compressor replacement that usually costs more than the fridge is worth.Check the mini-split’s condensate drain
Homeowners · Mini-split (ductless)About 20 minutes
Each indoor head drains condensation through a small line that clogs with algae. A blocked line backs up and drips down your wall.How: Find the drain line where it exits outside and make sure water drips freely while the unit cools; if it’s sluggish, flush the line or clear it with a wet/dry vacuum at the outlet.If you skip it: Water stains and drywall repair right under the indoor unit.Clean vents and registers
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)About 30 minutes
Dust and debris buildup blocks airflow and recirculates allergens through your home.How: Vacuum each supply and return vent with a brush attachment, and wipe down the visible grille.If you skip it: Reduced airflow, higher energy use, and worse indoor air quality.Inspect the water heater for leaks or corrosion
Water heaterAbout 10 minutes
Small leaks and rust spots are early warnings of a tank failure that can flood a room.How: Look around the base and fittings for moisture, rust, or discoloration, and check the temperature/pressure relief valve.If you skip it: An undetected leak leading to water damage and a full tank replacement.Test the sump pump
Sump pumpAbout 15 minutes
A sump pump that fails silently means the first sign of trouble is a flooded basement.How: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and confirm the pump kicks on, drains the pit, and shuts off cleanly.If you skip it: Basement flooding during the next heavy rain or snowmelt.The yearly adulting checklist
The big one: money and paperwork, the house, and the car. Tasks with months beside them are best done then; the rest can go wherever your year has room.Audit beneficiaries on your accounts
EveryoneAbout 30 minutes
Beneficiary forms silently outrank your will, and they still say whatever they said when you opened each account.How: List every retirement account, life insurance policy, and bank account with a payable-on-death option; confirm primary and contingent names on each.If you skip it: Money delivered to an ex or an estate lawyer instead of your family.Audit passwords and two-factor on financial accounts
EveryoneAbout 45 minutes
Your bank, brokerage, and email accounts are the keys to everything else. Reused passwords and missing two-factor are how accounts actually get drained.How: For each financial account (and the email address that can reset them), confirm a unique password in your password manager and two-factor authentication turned on. An authenticator app beats SMS.If you skip it: One leaked password away from someone else moving your money.Check your retirement contribution rate
EveryoneAbout 20 minutes
Match formulas change, raises change your percentages, and annual limits rise. A rate set years ago quietly leaves employer money and tax room behind.How: Pull up your current contribution rate next to your employer’s match formula and this year’s contribution limits; bump your rate to at least the full-match threshold, more if you can.If you skip it: Guaranteed-return match money forfeited every paycheck.Reshop your insurance policies
EveryoneAbout an hour
Insurers price loyalty as a surcharge. Renewal premiums drift upward each year precisely because most people never compare.How: Grab the declarations page for each policy (auto, home or renters, umbrella) and get two or three like-for-like quotes; switch, or show the best quote to your current insurer and ask them to match.If you skip it: Hundreds a year in loyalty tax, compounding at every renewal.Review your emergency fund target
EveryoneAbout 30 minutes
The right cushion is measured in months of your actual expenses, and those change. Rent hikes, a new car payment, or a new family member all move the target.How: Total a typical month’s essential spending, multiply by three to six, and compare against what’s actually in the account; set up or adjust an automatic transfer to close any gap. Check the account still pays a competitive rate.If you skip it: A surprise expense landing on a credit card at 25% interest.Verify your credit freezes are in place
EveryoneAbout 20 minutes
A freeze is the single highest-leverage identity-theft protection, it’s free, and one you set years ago may have been lifted for a loan and forgotten.How: Log in to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion and confirm the freeze status at each bureau; set one anywhere it’s missing.If you skip it: A fraudulent loan in your name and months of cleanup.Gather your tax documents
EveryoneJan–MarAbout 45 minutes
W-2s, 1099s, and deduction records trickle in over weeks. Collecting them early turns filing from a scramble into an afternoon, and unlocks credits that require documentation.How: Make one folder (physical or digital) and drop in every tax form as it arrives; check payroll, brokerage, and bank portals for forms that only come electronically.If you skip it: A last-minute filing scramble, missed deductions, or paying a preparer to hunt for paperwork you already had.Review your benefits at open enrollment
EveryoneOct–NovAbout an hour
Elections silently roll over, but plans, premiums, and your life change. Last year’s health plan or FSA amount is rarely this year’s right answer.How: When open enrollment starts, compare this year’s medical plans against how much care your household actually used, and revisit FSA/HSA contributions, life insurance, and any new benefits.If you skip it: A year locked into the wrong plan or leaving employer-funded benefits on the table.Check your credit report
EveryoneAbout 20 minutes
Free annual checks catch errors and signs of identity theft before they become a bigger problem.How: Pull your free credit report from each of the three bureaus and review it for accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize.If you skip it: An identity theft or reporting error going unnoticed for months.Check your emergency kit supplies
EveryoneAbout 20 minutes
Batteries die and food expires. A kit you haven’t checked in years may not actually work when needed.How: Check flashlight batteries, water and food expiration dates, and any medications in your emergency kit.If you skip it: An emergency kit that fails you during the emergency it’s meant for.Review your family’s fire escape plan
EveryoneAbout 20 minutes
A plan everyone knows by heart saves precious seconds in an actual emergency.How: Walk through two exit routes from every room with everyone in the household, and confirm your meeting point outside.If you skip it: Confusion and lost time in an emergency when seconds matter.Check fire extinguisher pressure and expiration
HomeownersAbout 5 minutes
An expired or depressurized extinguisher won’t work when you need it most.How: Check the pressure gauge is in the green zone and the expiration/inspection date hasn’t passed.If you skip it: A fire extinguisher that fails at the exact moment you reach for it.Photo-document your unit’s condition
RentersAbout 30 minutes
Security-deposit disputes are won with dated photos. A yearly set proves which scuffs predate you and documents new problems while they’re fresh.How: Walk every room and photograph walls, floors, appliances, and anything worn or damaged; store the photos somewhere dated and off your phone, and email the landlord about anything new.If you skip it: Your deposit paying for damage you didn’t cause, with no evidence to argue otherwise.Prep for your lease renewal
RentersAbout 45 minutes
Renewal offers reward the unprepared. Landlords count on tenants accepting the first number because moving is a hassle.How: About 90 days before your lease ends, check comparable listings in your building and neighborhood, note anything you’ve reported that went unfixed, and decide your walk-away number before the renewal letter arrives.If you skip it: Accepting a rent hike that ten minutes of comparable listings would have talked down.Schedule your pet’s annual vet checkup
Pet ownersAbout an hour
Annual exams catch health issues early, when they’re cheaper and easier to treat.How: Book a wellness exam with your vet, including any due vaccinations.If you skip it: A health issue that goes unnoticed until it’s more serious and expensive to treat.Walk the unit and report issues in writing
RentersAbout 30 minutes
Small leaks and mold spots become your problem if unreported. A written paper trail both gets things fixed and protects your deposit and liability.How: Once a year, check under sinks, around windows, and behind appliances for leaks, mold, or pests; email your landlord a dated list of anything you find, even if you already mentioned it in person.If you skip it: Damage that grows until it’s blamed on you, with no record that you flagged it early.Inspect toilet supply lines and shutoff valves
HomeownersAbout 15 minutes
Old rubber supply lines and corroded valves are a common source of sudden water damage.How: Check each toilet’s supply line for cracking or bulging, and confirm the shutoff valve turns freely.If you skip it: A burst supply line flooding a bathroom while you’re away.Check exterior paint and siding
HomeownersAbout 30 minutes
Peeling paint and damaged siding let moisture into the wall structure.How: Walk the perimeter and look for peeling/blistering paint, cracked siding, or gaps at trim joints.If you skip it: Moisture intrusion leading to rot and a much larger repair.Check exterior caulking and weatherstripping
HomeownersSep–OctAbout an hour
Gaps around windows and doors let in drafts, moisture, and pests.How: Inspect caulk lines around windows, doors, and trim for cracking or gaps, and re-caulk or replace weatherstripping as needed.If you skip it: Higher heating/cooling bills and water intrusion around openings.Rake and clear leaves from the yard
HomeownersOct–NovAbout 90 minutes
A thick layer of wet leaves smothers grass and clogs drainage paths.How: Rake or blow leaves from the lawn and clear them away from drains and window wells.If you skip it: Dead patches of lawn in spring and drainage backups during fall rain.Winterize outdoor faucets
Homeowners · Cold climatesOct–NovAbout 20 minutes
Water left in an outdoor faucet or line freezes, expands, and cracks the pipe.How: Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off the interior valve for outdoor faucets if you have one, and drain the line.If you skip it: A burst pipe behind a wall once temperatures drop.Inspect brake pads
VehicleAbout 20 minutes
Worn brake pads take longer to stop and can damage rotors if ignored too long.How: Have a shop inspect pad thickness during a tire rotation or oil change.If you skip it: Rotor damage and a more expensive repair than a pad swap alone.Replace the engine air filter
VehicleOr every 15,000 milesAbout 15 minutes
A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine and reduces fuel efficiency.How: Locate the air filter housing (usually a black box near the engine), swap the filter, and reseal the housing.If you skip it: Reduced fuel economy and, over time, more engine wear.Replace wiper blades
VehicleAbout 10 minutes
Worn blades streak and skip, cutting visibility right when weather gets bad.How: Lift each blade arm and snap in a new blade matching your vehicle’s size.If you skip it: Poor visibility in rain or snow when you need it most.Test your car battery
VehicleAbout 15 minutes
Batteries degrade gradually and often fail without warning in cold weather.How: Have a shop or auto parts store test your battery’s charge and cold-cranking performance.If you skip it: A dead battery on a cold morning when you need to be somewhere.Clean the dryer vent
DryerAbout 30 minutes
Lint buildup in the dryer vent is a leading cause of house fires.How: Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and wall, and clear lint from the hose, duct, and outside exhaust cap. Between deep cleans, a monthly reach-in behind the lint trap (or a quick pass with a wet vac) keeps buildup from starting.If you skip it: A significantly elevated house fire risk and a less efficient dryer.Inspect and clean the chimney and flue
Homeowners · Fireplace/chimneySep–OctAbout 90 minutes
Creosote buildup in a chimney is a fire hazard, and blockages can send carbon monoxide back into the house.How: Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flue if you use a fireplace or wood stove regularly.If you skip it: A chimney fire or carbon monoxide backing up into the living space.Replace thermostat batteries
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)About 10 minutes
A dead thermostat battery can shut off your HVAC system entirely without warning.How: Check your thermostat’s low-battery indicator and swap in fresh batteries of the type it takes.If you skip it: An HVAC system that silently stops responding to schedule changes.Schedule an annual HVAC tune-up
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)About 90 minutes
A technician catches worn parts and refrigerant issues before they cause a mid-season breakdown.How: Book a licensed HVAC technician for a full inspection and tune-up of your heating and cooling system. Spring, before the first hot week, is the easiest time to get an appointment.If you skip it: A surprise breakdown during a heat wave or cold snap, plus a shorter system lifespan.Schedule an annual mini-split deep clean
Homeowners · Mini-split (ductless)About 90 minutes
The blower wheel and coils sit right in your living space and collect dust and biofilm a filter rinse can’t reach; a technician also checks refrigerant charge.How: Book an HVAC technician who services ductless systems for a deep clean of each indoor head and an outdoor-unit inspection. Spring, before cooling season, is the easiest time to get an appointment.If you skip it: Declining efficiency, musty air, and a shorter compressor life.Rinse the AC condenser coil
Homeowners · Central HVAC (ducted)Apr–JunAbout 30 minutes
Dirt and cottonwood fluff blanket the outdoor coil’s fins and force the compressor to work harder, which is a leading cause of premature compressor failure. This is the DIY hose-down between annual pro visits.How: Cut power at the outdoor disconnect, remove the top grille or cowl if you can, and rinse the fins gently from the inside out with a garden hose (no pressure washer, no chemical cleaners needed).If you skip it: Reduced cooling, higher electric bills, and a compressor replacement that runs well over $2,000.Flush the water heater tank
Water heaterAbout 45 minutes
Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and causing corrosion.How: Attach a hose to the drain valve, run it outside or to a drain, shut off power/gas and the cold-water supply, then drain the tank fully. If the tank is old and has never been flushed, inspect first. Draining years of settled sediment can dislodge it and cause leaks, so consider leaving a neglected tank alone and planning its replacement instead.If you skip it: Reduced heating efficiency, rumbling noises, and a shortened tank lifespan.Inspect deck and fence for rot or damage
Homeowners · Deck/fenceAbout 30 minutes
Wood structural damage isn’t obvious until a board gives way underfoot.How: Check deck boards, railings, and fence posts for soft spots, loose fasteners, and rot, especially where wood touches soil.If you skip it: A structural failure that’s both a safety hazard and expensive to repair.Inspect the roof for damage
Homeowners · RoofAbout 30 minutes
Small issues like lifted shingles or damaged flashing are cheap to fix now and expensive once they become a leak.How: From the ground or a ladder, look for missing/curling shingles, damaged flashing around vents and chimneys, and moss buildup.If you skip it: A slow leak that causes hidden water damage before it’s noticed indoors.Inspect your EV charger’s cable, connector, and mount
Homeowners · EV chargerAbout 10 minutes
The cable takes a daily flex-and-drag cycle and the connector pins carry high current for hours at a time. Wear on either shows up as heat, and heat is how charging equipment fails. Ten minutes a year catches it while it’s still a warranty call instead of a scorched plug.How: Unplug and look over the full cable length for cuts, kinks, or a flattened jacket. Check the connector pins for discoloration or melting, make sure the holster and wall mount are tight, and confirm the breaker and any status lights look normal. Feel the plug after a charging session. Warm is normal; too hot to hold is not.If you skip it: A failed cable or scorched connector. That’s a few hundred dollars if it’s just the equipment, and an electrical hazard if it isn’t.Lubricate and inspect the garage door
Garage doorAbout 20 minutes
Dry hinges and rollers strain the opener motor and can lead to a door that jams or falls.How: Lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks with garage-door lubricant, and check the auto-reverse safety feature.If you skip it: A stuck door, a burned-out opener motor, or a safety hazard.Clean gutters and downspouts (spring)
Homeowners · GuttersMar–AprAbout an hour
Winter storms leave debris and ice damage that block spring rain from draining properly.How: Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and check for sagging sections or loose brackets.If you skip it: Water overflow that damages siding, fascia, and the foundation.Rinse your solar panels and check the inverter output
Homeowners · Solar panelsApr–MayAbout 45 minutes
Pollen, dust, and bird droppings shave real percentage points off production. Most owners never notice because the bill creeps instead of jumping. The inverter is the component that actually fails first, and its display or app tells you in one glance whether the system is earning what it should.How: On a cool morning, rinse the panels from the ground with a hose. No pressure washer and no roof-walking; hire a cleaner for steep roofs. Compare the inverter’s production readout (or the monitoring app) against the same month last year, and look under the array for loose wiring, debris nests, or lifted flashing.If you skip it: Five to ten percent of production quietly gone, and an inverter fault you discover months after it started costing you.Clean gutters and downspouts (fall)
Homeowners · GuttersSep–OctAbout an hour
Leaves and debris clog gutters right before the season they’re needed most, sending water down your siding and foundation instead.How: Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and flush with a hose to confirm water flows freely.If you skip it: Water overflow that damages siding, fascia, and the foundation.Open the pool for the season
Pool/spaApr–MayAbout 2 hours
Starting the season with balanced water and clean equipment prevents algae and equipment strain later.How: Remove and clean the winter cover, refill to the proper level, restart the filtration system, and balance the water chemistry.If you skip it: An algae bloom or equipment damage that costs far more to fix than a proper opening.Turn on and test the sprinkler system
Homeowners · Irrigation/sprinkler system · Cold climatesAprAbout 30 minutes
A quick spring test catches winter damage before it wastes water all season.How: Turn the water supply back on, run each zone, and check for leaks, clogged heads, or misaligned spray patterns.If you skip it: A leaking zone running unnoticed for weeks, or dead patches from a broken head.Close the pool for winter
Pool/spa · Cold climatesSep–OctAbout 2 hours
Water left in pipes and equipment over winter freezes and cracks them.How: Balance the water chemistry, lower the water level, blow out the lines, and cover the pool.If you skip it: Cracked pipes, pump, or filter that need replacing come spring.Blow out the sprinkler system before freeze
Homeowners · Irrigation/sprinkler system · Cold climatesOctAbout 45 minutes
Water trapped in irrigation lines freezes and cracks pipes and sprinkler heads.How: Shut off the irrigation water supply and use an air compressor to blow remaining water out of every zone (or hire an irrigation company).If you skip it: Cracked underground irrigation lines that are expensive to locate and repair.Every few years
Rare enough that nobody remembers when they last did them. That’s the problem.Inspect and replace your washer’s supply hoses
WasherAbout 30 minutes
A burst supply hose delivers water at full house pressure until someone notices. It’s one of the most common large water-damage claims there is.How: Shut off the valves, look for bulges, rust at the crimps, or cracking, and replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel. Note the date on the new ones.If you skip it: A flooded laundry room and everything below it, plus a deductible and a claim on your record.Check the water heater’s anode rod
Water heaterAbout 45 minutes
The anode rod sacrifices itself to corrosion so the tank doesn’t. Once it’s spent, the tank starts rusting from the inside.How: Remove the rod from the top of the tank and replace it if it’s worn down to less than half its original thickness or coated in calcium.If you skip it: Internal tank corrosion that ends in a full water heater replacement years early.Reseal an asphalt driveway
Homeowners · DrivewayMay–JulAbout 3 hours
Sealing protects against water, freeze-thaw cracking, and UV damage.How: Clean the driveway surface, fill any cracks, and apply a sealcoat with a squeegee or sprayer.If you skip it: Cracking and potholing that requires a full driveway replacement.Yearly deadlines and renewals
These come due on a fixed date, and missing one means a late fee, a fine, or a lapse in coverage. Note each date once and set a reminder a few weeks ahead.Income tax filing
TaxesEveryone
A yearly nudge ahead of the filing deadline so you have time to gather documents.Property tax payment
TaxesHomeowners
Property taxes are typically due on a fixed date each year. Add yours so a late fee never sneaks up.Homeowners insurance renewal
Insurance renewalHomeowners
A yearly reminder to review coverage and shop rates before your policy auto-renews.Pet license renewal
License / ID renewalPet owners
Many municipalities require an annual pet license. Add the renewal date to stay current.Rabies / vaccination renewal
HealthcarePet owners
Rabies and other core vaccines expire on a fixed date. Add it from your pet’s vaccination certificate so boosters never lapse.Vehicle registration renewal
Vehicle registrationVehicle
Most states renew vehicle registration annually. Set the date from your current registration card or renewal notice so you’re reminded before it lapses.Vehicle safety / emissions inspection
Vehicle inspectionVehicle
Many states require an annual safety or emissions inspection. Add the month yours is due so you can schedule it before the deadline.