Short answer
Check water, drainage, alarms, filters, exterior conditions, and irrigation every month. Prepare cooling before peak heat, secure the property before severe weather, protect exposed plumbing before freezes, and adjust storm and wildfire work to current local guidance.
What should I check every month?
Monthly homeowner-safe observations
- Look for plumbing drips, active water stains, unusual moisture, and musty odors.
- Check accessible HVAC filters and follow the equipment manufacturer's replacement schedule.
- Test accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions.
- Look from the ground for loose roof or exterior materials and blocked drainage.
- Run irrigation zones during watering season and note leaks, runoff, or broken heads.
- Check current weather, burn-ban, and water-use information before seasonal work.
A condition-based Texas maintenance rhythm
| Condition | Homeowner-safe checks | When to act |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme heat | Check cooling airflow, accessible filters, shade, and visible condensate drainage | Before peak heat and when performance changes |
| Thunderstorm, hail, or high wind | Secure loose outdoor items and inspect visible exterior damage from the ground | Before alerts and after officials say conditions are safe |
| Hurricane risk | Clear accessible gutters, review shutters or panels, document the home, and secure outdoor objects | Before hurricane season and before a named storm threatens |
| Freeze | Identify the water shutoff and protect exposed pipes and outdoor faucets | Before freezing temperatures arrive |
| Wildfire or drought | Remove accessible debris near the structure and review local restrictions | During dry periods and whenever local risk rises |
Prepare the cooling system before extreme heat
Check accessible filters, supply airflow, thermostat operation, and visible condensate drainage before peak heat. Schedule qualified service if the system trips breakers, leaks, produces unusual odors or sounds, or cannot maintain a safe indoor temperature. TexasReady identifies air-conditioned space as the most effective protection from extreme heat.
Prepare for wind, hail, and hurricanes
TexasReady advises securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters and downspouts, trimming trees and shrubs, and following local emergency instructions. Texas Department of Insurance also recommends keeping a home inventory and reviewing flood coverage early because standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage.
Source note: Inspect roofs from the ground. After a storm, photograph damage before permanent repairs and prevent further damage only when it is safe.
Do not wait for a freeze warning to find the shutoff
Identify indoor and outdoor water shutoffs now. Texas Department of Insurance recommends protecting exposed pipes and outdoor faucets, including vulnerable pipes in attics and garages. Follow current local instructions during a freeze because water systems and restrictions vary.
Reduce fuels near the home
In wildfire-prone areas, remove accessible combustible debris next to the structure and maintain vegetation with local conditions in mind. Texas A&M Forest Service guidance treats the structure and its immediate surroundings as a connected home-ignition zone. Ask a qualified tree or wildfire professional about hazardous work and property-specific risk.
Keep one home maintenance record
Record inspection dates, observations, photos, model numbers, filter sizes, warranties, permits, and service documents. A simple record helps reveal changes and gives a professional better context without pretending to diagnose the problem remotely.
Sources
Primary and authoritative sources checked for this guide.
- Natural DisastersTexasReady. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Texas hazard categories; Condition-based preparedness.
- Extreme HeatTexasReady. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Extreme-heat preparation; Importance of cooled indoor space.
- HurricanesTexasReady. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Property preparation; Post-storm electrical and flood boundaries.
- Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Your Home and PropertyTexas Department of Insurance. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Home inventory; Flood insurance timing; Hurricane preparation.
- Avoid Frozen Pipes and Costly Water Damage by Taking Steps NowTexas Department of Insurance. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Water shutoff planning; Exposed-pipe and outdoor-faucet protection.
- Firewise Factsheet: Immediate Noncombustible ZoneTexas A&M Forest Service. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Wildfire home-ignition zone; Property maintenance near structures.