3 Preventative Maintenance Chores That Can Save You Thousands on Home Repairs

| Last Updated: June 14, 2021

There’s an old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true when it comes to taking care of your most valuable asset—your home. Preventative maintenance chores aren’t something that most of us look forward to.

However, they are necessary. If we don’t take the time to take care of making sure that our home functions properly, it can add up to big time costs on repairs or even the unthinkable costs of replacement. To save you from the headache of bearing that cost, I am sharing 3 preventative maintenance chores that can save you thousands of dollars on home repairs.

Photo credit: samahvac.com

1. HVAC Maintenance

HVAC systems require maintenance. Like any working mechanical equipment, they will break down if not maintained. Just as you wouldn’t run your car without inspecting the belts and changing the oil (at least I hope you don’t), you shouldn’t fail to complete spring and fall maintenance chores on your HVAC system.

Here is a quick list of what you should do to get your HVAC prepped for each season.

Spring HVAC Maintenance:

  • Change the filters on your a/c equipment.

  • Look over the belts for signs of wear and replace as needed.

  • Make sure you have adequate air flow.

  • Lubricate all moving parts to prevent corrosion and keep them moving freely.

  • Make sure the refrigerant is charged and free of leaks.

  • Look over the electrical connections (mice might have chewed on them in the winter).

  • Check the thermostat to make sure it works.

  • Clean out the drain lines, pans, evaporator coils, and condenser.

Fall HVAC Maintenance:

  • Change the filters on your heating equipment.

  • Check over the heat exchanger, electrical connections, and belts and replace as needed.

  • Lubricate all moving parts to prevent corrosion and keep them moving freely.

  • Look over the electrical connections (mice might have chewed on them in the winter).

  • Check the thermostat to make sure it works.

  • Clean out the pans and drain lines.

  • Make sure the burner and ignitor are functioning properly.
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2. Gutter Maintenance

Another important maintenance chore you should never fail to complete is gutter cleaning. Your gutters ensure that water flows away from your home and protects your roof, soffits, and the foundation of your home from the ravages of rain water. When gutters get backed up, your roof can be destroyed.

Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice yearly: right before the leaves fall, and after they have finished falling.  However, if you live in an area heavily surrounded with trees that shed leaves, pine needles, or acorns, this can be needed as much as 4 times yearly.  Here’s a link to some information on how to maintain your gutters.

You can cut down on this cleaning by installing a leaf brush system to keep the leaves and debris out of the gutters. Once you’ve cleaned the gutters out, lay the gutter brush into the gutter. The bristles keep out the leaves and debris but allow the water to run through. This system installs in just a few minutes and will keep your roof and soffits free of debris.

Photo credit: lifefamilyjoy.com

3. Hot Water Heater Maintenance

A hot water tank replacement is another costly job that can be avoided by proper maintenance.  If you don’t drain your hot water tank periodically, minerals form into sediment in the bottom of the tank. Over time, this can cause your tank to begin to corrode.

Let me assure you from firsthand experience, there is nothing worse than coming home to a hot water tank that’s failed and flooded the house. In my case, it sent rusty water running everywhere. It added up to the cost of a new hot water tank, carpet cleaning or replacement, and emergency plumbing fees.

Here is a link on how to maintain your hot water tank. Take the time to complete this preventative maintenance, and you’ll extend the life of your tank. Also, you’ll detect any major issues early enough to save the money to replace it before it causes a flood in your home.

The Takeaway

Your home is quite likely the largest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime. By performing these three preventative maintenance chores on schedule, you will ensure a comfortable climate, a roof over your head, and clean water for your family.

Guest Author Bio: Randy Schreiber is the owner of GutterBrush. As a lifelong service provider in the home services industry, Randy enjoys sharing tips with homeowners. When he’s not working, Randy is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing.



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.