Whether you have purchased your first home or have decades of homeownership experience, one thing remains the same: timely maintenance is key. Keeping up with your home’s needs prevents bigger problems later on. When left unchecked, some issues snowball rapidly—like a roof leak, for example. A minor roof or gutter issue is a relatively easy fix, but after enough time, you will be dealing with mold growth and water damage.
If you remember these monthly home maintenance tasks, you will save money and time down the road.
1. Track Monthly Electricity Costs
Determine how much electricity each appliance in your home uses and how much it costs each month. Knowing that helps you:
-
Better manage your electricity use
-
Decide which appliances you really need
-
Identify which could be switched off more often
How to do it: Use a device like the Kill-A-Watt to calculate a dollar figure for your plug-in appliances. Test a different appliance every month and get a sense of your overall electricity usage.
2. Inspect Attic for Leaks When It Is Raining
“Go into your attic to spot any leaks during a rainstorm,” says John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada. “Roof leaks can go unrepaired for a long time, creating damage to insulation, and can be a source of mold growth, which is harmful to your health.”
Bonus check: While you are up there, inspect your attic for insulation and airflow issues, which can increase your heating and cooling bills.
3. Check HVAC Filters
According to Bodrozic, you should replace your air filters at least four times a year, but it is best to check them once a month.
| Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Maintains indoor air quality | Clogged with debris or dust |
| Keeps system running efficiently | Restricted airflow |
Make sure they are not clogged with debris or dust.
4. Inspect Automatic Garage Door Safety Shutoff
Bodrozic says to test the safety features of your automatic-opening garage door to ensure they are still in good shape.
What to test:
-
Safety beams – should stop the door from closing if they detect anything in its path
-
Auto-reverse mechanism – should reverse direction if it encounters an obstacle
This simple test can prevent serious injuries.
