Florida homes work hard. Heat, humidity, intense sun, summer storms and hurricane season all put steady pressure on the same few systems. The good news: most expensive repairs start as small, visible maintenance items. A simple routine catches them early.
Every month
- Check your HVAC filter. In Florida's long cooling season, many homes need a new filter every 1–3 months. More often with pets, allergies or construction dust.
- Look under sinks and around the water heater for drips, stains or swelling.
- Make sure the AC condensate line is draining. A clogged line can overflow and cause water damage.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Every season
- Walk the exterior. Look for cracked caulking around windows and doors, stucco cracks and peeling paint.
- Clear gutters and downspouts and confirm water drains away from the foundation.
- Look for mold, algae or mildew on siding, roofs and shaded walls.
- Check irrigation heads so they aren't spraying the house or pooling near the slab.
Before hurricane season (by June 1)
- Confirm shutters or impact protection are complete, labeled and working.
- Trim trees and branches that overhang the roof.
- Photograph your home inside and out for insurance records.
- Review your policy and whether a current wind mitigation report is on file.
Once a year
- Have your HVAC system professionally serviced before peak summer.
- Clean the dryer vent from the dryer to the exterior termination.
- Look at the water heater's age and condition, and plan a flush if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Do a whole-home review and record system ages, sizes and service dates.
Keeping track of all of this is the hard part. That's why ProLayer created the Home Profile and the Home Health Check: a systematic visual review of your home, with a clear report of what's good, what needs maintenance soon, and what needs attention now.