10 Home Maintenance Tasks I Never Skip -And You Shouldn't Either

Home maintenance might not be the most glamorous part of homeownership, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most crucial. Ignoring certain tasks can lead to big problems, like surprise repairs and hefty bills—or even worse.

To help you, I’ve put together a list of 10 major home maintenance tasks that are easy to forget but essential to remember.

Clear Out Dryer Vents

It’s easy to forget about your dryer vent, but neglecting it could be risky—not just for your energy bill but for your safety too. A clogged vent can make your dryer work harder, which means higher energy costs and potentially dangerous situations. Signs like lingering smells or clothes taking longer to dry are your cues to check the vent.

Use a wet/dry vac or a special cleaning kit with a brush and a flexible rod for thorough cleaning. Consider replacing plastic or flexible ducts with smooth metal ones, as they accumulate less lint and are safer overall.

Balance Your Garage Door

Did you know that an unbalanced garage door can strain your opener? Checking the balance is key to preventing premature wear or even potential injuries.

Here’s a quick test: Close the door, disengage the opener, and manually lift the door about halfway. If it stays put, you’re good. If it falls or shoots up, the tension needs adjusting. Since tweaking the spring tension can be tricky and dangerous, it’s smart to call in a professional.

Lubricate Your Garage Door Springs

Keep your garage door running smoothly by giving a little TLC to the torsion springs. These springs, located above the roller tracks, are prone to metal fatigue and corrosion, which can lead to breaks over time. An annual spritz of garage door lubricant can extend their life and keep your door operating quietly and efficiently.

Remember, it can get messy—use a piece of cardboard as a shield behind the springs. While you’re at it, lube up the rollers and hinges too.

Inspect for Mice Nests

mouse nest in car — Image Credit: View more by knowlesgallery from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Before you kickstart your equipment or vehicles after a storage period, do a quick check for uninvited guests—mice! These little critters love cozy spots like engine compartments, A/C units, and lawn tractors for setting up their winter homes. They can cause serious damage by chewing through wires and clogging mechanisms with their nests, which can lead to overheating or even failures.

Take Care of Your Window Wells

Don’t froget about your window wells—keeping them clean can save you a massive headache! You can experience a basement flood due to a clogged window well that can’t drain rainwater effectively. As leaves and debris accumulate, they acted like a barrier, allowing water to build up and eventually break through the basement windows, causing extensive damage.

So make sure to routinely clear out any leaves or debris and think about installing a window well cover to minimize maintenance and enhance drainage.

Drain Your Water Heater Annually

Drain Water Heater — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Ever wonder why your water heater might fail prematurely? Sediment buildup could be the culprit. This sediment can create hot spots in gas heaters, damaging the tank, or can cause the lower heating element in electric heaters to fail.

A simple annual drain of your water heater can prevent these issues, extending its life and improving efficiency, which also helps in reducing your energy bills.

Keep Window Weep Holes Clear

Here’s a quick tip: check the weep holes on your sliding and vinyl replacement windows. These little notches at the bottom of the window frame are crucial for draining out rainwater. But when they get clogged with debris or bugs, they can back up, leading to unexpected indoor pools.

To make sure they’re clear, pour water into the track or hose down the window from outside. No water streaming out? Grab a wire hanger or use compressed air to clear the blockage.

Clean Those Fridge Coils

Think about the last time you checked behind your fridge. Can’t remember? You might want to take a look at the condenser coils. When these coils get dirty, your fridge has to work overtime, which can hike up your energy bill and wear out your fridge sooner.

Just grab a coil-cleaning brush and vacuum to remove dust, pet hair, and cobwebs. A bendable brush is perfect for getting into those tight spaces and will ensure your fridge runs more efficiently.

Test Your Sump Pump

sump pump 1 — Image Credit: akchamczuk/ Canva Pro.

Don’t overlook your sump pump; it’s your first line of defense against a wet disaster. Imagine coming home to a basement submerged in water just because the sump pump failed—a homeowner’s nightmare! Often, the issue might be as simple as a tangled float cable, easy to fix but costly if ignored.

To prevent this, regularly check if your pump’s vertical float switch operates correctly by pouring water into the basin to simulate flooding.

Monitor Water Pressure

water pressure guage — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Ever wonder why fixtures or appliances suddenly fail? High water pressure might be the cause. For instance, if a water softener bursts unexpectedly, it could be due to pressure that’s too high, damaging not just appliances but also your entire plumbing system.

Checking your home’s water pressure is pretty easy and very important. Install a simple pressure gauge on a spigot to monitor and adjust with a new pressure-reducing valve if necessary.