The Austin Home Maintenance Calendar: Month-by-Month for Central Texas

Central Texas context: Coldest month; hard-freeze events common Jan 10–Feb 15.

• Locate and test the main water shutoff; time yourself so the family can do it in under 60 seconds.
• Inspect attic insulation and pipe wrap after any recent freeze; re-cover anything the wind pulled loose.
• Check every drywall seam on exterior walls for hairline cracks from foundation contraction. Drywall repair Austin →
• Run the fireplace/gas logs; if you haven't yet, book a chimney inspection before the last cold snap.

Central Texas context: Cedar fever peaks; last freeze risk (Feb 2021 freeze hit mid-month).

• Book the AC spring tune-up NOW, HVAC calendars fill by mid-March in Austin.
• Rehearse a freeze drill one more time: shutoffs, drip protocol, generator fuel, family plan.
• Swap HVAC filters, cedar pollen loads them heavier than any other month.
• Walk the yard: mark any dead limbs to trim before spring storms.

Central Texas context: First 90°F days arrive; oak pollen peak.

• First gutter cleaning of the year, after cedar and elm drop. Gutter cleaning Austin →
• Pressure wash driveways, patios, and pollen-caked siding. Pressure washing Austin →
• Test outdoor hose bibs; replace any that split during winter.
• Reverse ceiling fans to counterclockwise for cooling airflow.

Central Texas context: Severe thunderstorm & hail season peaks.

• Trim tree limbs to 6+ ft clearance from the roof line.
• Check roof and flashing after the first hailstorm; photograph before insurance deadlines.
• Reseal exterior caulking around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations before summer heat cracks it.
• Confirm the AC tune-up happened, if not, escalate to a same-week appointment.

Central Texas context: First 95°F+ stretches; AC runs 12+ hrs/day.

• Rinse the outdoor AC condenser coil with a garden hose from the inside out.
• Clear 2 ft of vegetation around the condenser and remove any mulch touching the pad.
• Flush the AC condensate drain line with a cup of distilled vinegar.
• Start the foundation watering schedule on a soaker hose (not sprinklers), 30 min/day, 3 days a week.

Central Texas context: 100°F+ days begin; humidity peaks before July dry-out.

• Swap HVAC filters, they load twice as fast in June with doors opening constantly.
• Deep-clean the full dryer vent run; lint + Austin heat = peak fire risk in July. Dryer vent cleaning Austin →
• Check attic temperature; over 140°F suggests ventilation problems worth fixing before August.
• Inspect weatherstripping on doors; heat gaps blow the electric bill up fast.

Central Texas context: Longest 100°F streaks; drought stresses foundations.

• Walk the slab perimeter weekly for soil separation; adjust soaker hose runtime up if gaps exceed 1 inch.
• Recheck condensate drain, a July clog is the #1 cause of ceiling water stains in Austin. Drywall repair Austin →
• Inspect exterior paint on south and west walls for UV damage.
• Test every GFCI outlet on outdoor and wet-area circuits.

Central Texas context: Hottest month; ERCOT conservation alerts likely.

• Swap HVAC filters again, third summer swap.
• Inspect the water heater: sediment flush if you haven't done one this year, check the anode rod every 3 years.
• Recharge or replace expired fire extinguishers.
• Look for wasp/hornet nests under eaves, gutter corners, and around the meter.

Central Texas context: Highs drop into the 80s late month; oak leaves start.

• Book the fall heating tune-up now, before October calendars fill.
• Reseal any caulking that failed in summer heat.
• Second gutter cleaning window opens as oaks and pecans begin dropping. Gutter repair Austin →
• Service the garage door: lubricate springs and rollers, test the safety reversal.

Central Texas context: First cool fronts; peak leaf drop in Central Texas.

• Full gutter cleaning after the first big oak drop; check downspouts flow away from the slab. Gutter cleaning Austin →
• Change HVAC filters to winter mode; reverse ceiling fans to clockwise.
• Test smoke and CO detectors, replace 9V batteries as time change approaches.
• Book a chimney/fireplace inspection before first use.

Central Texas context: First freeze warnings typically mid-to-late month.

• Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and foam-cover every hose bib by December 1.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses; store indoors.
• Confirm heating tune-up completed; verify furnace safety shutoff works.
• Full plumbing inspection: shutoffs, supply lines, water heater, pressure regulator.

Central Texas context: First hard freezes (28°F or lower) common Dec 20–Jan 10.

• Run a full freeze drill with the whole household: drip protocol, shutoff location, generator or heater plan.
• Second gutter cleaning after final oak/pecan drop; confirm every downspout is clear before winter storms.
• Attic sweep: rodent activity, insulation gaps, daylight through the roof deck.
• Save the year's receipts and photos into one folder, this becomes your home's real service history.