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7 Overlooked Home Maintenance Tasks That Could Cost You Big
March 10, 2025
Some home maintenance is obvious — swap the HVAC filter, clean the gutters, mow the lawn so the neighbors don't talk. But what about the stuff you don't notice until something leaks, breaks, or stops working?
Those are the real budget-busters. The overlooked tasks that lead to expensive repairs. Let's look at seven commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks (and why ignoring them is a costly mistake).
1. Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
The fridge is always running — literally. But did you know that if the coils behind or beneath it are coated in dust and pet hair, it has to work twice as hard? That means higher bills and a shorter lifespan for one of the most expensive appliances in your home.
Pull the fridge out once or twice a year and vacuum the coils. It takes five minutes and could save you hundreds on energy costs and repairs.
2. Testing and Re-Caulking Bathroom Seals
Water is sneaky. One tiny crack in your bathtub or shower caulk, and suddenly moisture is creeping behind walls, causing mold, rot, and water damage that's anything but cheap to fix.
A quick once-over every six months can save you a headache (and a repair bill). If the caulk looks dry, cracked, or peeling, replace it.
3. Draining Sediment from the Water Heater
Over time, sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of the water heater tank, making it less efficient and more prone to breaking down.
Flushing the tank once a year keeps it running smoothly and extends its lifespan — much better than suddenly waking up to a cold shower and a big repair bill.
4. Checking the HVAC Drain Line
Your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system doesn’t just control temperature—it also removes excess moisture from the air. That moisture flows through a drain line, which can clog over time with algae, mold, and debris. A blocked drain means water backing up into your home or, worse, a complete system failure.
Instead of waiting for a costly repair, schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up at least once a year. A technician will check for blockages, clear the drain line, and make sure your system is running efficiently.
5. Inspecting Attic Insulation
Think of your attic like a winter coat for your house. If the insulation has shifted, settled, or gotten damp, your home is losing heat and costing you extra in energy bills.
Most homeowners don't check it because, well, when's the last time you hung out in your attic? But a quick inspection once a year can make a big difference in comfort and costs.
6. Testing Garage Door Safety Sensors
Garage doors are heavy. The safety sensor is the only thing stopping them from closing on your car (or worse). This tiny but important part can get misaligned or blocked over time.
Take a minute every few months to test it: Wave something in front of the sensor while the door is closing. If it doesn't reverse immediately, it needs adjusting. Better to fix it now than deal with a garage door disaster later.
7. Flushing Out Exterior Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Winter and leftover water in outdoor pipes don't mix. If you forget to drain your hose bibs and irrigation lines, any trapped water can freeze, expand, and crack the pipes.
The result is expensive plumbing repairs come spring. Avoid the hassle by turning off exterior water supplies before temperatures drop.
Why a New Construction Home Makes Maintenance Easier
Older homes come with baggage. Outdated plumbing, aging appliances, insulation that's not up to today's standards… It's a long list.
A new construction home from Overstreet Builders? That's a fresh start.
Energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems mean fewer repairs and lower energy bills.
Modern insulation and high-quality windows keep drafts out (and heating costs down).
Smart home features like leak detectors and programmable thermostats help you catch issues before they become expensive problems.
Of course, no home is truly maintenance-free. But when you build with Overstreet Builders, you get a house designed with durability, efficiency, and longevity in mind. You'll spend less time stressing about repairs and more time enjoying your home!
Build Smarter with Overstreet Builders
There are two types of homeowners: those who love spending their weekends fixing things and those who don't. If you'd rather skip the unexpected repairs and constant upkeep, a custom home built for the future might be exactly what you need. Contact Overstreet Builders today to explore available homesites and floor plans in Chicago's southwest suburbs!
