The Yearly “Big Five” Checklist

Focus on these five critical areas once a year to ensure your home’s core systems are healthy.

Don’t wait for your AC to fail on a 100-degree day in

Austin. Schedule a professional inspection every spring or fall.

Task: Have a technician check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and inspect electrical components.
DIY Bonus: Change your filters every 30–90 days to keep the system running efficiently between pro visits.

Central Texas storms can be brutal. Inspect your home’s “shell” to prevent water intrusion.

Task: Look for damaged shingles, cracked siding, or gaps in caulking around windows and doors.
Action: Clean your gutters and ensure downspouts direct water at least five feet away from the foundation to avoid costly structural shifts.

Sediment builds up at the bottom of your tank over time, reducing efficiency and eventually causing leaks.

Task: Drain and flush your water heater annually to remove this buildup. This simple task can add years to the unit’s lifespan.

Treat your safety devices as your home’s first responders.

Task: Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, even if they aren’t chirping yet.
Task: Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguishers and verify they haven’t expired.

Appliances work harder when they’re dirty, leading to premature failure.

Dryer Vents: Clean the full length of your dryer exhaust duct once a year to prevent lint fires—a leading cause of home fires.
Refrigerator Coils: Vacuum the dust off the coils behind or beneath your fridge to help it cool more effectively.

Seasonal Quick Wins

Season	Top Priority Task
Spring	Inspect sprinklers and outdoor faucets for leaks.
Summer	Trim vegetation at least one foot away from siding to prevent pests and rot.
Fall	Seal gaps around cables or pipes entering the home to keep out cold air and critters.
Winter	Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise) to push warm air down.

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