Michigan's four distinct seasons each bring specific demands on your home. A proactive, month-by-month maintenance routine prevents emergency repairs, extends the life of major systems, and protects the value of your investment. Rather than reacting to problems as they arise, this calendar puts you in control — addressing each task during the season when it's most effective and least expensive. Print this page, pin it to the refrigerator, and work through each month's checklist systematically.
Winter (December–February)
Winter maintenance is about monitoring, responding, and planning ahead. Focus on keeping systems running and preventing the freeze-thaw damage that costs Michigan homeowners the most:
January
- Replace furnace filter
- Test sump pump battery backup
- Check attic insulation depth
- Inspect for ice dams after storms
- Review emergency supply kit
February
- Monitor pipe freeze risk during cold snaps
- Inspect weatherstripping and door sweeps
- Order spring seeds and plants
- Schedule spring HVAC service (book early)
- Check fire extinguisher expiration dates
December
- Replace furnace filter
- Monitor for ice dams after heavy snow
- Keep walkways clear and treated
- Run ceiling fans clockwise for heat redistribution
- Check holiday light connections for safety
Spring (March–May)
Spring is the assessment and preparation season — evaluate winter damage, get mechanical systems ready, and prepare the landscape for the growing season:
March
- Remove storm windows, install screens
- Clean gutters after final leaf drop
- Inspect roof for winter damage
- Test air conditioner before cooling season
- Check foundation for new cracks
April
- Start lawn mower and sharpen blades
- Aerate and seed bare lawn spots
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide if needed
- Clean and seal deck or patio
- Mulch garden beds (2–3 inches)
May
- Turn on irrigation system and test zones
- Service the BBQ grill
- Plant annual flowers after last frost (typically mid-May)
- Clean exterior windows
- Power wash siding and walkways
Summer (June–August)
Summer is the season for outdoor projects, exterior maintenance, and keeping cooling systems running efficiently:
June
- Replace HVAC filter (monthly through summer)
- Seal asphalt driveway if due
- Inspect and repair window screens
- Clean dryer vent duct
- Check exterior caulking around windows and doors
July
- Water lawn deeply during dry spells
- Inspect for pest activity (ants, wasps, carpenter bees)
- Trim tree branches away from roof
- Check sprinkler coverage and adjust
- Clean garbage disposal and kitchen drain
August
- Service air conditioner mid-season
- Flush water heater to remove sediment
- Inspect attic for adequate ventilation
- Plan fall exterior projects
- Check firewood supply if using fireplace
Fall (September–November)
Fall is the most critical maintenance season in Michigan — the work you do now directly determines how your home performs through winter:
September
- Schedule professional furnace tune-up
- Clean gutters after early leaf drop
- Winterize outdoor faucets and sprinkler system
- Seal gaps around pipes and exterior penetrations
- Test smoke and CO detectors, replace batteries
October
- Install window insulation film on older windows
- Inspect chimney and schedule sweep
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses
- Service snow blower before first snowfall
November
- Shut off exterior water supply valves
- Stock ice melt and check shovel condition
- Bring outdoor furniture and planters inside
- Check attic insulation before cold weather
- Verify CO detectors are working (furnace season)
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