Seven Home Maintenance Tasks Everyone Forgets to Do

If you feel like owning a home is actually a second job that costs you money rather than pays you, you’re not wrong. A home is only as good as how well you take care of it, and skipping that maintenance can be costly , so you should take advantage of it and get organized so you don’t miss anything.

Of course, not all homes are created equal, and some homes require more maintenance than others depending on size, layout, age, and a million other factors. But one truth is universal: there are certain important home maintenance tasks that are almost always overlooked, and these forgotten tasks can spell your home’s doom over time. If you haven’t done these home maintenance jobs recently or ever, now is the time to add them to your to-do list.

Check seasonal equipment in advance

One of the simplest home maintenance tasks is something that people almost never worry about, which is simply turning things on:

• Just before each season, make sure your heating and cooling are working—adjust the thermostat to make sure the furnace or boiler turns on or the air conditioner starts. If you do this before the weather really turns, you’ll have time to tackle repairs and replacements.

• Test systems that you don’t use often every year or even every two years. This includes any appliances you don’t use often, security systems, and switches and outlets that aren’t used often (such as those in spare bedrooms or unfinished basements).

Anything plugged into your home that is not used regularly should be tested periodically to make sure it will work when you need it.

Filters and vents

One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance tasks involves dust control. Your home is filled with filters and vents that trap dust and other contaminants, increasing the life of your systems and keeping the air clean. The following should be cleaned and replaced at least once a year:

• Refrigerator coils. You should pull out the refrigerator and clean the coils at the back or bottom, depending on your model. This doesn’t require any special tools, but you can buy a special spiral brush that will make the job a little easier.

• Refrigerator filter. If you’re like most people, you may not realize that your refrigerator might have an air filter. Not every model supports this feature, but if yours does, you should clean it .

• Microwave filter. Likewise, your off-range microwave oven has a set of filters that need to be cleaned regularly in order for them to work well and for the appliance to last as long as possible.

• HVAC. Whether it’s a central system or a window unit, there’s a filter somewhere in your air conditioner that needs to be replaced and/or cleaned. Just like your oven.

• Dryer vents. If you don’t clean your dryer vent and perform other regular maintenance , you’re not only shortening the life of your dryer, but you’re also running the risk of a fire due to the buildup of flammable lint. Don’t forget this.

• Bathroom fans. Your bathroom fan’s fans can become clogged with dust from humid air, reducing its efficiency, which in turn can lead to increased humidity and mold. Cleaning once or twice a year will save you a lot of hassle.

Checking the sump pump

Do you have a sump pump in your basement or basement? If it doesn’t operate regularly and serves primarily to protect your home from flooding, you should have it checked once a year. It’s quite simple: pour a bucket of water into the sump. If the pump works and gets it out, you’re ecstatic. If it doesn’t, you can repair or replace the pump before the next rainfall.

Flushing the water heater

Your water heater is often out of sight, out of mind—as long as hot water magically appears when you turn the faucet, you’re happy. But water heaters don’t last forever. Tankless versions can last up to 20 years, but traditional models typically last about ten years.

One of the most important ways to extend the life of a traditional water heater is to flush it at least once a year. It’s a simple process that involves some safety precautions and the use of a garden hose to clear away sediment and corrosive deposits from inside the tank. This will definitely extend the life of your water heater by several years.

Roof cleaning

Even if you regularly inspect your roof for signs of trouble, such as missing shingles or flooding , there’s one more thing you should do: clean your roof. Leaves and other debris that accumulate on the roof will rot and promote the growth of mold , moss and algae, which will accelerate the deterioration of the roofing material.

Since roof cleaning involves working on the roof itself, you should probably consider hiring a professional to do it. The average cost is 23 to 43 cents per square foot , so it’s not a big expense, but it can pay huge dividends.

Tree check

One thing that can speed up the deterioration of your home is a large old rotten tree falling on it . Every few years, an arborist should inspect the trees on your property as they can spot diseased trees long before the problem becomes obvious and either correct the problem or arrange for the tree to be removed before it falls. at your house . The inspection can cost you anywhere from $300 to $800 depending on how many trees we’re talking about, but it’s worth it.

Check the water pressure

You turn on the tap and the water flows – everything is fine, right? May be. When we think about the water pressure in our home, it’s almost always because it’s too low. But high water pressure is a problem that can cause a lot of damage to your home.

Water pressure should be between 60 and 70 pounds per square inch (PSI) . If you exceed this value, you risk a number of problems:

• Leaks from stretched pipes due to damaged seals.

• Higher water bills because every time you turn on the tap, more water comes out than you need.

• Appliance Damage: Your dishwasher , washing machine and other water-using appliances are designed to handle standard residential water pressure; high water pressure wears them out much faster.

You can check your water pressure using a test pressure gauge . If it is high, you can install a pressure reducing valve or adjust your home pressure regulator if you have one. If you are not familiar with plumbing, you are probably better off hiring a professional.

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