The New Year Checklist Every Homeowner Needs

Happy New Year! While everyone else is focused on gym memberships and meal prep, smart homeowners are starting 2026 with a different kind of resolution: taking care of the biggest investment they own.

January is the perfect time to tackle essential home maintenance—before small issues become expensive emergencies. Here's your annual checklist to protect your home (and your wallet) all year long:

Check Your HVAC System. Your furnace has been working overtime through the holidays. Replace the filter (do this every 1-3 months), and if you haven't had it serviced in the past year, schedule a tune-up now. A $150 service call beats a $3,000 emergency replacement in February.

Check for Ice Dams. Look at your roofline after a snowfall. If you see icicles or ice buildup along the edges, you've got an ice dam problem that can lead to roof damage and leaks. Poor attic insulation is usually the culprit. Safely remove snow from your roof edge with a roof rake, and schedule an insulation inspection for spring.

Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts. Hold a lit candle or incense stick near window frames and door edges on a windy day. If the flame flickers or smoke blows, you've got air leaks costing you money every month. Add weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps—it's cheap, easy, and pays for itself in lower heating bills.

Flush Your Water Heater. Sediment builds up over time and reduces efficiency. Flushing it once a year extends its life and keeps your energy bills lower. It's a 20-minute DIY job (YouTube has great tutorials) or a quick call to a plumber. If you have an older unit or haven't already been doing this annually, check with a professional first as a flush could potentially damage your unit or cause leaks.

Review Your Homeowner's Insurance. Your home's value has likely changed, and so have replacement costs. Make sure your coverage still protects you. Also, check your deductible and see if you're eligible for any discounts you might be missing.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Replace batteries (even if they're "still working") and test each unit. Detectors older than 10 years should be replaced entirely. This is literally life-saving maintenance.

Clean Your Dryer Vent. Lint buildup causes thousands of house fires every year. Pull the dryer away from the wall, disconnect the vent, and clean it out thoroughly. You'll also notice your dryer works faster, which saves energy.

Think of this as your home's annual physical. Spend one weekend in January tackling these tasks, and you'll avoid stress, expense, and emergency repairs all year long. Your 2026 self will thank you.

P.S. Happy New Year! If one of your 2026 goals is finally making a move, let's start the conversation. No pressure, just good information and a clear plan.