Did you know that skipping regular home maintenance could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs? According to a report, 65% of people who faced a problem in their homes realize it could have been avoided with proactive maintenance or regular inspections.1
These simple, must-do tasks that, when done annually, can keep your home in top shape and save you from expensive fixes and lower your utility bills.
1. Clean Gutters
- What to Do: Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters.
- How It Saves Money: Clean gutters prevent water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation, which can be very expensive to repair. It also prevents ice dams in winter which can cause problems.
- Pro Tip: Install gutter guards and you can cross this off your list each year. Just make sure to install quality guards that work for the debris in your area.
2. Check & Replace Air Filters
- What to Do: Inspect your HVAC system’s air filters and replace them if they’re dirty.
- How It Saves Money: Clean filters help your heating and cooling systems run efficiently, reducing energy bills and extending the life of your HVAC system, avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
- Pro Tip: Don’t forget about your AC condenser outdoors. If the fins get clogged it can lead to premature capacitor failure.
3. Inspect Roof for Damage
- What to Do: Look for missing shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear on your roof.
- How It Saves Money: Catching small roof issues early can prevent leaks and water damage, which could lead to expensive repairs if ignored.
4. Seal Windows & Doors
- What to Do: Check for drafts around windows and doors and apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps.
- How It Saves Money: Sealing drafts prevents heat from escaping in the winter and keeps cool air in during the summer, reducing your energy bills.
5. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- What to Do: Press the test button on each detector to make sure it’s working. Replace batteries if needed.
- How It Saves Money: Early detection of smoke or carbon monoxide can prevent fires or serious health issues, saving you from potentially huge medical or property costs.
6. Drain Water Heater
- What to Do: Drain a few gallons of water from the water heater tank to remove sediment buildup.
- How It Saves Money: Sediment reduces the efficiency of your water heater, causing it to use more energy and wear out faster. Regular maintenance helps it last longer and work better, cutting down on energy bills and replacement costs.
7. Inspect Plumbing for Leaks
- What to Do: Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for any signs of water leaks.
- How It Saves Money: Fixing small leaks early prevents water damage and mold growth, which can be expensive to fix. It also stops your water bill from creeping up due to wasted water.
8. Clean Refrigerator Coils
- What to Do: Vacuum or brush off the dust from the coils at the back or bottom of your refrigerator.
- How It Saves Money: Clean coils help your refrigerator run more efficiently, using less energy and extending the appliance’s life, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
9. Inspect & Clean Dryer Vent
- What to Do: Check the dryer vent for lint buildup and clean it out.
- How It Saves Money: A clogged vent makes your dryer work harder, using more energy and wearing it out faster. Cleaning it also reduces fire risk and energy bills.
10. Check Insulation in the Attic
- What to Do: Inspect your attic insulation to ensure it’s sufficient and in good condition.
- How It Saves Money: Proper insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing heating and cooling costs. It also helps prevent ice dams, which can cause roof damage.
11. Test & Maintain Garage Door
- What to Do: Test the garage door’s balance and safety features. Lubricate moving parts like hinges, rollers, and tracks.
- How It Saves Money: Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs by catching issues early. A well-maintained door lasts longer and operates safely, avoiding accidents that could lead to expensive fixes.
12. Clean Faucets & Showerheads
- What to Do: Look for leaks or drips in faucets and showerheads, and clean off any mineral buildup.
- How It Saves Money: Fixing leaks and cleaning reduces water waste and keeps fixtures working efficiently, lowering water bills and extending the life of your plumbing.
13. Service Lawn Equipment
- What to Do: Sharpen blades, change oil, and replace spark plugs in lawnmowers, trimmers, and other lawn equipment.
- How It Saves Money: Well-maintained equipment works more efficiently, lasts longer, and avoids the need for costly repairs or replacements.
14. Seal Driveway Cracks
- What to Do: Inspect your driveway for cracks and seal them with a suitable filler.
- How It Saves Money: Sealing cracks prevents water from seeping in, which can cause bigger cracks or potholes that are expensive to repair. It also prolongs the life of your driveway.
15. Inspect & Clean Chimney
- What to Do: Check for blockages, cracks, or other damage, and clean the chimney to remove soot and debris.
- How It Saves Money: A clean and well-maintained chimney reduces the risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup. It also helps your fireplace or heating system work more efficiently, lowering heating costs.
Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your appliances and systems, and keep your utility bills in check.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.