Common Home Maintenance Mistakes: How to Avoid Them

Posted on July 2nd, 2024. 

It can be easy to overlook important maintenance tasks for your home. However, neglecting routine upkeep can lead to costly repairs and high energy bills. In this blog post, we will discuss some common mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them, specifically focusing on HVAC maintenance and gutter cleaning. 

Ignoring Routine HVAC Maintenance 

When it comes to common home maintenance mistakes, one frequently overlooked area is the HVAC system. It’s easy to forget about these systems as they quietly work in the background, keeping your home comfortable year-round. However, ignoring routine HVAC maintenance can lead to costly repairs and inefficient heating or cooling. One of the most common oversights is not changing the air filters regularly. These filters are fundamental for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens. When they become clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder to circulate air, which can lead to increased wear and tear. Most experts recommend changing the filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the level of pollutants in your home. For homes with pets or allergies, it’s wise to check and replace filters more frequently. Neglecting annual check-ups can be a big mistake. A professional tune-up can catch small issues before they become major problems, extending the life of your system and improving efficiency. It's a simple step but one that's often forgotten, leaving homeowners to deal with unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. 

Avoiding home maintenance mistakes related to HVAC doesn’t stop at changing filters and scheduling annual check-ups. Another critical aspect is keeping the outdoor unit clean and unobstructed. Over time, dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate around the unit, impeding airflow and forcing the system to work harder than it should. Make it a point to inspect the outdoor unit regularly and clear away any debris. You might also want to trim any nearby vegetation that could block airflow. It's these small, consistent efforts that help maintain your system’s efficiency and avoid home maintenance mistakes. Additionally, if your HVAC system includes a condensate drain, be sure it’s clear to prevent water damage and mold growth. A mixture of vinegar and water can often do the trick. These efforts contribute to a smoothly running HVAC system, saving you money and stress in the long run. Procrastination should be avoided because taking immediate steps to address minor issues will leave your HVAC system operating smoothly, ensuring a comfortable living environment. 

Overlooking Gutter Cleaning 

Another area that's often neglected but can lead to significant issues is your gutters. Gutters play an important role in directing water away from your home's roof, walls, and foundation. Overlooking gutter cleaning is one of the common home repair mistakes that can have serious repercussions. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, water can't flow properly and starts to overflow. This overflow can cause water to seep into your home's foundation or seep under your roof, leading to water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues. Water damage and foundation problems are among the 10 most common home maintenance issues people face. To avoid these problems, you should make gutter cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance routine. So, how do you effectively clean your gutters? Start by positioning a sturdy ladder on a stable surface. Make sure you have a bucket to collect debris and a garden trowel to scoop out the muck. You can also use a gutter scoop or even a child’s sandbox shovel for this task. Wearing gloves is advisable to protect your hands from sharp edges and potentially harmful materials. Begin at the downspout and work your way along the gutter, removing debris as you go. After clearing the debris, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt and to make sure the downspouts are clear. You might need to use a plumber’s snake if the water doesn't flow freely through the downspouts. Once you've flushed the gutters, consider installing gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in the first place. Home maintenance advice often recommends cleaning your gutters at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall when leaves are most likely to collect. However, if you have many trees near your home, you might need to clean them more frequently. Keeping up with this simple task can save you from more complex and costly repairs down the line. 

Procrastinating on this can be tempting because it’s a messy job, but regular cleaning will guarantee your gutters function as intended. Not only will you be safeguarding your home from water damage, but you'll also be preventing potential costly foundation issues. Another common mistake is assuming that one cleaning session per year is sufficient. It’s important to inspect your gutters more often, especially after major storms or heavy winds, which can fill them up faster than usual. Additionally, you should also be on the lookout for signs of rotting fascia boards, peeling paint, or water marks around your home’s base, as these are indicators that your gutters might need attention even if it hasn’t been your scheduled time for cleaning. While cleaning the gutters, you can also take the opportunity to check for any parts that might need repair, like loose or damaged sections. 

Neglecting Roof Inspections 

Roofs tend to be out of sight and, consequently, out of mind—leading to one of the most common home maintenance issues. Homeowners frequently assume their roof is fine until a visible problem manifests, but waiting until you see a leak, missing shingles, or sagging can be a costly homeowner mistake. Regular roof inspections can identify minor issues before they escalate into full-blown problems, extending the lifespan of your roof and saving you money on extensive repairs. Scheduling a roof inspection at least twice a year—ideally in spring and fall—can help catch issues like cracked or curling shingles, which are clear indicators that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life. Dark stains or streaks on the shingles often signal algae growth, which while not immediately harmful, can degrade your roof over time. During your inspection, also pay attention to the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights; if it’s damaged or loose, water can seep in and cause interior damage. Taking the time to check your attic for signs of water intrusion, such as damp insulation or mold, can also provide clues about the condition of your roof. Sometimes even small hints like granules in the gutters can indicate that your shingles are deteriorating. Ignoring these signs is a common house maintenance problem and can lead to more extensive and costly issues. 

While it’s possible to perform basic visual roof inspections yourself, there are instances when calling in a professional is crucial. A trained eye can detect issues that an untrained homeowner might miss, such as subtle sagging or foundational problems that could lead to significant damage if left unaddressed. Professionals also can safely access roofs with steep pitches or high elevations, which can be dangerous for non-experts to attempt. Additionally, inspections often reveal potential issues in adjacent structures, such as soffits, fascia boards, and gutters, all of which play a role in an efficient roofing system. Investing in a professional roof inspection can pinpoint vulnerabilities, allowing for targeted repairs rather than wholesale replacement, which is a more economical approach. Neglecting roof maintenance comes with high stakes like water damage, structural issues, and even compromised safety during storms. By incorporating regular roof inspections into your home maintenance routine, you can sidestep common home maintenance problems. 

Wrapping Up 

Proper home maintenance is crucial for keeping your home in good condition and avoiding costly repairs. Neglecting routine tasks such as HVAC maintenance, gutter cleaning, and roof inspections can lead to significant issues and expenses. By taking simple steps like changing air filters, keeping gutters clean, and scheduling regular inspections, you can ensure your home is well-maintained and functioning efficiently. Don't procrastinate or overlook these important tasks, as they can have serious repercussions in the long run.  

At JPS Handyman Services Inc., we specialize in complete home restorations and repairs, making us your go-to partner for all your interior painting needs. Our services encompass all aspects of home improvement, from painting and repairs to general maintenance and landscaping ideas. With our in-house team led by an on-site foreman who is also the owner, you can trust that your project will receive the personal attention and expertise it deserves.  

Contact Us Now! 

Reach us at +1 (757) 869 0358 or reach out via [email protected]. Together, we can ensure your home not only meets its original glory but integrates today's needs.