Keeping your Los Angeles home in tip‑top shape is a year‑round commitment—especially when you consider our city’s unique weather patterns. From the Santa Ana winds to occasional winter storms, your house faces a variety of stresses. Neglecting routine care can lead to costly repairs, dropped comfort levels, and even safety hazards. This guide breaks down a comprehensive home maintenance checklist into seasonal action plans, plus monthly reminders, so you can stay ahead of issues and keep your property—and your peace of mind—in top form.
Spring Maintenance (March–May)
Spring in LA brings mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes. It’s the perfect time to shake off winter wear and tear and prep for the warmer months ahead.
1. Service Your Air Conditioning System
- Tune‑Up & Filter Swap
Schedule a professional AC tune‑up before the heat hits. A tech can clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and spot potential issues. Between service visits, swap out your filter every 1–3 months for better airflow and efficiency—learn more about our air conditioning services. - Upgrade Comfort Controls & Zoning
Consider installing programmable comfort controls or a zoning system to tailor temperatures by room. It saves energy and improves comfort when different family members have varying temperature preferences. - Boost Efficiency
Follow these Energy Star HVAC tips for keeping your system running leaner and greener.
2. Clean & Inspect Gutters
Even here in LA, spring rains can deposit leaves and debris in your gutters. Left unchecked, clogs can cause overflow that damages fascia boards and siding.
- DIY or hire pros for a thorough clean—see why homeowners trust seasonal gutter cleaning services and how new gutters can boost home value.
3. Roof & Attic Check
- Roof Inspection
Inspect shingles, flashing, and vents for damage—use this DIY roof inspection guide for step‑by‑step tips. - Attic Ventilation
Ensure vents are clear and insulation is dry. Proper airflow prevents mold and curbs energy loss.
4. Outdoor Maintenance
- Pressure‑Wash Surfaces
Clean decks, driveways, and walkways to remove winter grime. - Lawn & Landscape Prep
Prune shrubs, fertilize lawns, and check irrigation systems for leaks or broken heads.
Summer Maintenance (June–August)
Summers in Los Angeles can be sweltering—and your home will work overtime to keep you cool. Here’s how to help it along.
1. Keep Cool, Stay Efficient
- Air Purifiers & Cleaners
Dry summer air and dust storms make indoor air quality crucial. Maintain your air cleaners & purifiers by replacing filters and cleaning pre‑filters. - Shade & Insulation
Inspect attic insulation and add reflective barriers under the roof to reduce heat gain. Plant or maintain shade trees to block summer sun.
2. Check Exterior Seals
- Doors & Windows
Heat can warp wood and harden old caulking. Re‑caulk window frames and door thresholds to keep cool air in (and heat out). - Exterior Paint
Look for cracking or blistering paint, which can allow moisture in during sudden summer showers.
3. Pool & HVAC Prep
- Pool Systems
Clean filters, test pH levels weekly, and inspect pump motors. - HVAC Contractor Check‑In
If your AC performance dips, review our top HVAC contractor questions to ensure you’re getting the best service.
4. Pest Prevention
Warm months invite pests inside. Trim vegetation away from your foundation, seal gaps around utility entries, and schedule quarterly pest control inspections.
Fall Maintenance (September–November)
The transition from summer to fall often brings gusty winds and occasional rain. Fall prep helps you avoid winter surprises.
1. Gutter & Downspout Sweep
Remove summer debris before the fall leaf drop. Clogged gutters can lead to foundation water intrusion—a quick clean now prevents headaches later.
2. Roof & Chimney Prep
- Shingle Repair
Replace any that cracked under summer sun. - Chimney Sweep / Fireplace Check
Even if you rarely light fires in LA, have flues inspected for creosote buildup and seal cracks to prevent moisture entry.
3. Heating System Readiness
- Furnace Inspection
Before the first cold snap, switch to heating mode and listen for odd noises. Change filters and schedule a pro tune‑up if needed—see our air conditioning services for combined HVAC support. - Thermostat Calibration
Check that programmable timers still match your routine; tweak settings for energy savings.
4. Exterior Care
- Deck & Patio Maintenance
Apply waterproof sealant to protect surfaces from winter moisture. - Check Foundation & Grading
Ensure soil slopes away from your home to avoid water pooling near the foundation.
Winter Maintenance (December–February)
Los Angeles winters are mild but can include heavy rainstorms and occasional cold snaps. Here’s how to batten down the hatches.
1. Leak & Moisture Control
- Inspect Attic & Crawl Spaces
Look for signs of leaks or mold. Adequate ventilation and a dehumidifier in damp areas help. - Seal Basement Windows & Doors
If you have any below‑grade rooms, make sure seals and weatherstripping are intact.
2. Plumbing Protection
- Pipe Insulation
Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas to guard against rare freezes. - Check Water Heater
Drain a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment and improve efficiency.
3. Emergency Preparedness
- Backup Power & Lighting
Test generators, replace batteries in flashlights, and keep extra blankets on hand. - Roof Debris Removal
After storms, clear leaves and branches before they cause clogs or damage.
4. Landscape & Exterior
- Tree & Shrub Care
Prune pressure‑risk branches before storms. - Driveway & Walkway Inspection
Repair cracks to prevent water infiltration and damage when temperatures dip.
Monthly & General Maintenance Reminders
Beyond seasonal checklists, set a monthly routine to catch small issues before they escalate:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Replace HVAC filter | Every 1–3 months |
| Test smoke & CO detectors | Monthly |
| Clean kitchen range hood filter | Monthly |
| Inspect door locks, hinges & garage‑door mechanisms | Monthly |
| Flush showerheads & faucet aerators to remove mineral buildup | Monthly |
| Vacuum refrigerator coils & clean drip pan | Monthly |
| Run emergency generator (if applicable) | Monthly |
| Check and clean dehumidifiers or humidifiers | Monthly |
| Verify irrigation timers & look for leaks | Monthly |
| Inspect exterior lights & replace bulbs | Monthly |
Pro Tip: Keep a shared family calendar (digital or paper) to track completed tasks and schedule professional services.
When to Call the Experts
Sometimes even a diligent DIYer needs professional help. You might consider contacting a licensed technician when you notice:
- Unusual noises or odors from your HVAC system
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Drainage problems despite clear gutters
- Electrical issues like flickering lights or tripping breakers
- Rapid roof leaks during rainstorms
We’re here to help—contact us anytime for a fast, friendly response.
Conclusion
Year‑round home maintenance in Los Angeles may seem daunting, but breaking it into seasonal and monthly tasks transforms it into manageable steps. A little effort now saves you from big headaches—and big bills—down the road. Whether you’re swapping filters, sealing windows, or scheduling a comprehensive HVAC tune‑up, staying proactive keeps your home safe, comfortable, and energy efficient.
Ready to tackle your checklist or need professional support? Visit our pages on air conditioning, comfort controls, zoning, and air purifiers, or simply get in touch. Let’s make this year your best one yet for home maintenance!