Owning a home is exciting, but it also comes with endless maintenance tasks—some of which are easy to forget until they cause problems. While most people remember mowing the lawn or changing air filters, a few overlooked chores can save you major headaches down the line.
One of the most forgotten tasks is cleaning the dryer vent. Lint buildup can reduce efficiency and even pose a fire hazard. It’s best to vacuum out the vent and hose at least once a year. Another easy-to-miss job is flushing your water heater. Over time, sediment builds up inside the tank, which can make it work harder and shorten its lifespan. Draining it once or twice a year helps prevent this.
Gutter cleaning is another big one. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to roof damage and basement leaks. Check them in both spring and fall. Homeowners also tend to forget about checking window and door seals—worn-out weather stripping can waste energy and make heating or cooling your home more expensive.
Finally, inspect your sump pump and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. These small checks can protect your home and family from emergencies.
Taking a few hours each season to handle these forgotten tasks keeps your home safer, more efficient, and more valuable. A simple maintenance checklist—reviewed quarterly—can help you stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed. Prevention, after all, is always cheaper than repair.
