Last Updated on May 16, 2022 by Kravelv
There are many things homeowners forget to maintain in their homes. Often, these maintenance tasks fall by the wayside because they are time-consuming or inconvenient.
However, neglecting these tasks can lead to more significant and more expensive problems. This blog post will discuss ten essential maintenance tasks that homeowners should not overlook.
10 Maintenance Tasks That Homeowners Neglect
Whether you’re preparing your home for a home inspection or just want to keep your house in tip-top shape, there are some maintenance tasks you can’t afford to neglect. Over time, many of these household tasks will cause serious damage if left unattended. Here are the top ten:
Checking and Changing your Home’s Air Filter
One of the essential maintenance tasks for your home is to check and change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause several problems, including decreased airflow and increased energy costs. It can also aggravate allergies in susceptible family members. If you have pets, HVAC technicians recommend a monthly change; if you live alone, then every three months should be fine.
Cleaning Your Gutters
Another critical task is cleaning your gutters. Over time, leaves and other debris can build up in your gutters and cause them to become clogged. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage on your roof and fascia and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. It is best to clean your gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. Again, hire a professional if need be, but cleaner gutters result in something that will last much longer. In addition, a proper inspection of the gutters can also take place.
Checking for Water Leaks
Water leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home if they’re not repaired. Leaks can lead to water damage, but they can also increase your water bill. So check all the faucets and fixtures in your home regularly for leaks, and fix them.
Inspecting Your Home’s Foundation
Your home foundation is one of the most critical parts of your house. Without a solid foundation, your home could crumble. Therefore, you should regularly inspect your foundation for cracks or damage. If you notice any damage, it’s best to hire a professional to fix it ASAP.
Replacing Smoke Alarm Batteries
Another maintenance task often neglected is replacing the batteries in smoke alarms. It’s essential to replace the batteries in all of your smoke alarms at least once a year, and it’s best to do it when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. This simple task could one day save your life or your family’s life.
Regularly Flushing Out Clogs
Clogged drains are a nuisance, but they can also lead to more significant problems. That’s why it’s essential to regularly flush out clogs in your drains. You can use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to remove clogs. Also, inspect your toilets to ensure that the internal mechanisms haven’t dry rotted. Finally, check the flapper and replace it if necessary-this will help save on water usage.
Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Another maintenance task that is often overlooked is cleaning your dryer vent. A clogged dryer vent can cause your dryer to overheat, leading to a fire. To clean your dryer vent, simply disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer and vacuum it out with a brush attachment.
Call An Exterminator When Necessary
If you see any pests in your home, it’s essential to call an exterminator as soon as possible. Pests can not only be a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to your home. Some common pests include rats, mice, cockroaches, and termites; as many people know, termites are some of the most destructive pests.
Checking Your Home’s Siding
Your home’s siding is one of the first things people see when they look at your house. That’s why it’s essential to check your siding for damage regularly. If you notice any cracks or holes, it’s best to repair them as soon as possible. This will improve the appearance of your home, but it will also help protect your home from the elements. Also, hire someone to perform pressure washing services to give your siding a much-needed deep cleaning.
Drain Your Hot Water Heater
It’s important to drain your water heater regularly, as this will help extend its lifespan. Over time, minerals and sediment build up in your water tank, which causes it to work harder. Simply attach a hose to the drain valve and open it up; let the water run until it’s clear, then close the valve. This simple maintenance task can help your water heater last for years and helps it run more efficiently.
Don’t Neglect These Maintenance Tasks
As a homeowner, it’s essential to keep up with the maintenance of your home. By neglecting these necessary tasks, you could end up causing serious damage to your home. On the other hand, by taking the time to do these things, you can help extend the life of your home and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Many of these tasks are suggested by Home Inspectors during a home inspection report. A qualified Home Inspector will often find maintenance tasks that the homeowner was unaware of. If you are buying or selling a home, be sure to get a professional home inspection to avoid any costly surprises.
Can’t Keep Up With Home Maintenance, Hire a Professional
Our lives are busy, and it can be tough to keep up with everything, especially home maintenance. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to do these things yourself, there’s no shame in hiring a professional.
A handyman from Your Handyman San Francisco can help take care of all of the little things around your home so that you can focus on the more essential things in life. Your Handyman San Francisco is here to help with all your home maintenance needs and has assisted homeowners in California for over 20 years. Contact them at (415) 779-7540 for more information on their services.
