Home Maintenance: Protect Your Investment
Your home is probably your largest asset. Basic maintenance prevents expensive problems and keeps it comfortable.
Explore Home & Finance Skills →
Monthly Tasks
HVAC Filter
- Dirty filters reduce efficiency
- Strain on system = expensive repairs
- Affects air quality
How: Locate filter, check size, replace with same.
Check for Leaks
- Under sinks
- Around toilets
- Water heater area
- Ceiling for stains
Why: Small leaks become big problems.
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring
- Check roof for winter damage
- Clean gutters
- Service AC before hot weather
- Check exterior caulking/sealing
- Test smoke/CO detectors
Summer
- Maintain lawn and landscaping
- Check for pest issues
- Service sprinkler system
- Clean dryer vent
Fall
- Clean gutters (leaves)
- Service furnace
- Drain outdoor faucets (prevent freezing)
- Check weatherstripping
- Reverse ceiling fans
Winter
- Watch for ice dams
- Keep walkways clear
- Monitor indoor humidity
- Check insulation
Skills to Learn
Unclog a Drain
- Try plunger first
- Snake for deeper clogs
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners (damage pipes)
Replace Toilet Flapper
- Turn off water
- Drain tank
- Remove old flapper
- Install new one ($5 fix)
Patch Small Holes
- Spackle/putty
- Let dry
- Sand smooth
- Paint
Reset Circuit Breaker
- Find electrical panel
- Look for tripped breaker (middle position)
- Turn fully off, then on
- If it trips again, call electrician
When to Call Professionals
- Electrical work beyond basics
- Gas appliances
- Structural changes
- Roof work (safety)
- Plumbing beyond simple fixes
Cost of mistakes exceeds cost of professional.
Building a Toolkit
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat)
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Tape measure
- Level
- Stud finder
- Drill (cordless)
- Flashlight
Add over time as projects require.