The Woodlands Home & Garage Maintenance Calendar

January

Mild winter

0 of 3 done

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed.
Why it matters
Alarms are your early warning for fire and carbon monoxide, and a dead battery gives no warning.
When to call a pro: Replace any alarm past the date printed on the back.
On the occasional freezing night, cover outdoor faucets and drain hoses.
Why it matters
Freezes are uncommon here but do happen, and exposed outdoor pipes are the first to split.
Garage door: watch the door through a full open-and-close cycle and listen for grinding or squealing. See what each noise means.
Why it matters
New noises are often the first sign of worn rollers, dry hinges or a tired spring.
When to call a pro: Springs and cables are under high tension — leave them to a trained technician.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Replace the HVAC air filter.
Why it matters
A clean filter protects the system and keeps air moving before cooling season starts.
Garage door: test the auto-reverse by placing a roll of paper towels under the door before closing it.
Why it matters
The door should reverse when it touches an object. If it does not, it is a safety hazard.
When to call a pro: If the door does not reverse, have the opener and sensors checked.
Check gutters and downspouts after winter storms.
Why it matters
Clogged gutters overflow during heavy spring rain and can send water toward the foundation.

March

Spring

0 of 3 done

Schedule an AC check before the heat arrives.
Why it matters
Contractors get busy once summer starts, and a pre-season check catches problems early.
When to call a pro: Refrigerant and electrical work need a licensed HVAC technician.
Garage door: clean old grease off hinges, rollers and springs and apply a light garage-door lubricant.
Why it matters
Heat and humidity break down lubricant and invite rust.
Walk the outside of the house and look for loose siding, trim gaps and damaged screens.
Why it matters
Small gaps let in water and insects once the rainy season starts.

April

Spring storms

0 of 3 done

Trim branches that hang over the roof or garage.
Why it matters
Spring storms can bring branches down onto roofs, cars and garage doors.
When to call a pro: Large limbs near power lines are a job for a tree service.
Garage door: wipe the safety sensor lenses and make sure both indicator lights are solid.
Why it matters
Dirty or bumped sensors are one of the most common reasons a door will not close. See <a href="/guides/garage-door-wont-close">garage door won’t close</a>.
Check irrigation heads and timers.
Why it matters
Broken heads waste water and can spray the house or garage door all season.

May

Getting hot

0 of 3 done

Replace the HVAC filter again as cooling season starts.
Why it matters
The system runs hardest in summer, and a clogged filter makes it work harder.
Garage door: inspect the bottom seal and side weatherstripping and replace any that are cracked.
Why it matters
Worn seals let hot air, rain and pests into the garage.
Check attic ventilation and look for signs of roof leaks after storms.
Why it matters
Good airflow keeps an attic cooler, and leaks found early cost less to fix.

June

Storm season begins

0 of 3 done

Review your hurricane and storm plan: supplies, important papers and where to shelter.
Why it matters
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Garage door: ask a professional whether your door is wind-rated or can be braced. See heat, humidity and storm problems.
Why it matters
The garage door is the largest opening in most homes and is exposed to strong winds.
When to call a pro: Bracing and wind-rated doors should be fitted by a garage door professional.
Clean the dryer vent.
Why it matters
Lint buildup is a fire risk and makes the dryer work harder.

July

Peak heat

0 of 3 done

Keep the outdoor AC unit clear of plants and debris.
Why it matters
Airflow around the condenser helps the system keep up in the heat.
Garage door: look at springs and cables for rust or fraying.
Why it matters
Humidity rusts bare metal, and a frayed cable can snap.
When to call a pro: Never adjust springs or cables yourself — call a technician.
Check under sinks and around the water heater for slow leaks.
Why it matters
Small leaks cause mold and rot when they go unnoticed in humid weather.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Replace the HVAC filter.
Why it matters
Mid-summer is when filters clog fastest.
Garage door: make sure the opener’s battery backup (if it has one) still holds a charge.
Why it matters
Storms can knock out power, and a working backup lets you open the door.
Clear gutters and drains before peak storm weeks.
Why it matters
Heavy rain needs a clear path away from the house.

September

Storm season continues

0 of 3 done

Check outdoor lighting and garage door keypad batteries.
Why it matters
Shorter days mean more trips in the dark.
Garage door: if the door feels heavy, uneven or slow, have the springs and balance checked. See how long springs last.
Why it matters
A door that is out of balance wears out the opener and springs.
When to call a pro: Spring adjustment is a job for a trained technician.
Inspect the roof from the ground for missing or lifted shingles after storms.
Why it matters
Storm damage is easier and cheaper to fix early.

October

Fall

0 of 3 done

Have the heating system checked before the first cool nights.
Why it matters
A quick check makes sure it runs safely when you need it.
When to call a pro: Gas appliances need a qualified technician.
Garage door: book a yearly tune-up if it has been more than a year.
Why it matters
A pro checks springs, cables, rollers, balance and safety features in one visit.
Clean leaves out of gutters as trees start to drop.
Why it matters
Wet leaves hold water against the roof edge.

November

Cooler weather

0 of 3 done

Locate your main water shut-off and make sure it turns.
Why it matters
If a pipe ever bursts, you want to stop the water fast.
Garage door: tighten loose hinge and track bolts with a wrench (not the spring hardware).
Why it matters
Daily vibration loosens hardware, which leads to noise and wear.
When to call a pro: Do not loosen anything attached to the springs or cable drums.
Check weatherstripping on entry doors and windows.
Why it matters
Good seals keep the house comfortable as temperatures swing.

December

Holidays

0 of 3 done

Keep holiday lights and cords away from water and heat sources, and turn them off when you leave.
Why it matters
Overloaded cords and damaged lights are a fire risk.
Garage door: keep the remote out of sight in parked cars and lock the door when you travel.
Why it matters
A visible remote is an easy way into the house.
Before hard freezes, insulate exposed outdoor pipes and know how to shut off irrigation.
Why it matters
Freezes are not frequent here, but unprotected pipes can split when they come.

The Woodlands Home & Garage Maintenance Calendar

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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