Austin · Seasonal schedule
Austin Seasonal Home Maintenance Schedule (Month-by-Month, 2026)
Updated July 2026 · 8 min read
Central Texas doesn't follow the standard four-season calendar. Cedar pollen peaks in February, the first 95°F day usually hits in April, and oak leaves keep dropping into December. This is the month-by-month maintenance schedule we run for Well Kept Home members across Austin — targeted at the week the task actually matters, not the season the internet says it should.
January
Freeze recovery & attic check
- ✓Inspect for hidden freeze damage — wet drywall near ceilings, water stains under sinks. Drywall repair →
- ✓Confirm main water shutoff still turns easily before the next hard freeze.
- ✓Attic sweep: rodent activity, insulation gaps, daylight through the roof deck.
February
Pre-cedar-season air prep
- ✓Swap HVAC filters ahead of cedar (Mountain Cedar) pollen peaks in Central Texas.
- ✓Clean bathroom exhaust fan covers — dust load is highest after winter.
- ✓Test smoke and CO detectors; replace 9V batteries.
March
First gutter clean & AC tune-up
- ✓Clean gutters and downspouts after cedar and elm drop; reseal leaking seams. Gutter cleaning Austin →
- ✓Book an AC tune-up before the first 95°F day — HVAC calendars fill by April.
- ✓Inspect exterior caulking around windows and doors before storm season.
April
Storm season readiness
- ✓Trim tree limbs 6+ ft off the roof before spring squall lines roll through.
- ✓Test sump pumps and confirm outdoor drains flow clear of the foundation. Gutter repair →
- ✓Pressure wash pollen-caked driveways, siding, and patios. Pressure washing Austin →
May
Foundation & drainage baseline
- ✓Walk the perimeter for soil pulling away from the slab — soak lines fill the gap.
- ✓Check drywall for hairline cracks above doors and windows from soil movement. Drywall repair →
- ✓Inspect deck boards, railings, and outdoor stairs before summer entertaining.
June
Protect the AC
- ✓Rinse the outdoor condenser coil and clear 2 ft of vegetation around it.
- ✓Monthly HVAC filter swap — Austin dust and pollen clog them fast in summer.
- ✓Program the thermostat for realistic summer setpoints; audit smart schedules.
July
Dryer fire prevention
- ✓Clean the full dryer vent run — heat + lint is the #1 dryer fire cause in July/August. Dryer vent cleaning Austin →
- ✓Flush the water heater to purge Austin's hard-water sediment.
- ✓Inspect refrigerator coils and door seals — the fridge works hardest now.
August
Peak-load HVAC check
- ✓Clear condensate drain lines — clogs during 100°F weeks flood ceilings. Drywall repair →
- ✓Water the foundation perimeter on a schedule — soaker hoses, not sprinklers.
- ✓Check attic temperature; verify soffit and ridge vents are unobstructed.
September
Exterior refresh & wash-down
- ✓Pressure wash siding, fences, and driveways once summer dust settles. Pressure washing Austin →
- ✓Inspect exterior paint and caulking; touch up before winter contraction.
- ✓Reseal grout in outdoor kitchens and pool decks.
October
Second gutter clean & heating swap
- ✓First round of fall gutter cleaning — pecan and oak leaves clog fast. Gutter cleaning →
- ✓Book the heating tune-up and swap HVAC filters for winter mode.
- ✓Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise for better winter airflow.
November
Freeze-proofing
- ✓Insulate exposed outdoor pipes; install foam covers on hose bibs before Dec. 1.
- ✓Detach garden hoses and store them inside.
- ✓Second gutter clean once oaks finish dropping. Gutter repair →
December
Freeze drill & holiday safety
- ✓Run a freeze drill: shutoff valve, drip protocol, family plan — before you need it.
- ✓Inspect chimney and gas fireplace before first use.
- ✓Dryer vent quick-check — holiday laundry loads push clogged vents into fire risk. Dryer vent repair →
Stop tracking the schedule. Have someone run it.
Every task above is already on our calendar for Well Kept Home members in Austin — HVAC tune-ups, gutter cleanings, dryer-vent service, pressure washing, drywall touch-ups, and quarterly inspections. One flat monthly rate, one dedicated tech, no per-visit invoices.
FAQ
- Why do Austin homes need a month-by-month schedule instead of just seasonal?
- Central Texas weather doesn't line up with the calendar — cedar pollen peaks in February, the first 95°F day often lands in April, oak leaf drop stretches from October into December. A monthly cadence catches the right task in the right week.
- What's the highest-ROI maintenance month in Austin?
- March. A spring AC tune-up, first gutter cleaning, and exterior caulking check prevent the three most expensive summer failures: an AC compressor blowout, foundation drainage damage, and window-leak drywall repair.
- Do I really need two gutter cleanings a year in Austin?
- Yes for most Central Texas homes. Cedar and elm drop in late winter, then oak and pecan drop from October through December. One clean-out isn't enough — the second load overflows onto the foundation.
- How do memberships change this schedule?
- Well Kept Home members don't track the schedule at all — we run it for you. Every task above is on our calendar for your home, executed by your dedicated Austin tech at member pricing (or bundled entirely).