Seven Home Maintenance Tasks Everyone Forgets to Do
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If it seems like owning a home is really a second job—one that costs you money instead of paying you—you’re not wrong. A house is only as good as the level of maintenance you put into it, and skipping that maintenance can be costly, so you might as well lean into it and get organized to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Not all houses are the same, of course, and some houses will require more maintenance than others depending on size, layout, age, and a million other factors. But one truth is universal: There are certain crucial home maintenance tasks that are almost always overlooked, and these forgotten chores can spell doom for your home over time. If you haven’t done these home maintenance jobs recently—or ever—now’s the time to add them to your to-do list.
Test your seasonal appliances early
One of the simplest home maintenance tasks to do is also one people almost never bother with, namely just turning stuff on:
Shortly before each season, make sure your heating and cooling works—adjust the thermostat to make sure the furnace or boiler kicks in or the A/C cranks up. Doing this before the weather really turns will give you time to address repairs and replacement.
Test systems you don’t use much on an annual or even bi-annual basis. This includes any appliances you don’t use much, security systems, and light switches and outlets that don’t get used often (for example, those in spare bedrooms or unfinished basements).
Anything that’s plugged or wired into the power in your house that you don’t use regularly should be tested periodically to make sure it will work when you need it.
Filters and vents
One of the most commonly skipped maintenance tasks involves your war on dust. Your house is filled with filters and vents that capture dust and other stuff, increasing the lifespan of your systems and keeping the air clean. At least once a year you should clean and replace the following:
Refrigerator coils. You should pull your fridge out and clean the coils in the back or on the bottom, depending on your model. This doesn’t require any special tools, although you can buy a specific coil brush, which can make the job a bit easier.
Refrigerator filter. If you’re like most people, you might not realize that your refrigerator might have an air filter. Not every model does, but if yours does, you should clean it.
Microwave filter. Similarly, your over-the-range microwave has a set of filters that need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to keep them running well and to help the appliance last as long as possible.
HVAC. Whether it’s a central system or a window unit, your air conditioner has a filter somewhere that needs changing and/or cleaning. So does your furnace.
Dryer vents. If you aren’t cleaning out your dryer vent and doing other regular maintenance, you’re not only shortening the lifespan of the dryer, you’re at risk for a fire due to the accumulation of highly combustible lint. Don’t forget about this one.
Bathroom fans. The vents on your bathroom fan can get caked with dust from the humid air, reducing its effectiveness, which in turn can lead to higher humidity and mold. Cleaning it once or twice a year will save you a lot of trouble.
Testing the sump pump
Do you have a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace? If it isn’t triggered regularly and serves mainly to protect your house from floods, you should be testing it once a year. This is pretty simple: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump triggers and pumps it out, you’re golden. If it doesn’t, you can get the pump repaired or replaced before the next rain event.
Flushing out your water heater
Your water heater is often out of sight, out of mind—as long as hot water magically appears when you turn a spigot, you’re happy. But water heaters don’t last forever. Tankless versions can last up to 20 years, but traditional models typically last about a decade or so.
One crucial way to keep a traditional water heater going for as long as possible is to flush it at least once a year. This is a simple process involving some safety steps and a garden hose, and clears out sediment and corrosive buildup inside the tank. Doing this will definitely add years to your water heater’s life.
Cleaning the roof
Even if you inspect your roof regularly for signs of trouble like missing shingles or ponding, there’s something else you should be doing: Cleaning your roof. Leaves and other debris that collect on your roof will rot and promote mold, moss, and algae growth which will accelerate the breakdown of your roofing material.
Because cleaning a roof involves working on the roof, you should probably consider hiring professionals for this one. The average cost is between 23 and 43 cents per square foot, so it’s not a huge expense—but it can pay huge dividends.
Checking on the trees
One thing that can accelerate your home’s demise is a big ol’ rotten tree falling on it. Getting trees on your property inspected every few years by an arborist is a very good idea, as they can spot sick trees long before the problem becomes obvious, and either treat the problem or arrange to have the tree removed before it, you know, falls on your house. An inspection can run you anywhere from $300 to $800 depending on how many trees we’re talking about, but it’s well worth it.
Check water pressure
You run the faucet and water comes out—all’s well, right? Maybe. 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.
Your water pressure should be between 60 and 70 pounds per square inch (PSI). Higher than that and you run the risk of a whole slew of problems:
Leaks from strained pipes due to damaged seals.
Higher water bills, because every time you turn on a faucet more water rushes out than you need.
Damage to appliances—your dishwasher, clothes washer, and other water-using appliances are designed for standard residential water pressure; high water pressure wears them out much faster.
You can test your water pressure with a test gauge. If it’s high, you can install a pressure reduction valve or adjust your home’s pressure regulator, if it has one. If you’re not familiar with plumbing, you’re probably better off just hiring a professional.