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A Year-End Home Maintenance Checklist for South Florida

December is a quiet month for South Florida maintenance, which makes it a good time to check the systems that work year-round. Here is a simple checklist for your home.

By Nanci Gilbert, PA September 28, 2026
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Hurricane season has ended, the holidays bring guests through the door, and the calendar turns. December is the natural moment for a low-key review of the systems your home leans on every day. You do not need a weekend of work, just a short checklist and an hour or two.

Air conditioning and filters

The AC runs nearly every day in South Florida, even in December. Replace or clean the filter, check that the drain line is clear, and make sure the thermostat is on the right schedule for cooler weather. A filter change now prevents strain during the warm months ahead.

Smoke detectors and fire safety

Test every smoke alarm and replace any battery that is weak. Check the fire extinguisher's gauge and make sure everyone in the house knows where it lives. With holiday cooking and guests, this is the week to confirm the basics are working.

Doors, windows, and seals

Walk the perimeter and feel for drafts around doors and windows. Fresh weatherstripping is inexpensive and keeps cool air in and heat out. Check the seals on impact glass, and look at the caulk around exterior openings while you are at it.

Irrigation and outdoor faucets

South Florida's dry season has arrived, so confirm your irrigation timer matches the cooler, drier months. Turn each zone on briefly to check for leaks or broken heads. If you have outdoor faucets you will not use for a while, keep them covered and insulated.

Water heater and plumbing

Check the water heater for rust or moisture at the connections, and test the temperature and pressure relief valve gently. While you are at it, look under sinks for slow drips. Catching a small leak in December is far easier than finding the damage in June.

How Nanci guides homeowners

Nanci has seen the inside of hundreds of South Florida homes, and she knows the small details that keep a house healthy. If a maintenance question comes up while you are thinking about your home's next chapter, she is a quick call away.

Nanci Gilbert, PA is a South Florida realtor who guides growing families, sellers, and buyers across Miami-Dade and Broward. Questions about this topic? She answers every message within one business day.