Homeownership comes with a myriad of responsibilities, many of which are easy to overlook in the daily hustle and bustle of life. While it’s common to remember tasks like lawn mowing or gutter cleaning, there are several lesser-known maintenance duties that, if neglected, can lead to bigger problems down the road.
This article highlights some critical but often forgotten home maintenance tasks that can save you money and hassle in the long run.
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Checking and Replacing HVAC Filters
One of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance is the HVAC system, particularly the filters. Many homeowners forget to check and replace their HVAC filters regularly. However, dirty filters can severely impact the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, increasing your energy bills and potentially leading to costly repairs.
It’s recommended to check filters monthly and replace them at least every three months (or more often if you have pets or allergies).
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Inspecting and Servicing the Water Heater
Water heaters are typically set-and-forget appliances until they malfunction. Regularly flushing out your water heater can remove sediment buildup, which affects its efficiency and longevity.
Additionally, checking the pressure relief valve can prevent potential leaks and other failures. It’s advisable to inspect your water heater annually and consider professional servicing every few years to ensure it operates efficiently.
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Sealing Windows and Doors
Drafts not only make a home uncomfortable but also increase heating and cooling costs. Sealing or weatherstripping around windows and doors is an easy task that’s often forgotten. Over time, seals can wear out or become damaged, leading to energy loss. Checking these seals annually before extreme weather seasons can help maintain your home’s temperature control and reduce energy bills.
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Checking the Insulation
Adequate insulation is crucial for keeping a comfortable indoor environment and lowering energy use. Regularly inspecting the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors is important. Check for spots where insulation might have compressed or deteriorated, and think about updating or replacing it to maintain optimal thermal performance.
This ensures that minimal heat escapes during the winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer, which can result in considerable reductions in heating and cooling expenses. If you do need to replace your insulation, then look to see if you can get a grant to reduce the costs.
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Testing Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While most homes are equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, testing them regularly is frequently overlooked. These devices play a crucial role in home safety, alerting residents to fires or dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually (or as needed) to ensure they function properly when you most need them.
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Cleaning the Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in dryer vents can pose a significant fire hazard, yet cleaning these vents is a commonly neglected task. Beyond just emptying the lint trap in your dryer, it’s important to thoroughly clean the vent system at least once a year. This not only prevents potential fire hazards but also improves the efficiency of your dryer, thus saving energy and prolonging the life of your appliance.
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Servicing Major Appliances
Other major appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, also require periodic maintenance. Coils in refrigerators should be cleaned annually to ensure efficiency; dishwasher filters need regular cleaning to prevent clogs and maintain performance; oven accuracy should be checked to verify that temperatures are correct for safe food preparation. Regular maintenance of these appliances can prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Conclusion
Regular home maintenance extends beyond the visible and urgent tasks. By keeping up with these often forgotten chores, homeowners can improve their home’s efficiency, enhance safety, and prevent disruptive or expensive damages.
Including these tasks in your regular maintenance routine ensures that your home remains a comfortable, safe, and efficient living space for years to come.
