10 Essential Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

As a homeowner, maintaining your property is key to ensuring its longevity, comfort, and safety. Whether you're looking to boost your home's efficiency or simply want to keep things running smoothly, there are a few essential maintenance tasks that shouldn't be overlooked. Here are the home maintenance tips that will keep your home in tip-top shape—and how we can help if you need a hand!

1. Change Your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

Your safety is our top priority, and that starts with properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s recommended to change the batteries in these devices at least once a year, or whenever they begin to emit a "low battery" warning. Did you know that most manufacturers recommend replacing the entire unit after 10 years? Many homeowners aren’t aware of this, and as a result, many detectors are past their replacement date. Smoke detectors are often thought of as “set it and forget it,” but the truth is, you want them working in top condition to keep your home safe. If you're unsure when your detectors were last replaced or want a professional to handle it, we can help make sure your safety devices are up-to-date and functioning properly.

2. Replace HVAC Filters Regularly

HVAC filters trap dust, dirt, and allergens that circulate through your home, keeping the air clean. Here in Arizona, we all know too well about the dust in the air and the allergies that many suffer from. While it's highly recommended to replace HVAC filters every 3 months in our area, homeowners with specific air quality concerns might want to replace them more frequently depending on their home's needs. This service is often needed immediately at short-term rentals, especially after a guest who may have smoked during their stay. Purchasing the right filters is a topic for another post, but it's worth noting that while you don’t always need the most expensive filter, opting for the cheapest one isn’t the best route either. By replacing your HVAC filters regularly, you're not only protecting your AC unit, but you're also improving your family’s indoor air quality. You can read much further into Filter Replacement here on HomeDepot's Website.

3. Swap Out Your Water Filters

Water filters help ensure you have clean, fresh water for drinking and everyday use. How many water filters do you have in your home? Do you have an under-the-counter water filter at the kitchen sink? A whole-home water filtration system? A water filter in the fridge? Each manufacturer will vary a bit, and some systems will alert you when it’s time to change them, while others may not. A helpful tip—stick a reminder on the front of your filter after our visit, so you’ll know when it's time for the next replacement. Replace your water filters every 3-6 months, depending on the type of system you have. This small maintenance task can have a big impact on your water quality—and we’re here to help with filter installation or maintenance whenever you need it.

4. Drain Your Water Heater Every 6-12 Months

Sediment buildup in your water heater can cause corrosion, making it work harder and reducing its lifespan. By draining your water heater every 6-12 months, you can remove sediment and prolong its life, ensuring that hot water is always available when you need it. Let us handle the dirty work of draining and inspecting your water heater to ensure it’s running efficiently. The Home and Gardens had a good further informative article to read.

5. Clean and Inspect Your Dryer Vent

Clogged dryer vents are not only a fire hazard but can also cause your dryer to work inefficiently, driving up energy costs. It's important to clean your dryer vent every year and check for any obstructions. If you’re unsure how to do this, we offer thorough dryer vent cleaning and inspection services.

6. Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your home, so it’s important to have it regularly inspected for loose shingles, tiles, cracks, or other signs of damage. While some homeowners may consider doing this themselves, inspecting some roofs can be somewhat risky depending on the home. Being up on a roof poses significant safety hazards, and it’s always best to leave this task to the professionals. We can thoroughly inspect your roof and address any issues before they turn into costly repairs. In areas like Phoenix, many tile roofs have “valleys” that can easily become clogged with leaves and debris. If not cleared, these valleys can cause water to flow underneath the tiles during heavy rains, leading to leaks and other damage. Let us handle the inspection and maintenance to ensure your roof stays in top condition while keeping you safe.

7. Test Your GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect you from electrical hazards, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Test them monthly by pressing the "test" button to ensure they’re working properly. If they fail to reset, give us a call to replace them.

8. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows and Doors

Drafts and moisture from cracks in windows and doors can increase heating and cooling costs. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to make your home more energy-efficient. We can assess and fix any areas in need of sealing to keep your home comfortable year-round.

9. Check for Leaks Under Sinks and Around Toilets

Minor leaks can lead to mold growth, water damage, and costly repairs down the road. Regularly check under sinks and around toilets to ensure there are no signs of leaks. If you spot any, we can help repair them quickly before they become bigger problems.

10. Maintain Your Landscaping

While we don’t do most Landscaping Services, Proper lawn and garden care can prevent soil erosion and damage to your home’s foundation. Keep trees trimmed away from your house, and ensure water flows properly through gutters and downspouts. We offer services that can help with gutter cleaning, tree trimming, and basic landscaping maintenance.

Keeping your home well-maintained doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying on top of these 10 essential tasks, you can ensure that your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable. And if any of these tasks seem like too much to handle on your own, remember that At Hand Heroes is here to help with all your home maintenance needs, big or small. Give us a call today, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Contact us today to discuss any concerns you have about your home and learn how we can quickly and affordably mitigate or repair those issues. Trust our experienced team to get the job done right, with the quality and care you deserve.