Homeownership comes with plenty of to-do lists. Most people remember the big stuff like mowing the lawn, changing HVAC filters, or shoveling snow in the winter. But it’s the little tasks that often get overlooked, and those little tasks can turn into big (and expensive) problems if ignored for too long.
Here are five home maintenance jobs that tend to slip through the cracks but can make a huge difference in keeping your home comfortable, efficient, and problem-free.
1. Checking for Hidden Leaks
A leaky faucet or pipe doesn’t always look like a major issue at first, but even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. Besides driving up your water bill, leaks can cause hidden damage to cabinets, flooring, or drywall. Many leaks happen in places you don’t look often—under sinks, behind toilets, or near your water heater.
It’s worth doing a quick inspection once a month. Look for water stains, dampness, or that musty smell that signals moisture. Catching leaks early saves money and prevents costly repairs down the road.
2. Cleaning Faucet Aerators
If your water pressure seems weaker than usual, the problem might not be your plumbing Idaho Falls system, it could be your faucet aerators. These small screens at the tip of your faucet mix air into the water to reduce splashing and control flow. Over time, minerals, grit, and debris build up and restrict water flow.
Luckily, cleaning aerators is quick and easy. Just unscrew them, soak them in vinegar to loosen mineral deposits, rinse them, and screw them back on. This simple step can restore water pressure and extend the life of your faucets.
3. Flushing the Water Heater
Water heaters work quietly in the background, but they need care too. Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, making it work harder to heat water. This not only shortens the lifespan of your water heater but also increases your energy bill.
Most experts recommend flushing your water heater once a year. All it takes is attaching a hose to the drain valve and letting the water run until it’s clear. It’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your hot water running smoothly.
4. Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator runs 24/7, and dirty condenser coils make it use a lot more energy than necessary. When dust and pet hair build up on the coils, located either at the back or bottom of the fridge, your appliance has to work harder to keep food cold.
A quick vacuum or brush a couple of times a year helps your fridge run more efficiently and can even extend its life. It’s a small chore that pays off in lower energy costs and fewer appliance breakdowns.
5. Inspecting Caulk and Weatherstripping
Drafts around windows and doors are sneaky. You may not notice them until your heating or cooling bills spike. Caulk can dry out and crack, and weatherstripping wears down over time.
A simple inspection in the fall and spring can prevent air leaks and keep your home more comfortable year-round. Replacing caulk or weatherstripping is inexpensive, and the savings on utility bills make it well worth the effort.
Don’t Let the Small Stuff Slide
It’s easy to focus only on the big-ticket items in home maintenance, but small details matter just as much. Checking for leaks, cleaning faucet aerators, flushing your water heater, dusting refrigerator coils, and maintaining seals around doors and windows are quick tasks that protect your home and save money in the long run.
Think of these chores as preventive care for your house. Just like going to the doctor for regular checkups keeps you healthy, tackling these forgotten maintenance tasks helps your home stay in great shape for years to come.
