Home maintenance tasks you forgot about can come back to haunt you as broken appliances or systems, floods or fires. Take care to accomplish this list of often-forgotten home maintenance items so your home is ready for anything.
1. Remove dryer lint ideally after every use, and clean the vent several times a year.
2. Clean the refrigerator coils on the back of the refrigerator once a year.
3. Have a sump pump in your basement? Inspect and clean it twice a year.
4. Inspect your HVAC system yearly, and change the filter every few months.
5. Touch up paint on holes, scrapes and dings in every room once a year.
6. Flush your water heater once a year.
7. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year.
8. Clean your gutters once a year.
9. Check windows for cracks and gaps.
10. Walk around your house and look for cracks in the foundation.
11. Inspect your roof for leaks, from the inside
12. Clean out your chimney once a season, especially if you use the fireplace a lot
It might seem like a lot to remember, so try putting one of these tasks per month on your to-do list. You’ll be preventing costly repairs in the future with simple maintenance. Your appliances and systems will last longer, and you’ll have more peace of mind knowing you’re taking care of every little thing in your home.