Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Charleston, SC, Residents

By Katherine Cox

Charleston, South Carolina, offers residents a warm, inviting climate year-round with lush greenery, mild winters, and sun-soaked summers. These unique weather patterns mean your home enjoys the best of coastal living: blue skies, vibrant blooms, and plenty of time outdoors. Even so, each season brings its own set of tasks to help you preserve the charm, comfort, and value of your property. Whether you’re new to the Lowcountry or a seasoned local, having a well-organized home maintenance guide for each season ensures you get the most out of your Charleston lifestyle.

Let’s explore how you can keep your home running smoothly with seasonal tips — so you’re always ready to embrace the beauty of Charleston.

• Find an organized guide for each season, tailored to Charleston’s unique climate.
• Discover actionable steps to keep your home in top shape year-round.
• Learn how to prevent common issues caused by humidity, salt air, and seasonal storms.

As azaleas bloom and gentle breezes return, spring in Charleston offers the perfect chance to refresh your home after the mild winter. The air is clear, and days are comfortably warm — ideal for tackling both indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks. Focus on rejuvenating your living spaces, tidying up your garden, and prepping for the season’s occasional rain showers.

Start with an outdoor inspection. Charleston’s spring is often sunny, but it can bring brief, heavy downpours. Walk around your property and look for winter debris. Clear leaves from gutters and downspouts, checking for any blockages that could cause water to back up. Examine the roof for missing shingles, and pay attention to your siding and foundation for early signs of moisture or pest entry.

Inside, spring is the perfect time for deep cleaning and organizing. Open your windows to let in the fresh air. Give extra attention to baseboards, ceiling fans, and those easy-to-miss corners. Change the HVAC filters, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test your thermostat. Consider scheduling a professional air conditioning tune-up so that your system is ready for Charleston’s balmy summers.

• Inspect your roof, siding, and foundation for any winter wear or water damage.
• Clean out the gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re clear before seasonal rains.
• Schedule an HVAC service, and replace the air filters.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Deep clean carpets, rugs, and curtains to remove dust and pollen.
• Wash the windows and screens to make the most of the sunny days.
• Prune the shrubs, fertilize the lawn, and plant new annuals.
• Check your irrigation system for leaks or clogs.
• Open the windows to ventilate your home and refresh the air.
• Inspect for signs of termites or other pests as the weather warms.

Summers in Charleston are filled with sunshine, sea breezes, and longer days. Temperatures climb, humidity rises, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Now is the time to protect your home from heat and moisture.

Start by evaluating your home’s cooling systems. Change the air filters monthly and ensure your air conditioning is operating efficiently. Sealing windows and doors keeps the cool air in and reduces humidity indoors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close any gaps. Outside, trim tree limbs that may hang over your roof or power lines; this reduces storm risks and keeps branches from dropping leaves into gutters.

• Change the air filters frequently and service your air conditioning system.
• Seal windows and doors to keep humidity out.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your house and power lines.
• Inspect storm shutters.
• Clean and check your deck or patio for any repairs.
• Power wash exterior surfaces to remove mildew.
• Check your drainage system and clear debris from downspouts.
• Store or secure outdoor furniture and garden items.

Fall in Charleston is famous for its crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and gentle breezes. This is the time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Fall is also the perfect opportunity to address maintenance tasks that prevent moisture buildup and maintain your home’s curb appeal.

Begin by cleaning out the gutters again, as falling leaves can quickly cause blockages. Check the exterior caulking and weatherstripping to keep cool air outside and your home cozy.

Garden beds also deserve attention. Prune summer growth, mulch the flowerbeds, and plant fall flowers for color throughout the season. Check for pooling water in your yard, and adjust the drainage as necessary. Finally, clean and store away summer tools, and prepare winter equipment for use.

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
• Add or repair weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors.
• Service your heating system and replace the filters.
• Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly.
• Mulch garden beds and prune back overgrown plants.
• Inspect the foundation and attic for pests seeking warmth.

Charleston’s winters are pleasantly mild, with just a few chilly nights and rare frosts. This means you can spend less time on intensive weatherproofing and more time enjoying cozy evenings at home. Still, winter is an ideal season to focus on insulation, indoor comfort, and preventive inspections.

Start by checking weatherstripping on doors and windows; even small gaps can let in drafts. Test your heating system to be sure it’s ready for the cooler nights. Consider a humidifier if you find the indoor air too dry.

Use this season to declutter, organize storage areas, and tackle indoor repairs. Winter in Charleston is also a great time for repainting, upgrading fixtures, or starting indoor projects you’ve put off during busier months.

• Inspect and upgrade weatherstripping and door sweeps.
• Check and service your heating system.
• Wrap exposed pipes and insulate vulnerable plumbing.
• Clean dryer vents and exhaust fans.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Declutter closets, pantries, and storage spaces.
• Touch up interior paint and complete small home repairs.

Plan to have your HVAC professionally inspected and serviced twice a year — once in the spring and once in the fall — to keep it running efficiently through Charleston’s changing seasons.

Use a dehumidifier, clean regularly, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. Address leaks or water intrusion promptly, and inspect for mold after heavy rains.

Maintain landscaping, trim trees away from your home, clear gutters regularly, and wash outdoor surfaces to prevent mildew. Prepare garden beds for each new season and check irrigation systems for leaks.

Living in Charleston means embracing all the benefits of the beautiful coastal weather while taking simple steps to protect your investment. With a well-structured seasonal maintenance plan, you can enjoy your home’s comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal in every season.

Stay organized, be proactive, and celebrate the beauty of Lowcountry living by keeping your home in top condition — rain or shine.

If you’re ready to begin your real estate journey in Charleston, team up with me, Katherine Cox, today.