4 Home Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Usually Forget

As the leaves begin to change color and the temperature drops, it’s time to get some of those easily forgotten home maintenance tasks done.

Neglecting these often-overlooked tasks can lead to costly repairs down the line, so make sure to do these 4 preventative maintenance tasks this fall! Here they are:

1. Window Wells: The spaces around your basement windows are window wells, and they play an important role in preventing water damage by acting as a drain. Leaves, soil, and other debris can quickly build up in your window wells, which can clog the drain and cause water to pool. This can lead to basement flooding, mold growth, and structural damage–things you definitely want to avoid! Take some time to clear out those wells before the wet weather comes to ensure proper drainage.

2. Furnace Filters: Your furnace works hard to keep you warm during the colder months. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, make sure to replace your furnace filter every six months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and leading to breakdowns. Check your filter's size before ordering a new one, and replace it semiannually to enjoy consistent heating and lower energy bills

3. Refrigerator Coils: If your fridge hasn’t been staying cold or isn’t running as well as it used to, it’s probably the coils! Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on your coils, reducing efficiency and causing your fridge to work overtime. To improve performance and save energy, locate the coils (usually on the fridge’s back or base) and gently clean them with a vacuum or an old toothbrush.

4. Dryer Vent: Lint buildup in your dryer vent is a fire hazard and can also reduce your dryer's efficiency. To prevent these issues, clean your dryer vent at least once a year. You can do this yourself using a dryer vent cleaning kit or hire a professional for a more thorough cleaning. You may want to consider hiring the work out to a professional if you have an older home or haven't cleaned it in a while.

By tackling these forgotten maintenance tasks, you'll not only extend the life of your appliances and home systems, but you’ll also save money on energy costs.

Forward this link on to a friend who could use a reminder to complete these tasks!