Owning a home is a big responsibility — and it can be a challenge to keep up with everything on your maintenance to-do list. So, just in case you need a reminder, here are five important home maintenance tasks you may be neglecting.
Clean your gutters
Allowing leaves and debris to build up in your gutters can cause water damage to your roof and leaks into your home. Ideally, this task should be checked off your home maintenance to-do list twice per year, but don’t hesitate to outsource if heights aren’t your thing.
Wipe down your shutters
Over time, your shutters acquire build up from precipitation, pollen, dust and dirt in the air. Taking a damp cloth and wiping them clean twice per year can help extend the life and keep them looking good as new for longer.
Drain your water heater
Sediment can build up in the base of your water heater if it isn’t completely drained at least once a year. Doing so will help extend the life of your water heat and make it work more efficiently.
Clean out your dryer duct
Sure, you clean out the lint trap frequently, but lint also builds up in your dryer vent duct. In addition to making your dryer less efficient, it can also put you at a greater risk for a house fire. Depending on how complicated your duct work is, you may need to bring in a professional to tackle this one.
Dust your refrigerator coil
This quick fix can make a big difference in how well your refrigerator runs and how long it lasts. Dust accumulation can cause wear and tear over time if left uncleaned, but the cleaning process will luckily only take you a few minutes.
While these tasks may be forgettable, most of them are relatively quick, inexpensive home maintenance items to check off your to-do list. Add them to your calendar to keep them top of mind and enjoy the satisfaction of responsible home ownership.
Cleaned your shutters and noticed they need replacing? Oh, hi.
