Owning a home is one of life’s biggest investments, but repairs can get expensive fast. By staying on top of essential home maintenance tasks, you can avoid major headaches and keep your home running efficiently. Here’s a list of 10 home maintenance tasks that could save you money, complete with average costs and expert tips so you can get them right the first time.
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What Home Maintenance Tasks Can Save You Money?
1. Clean Out Gutters
When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, rainwater has nowhere to go. It overflows, seeps into siding, erodes landscaping, and even compromises the foundation. Regular cleaning, especially in spring and fall, keeps water flowing away from your home where it belongs.
Average cost: If you’re doing it yourself, all you need is a ladder, gloves, and a gutter scoop. But for multi-story homes, professional services run about $100 to $250 per cleaning. The investment is small compared to the thousands it could cost to repair water damage.
- Pro tip: Consider installing gutter guards for $200–$600 to cut down on debris buildup and reduce cleaning frequency.
2. HVAC Filter Replacement
A clean HVAC filter ensures your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to overwork to push air through dusty, clogged fibers. This small change improves indoor air quality and can lower your energy bills by up to 15%.
Average cost: Filters cost between $10 and $40 each, and replacing them every 1–3 months can save you from a $5,000+ HVAC replacement down the line.
- Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar, and if allergies are a concern, upgrade to a HEPA filter for better filtration.
3. Caulk the Tub and Shower
Bathrooms are a hotspot for hidden water damage. When caulk cracks or peels away, moisture sneaks behind tiles and into drywall or subflooring, leading to mold and rot.
Average cost: Re-caulking is simple and inexpensive, just $5–$10 for a tube of mildew-resistant caulk, or $100–$250 for professional work, but the protection it provides is invaluable.
- Pro tip: Always remove old caulk completely before applying a new bead, and for a polished look, run painter’s tape along the seams and smooth the fresh caulk with a damp finger. Additionally, inspect bathroom caulk at least once a year and reapply as needed to maintain a watertight seal.
4. Inspect Electrical Outlets and Cords
Electrical problems often start small: a loose outlet, a discolored plate, or a frayed cord. Ignoring these signs risks short circuits, power outages, or even fires.
Average cost: Outlet replacements are inexpensive, costing just $2–$5 for parts, though an electrician’s visit averages $75–$150.
- Pro tip: Invest in a $10–$20 outlet tester to catch wiring problems early, and if any outlet feels warm or emits a burnt smell, turn off the breaker immediately and call a professional.
5. Garage Door Lubrication
Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points to your home, and its moving parts take a beating over time. Without lubrication, springs and rollers grind against each other, causing premature wear and costly repairs that can run $150–$400.
Average cost: A $7–$15 silicone-based lubricant is all you need, and applying it to hinges, rollers, and springs every six months will keep your door operating quietly and efficiently.
- Pro tip: Avoid WD-40, it’s a cleaner, not a true lubricant, and will strip away necessary oils.
If you’re not sure who to hire for this or other home repairs, here’s a helpful guide on how to find great contractors in Healdsburg, CA.
6. Inspect the Sump Pump
For homes with basements, the sump pump is your first defense against flooding. If it fails during a storm, the damage could easily exceed $10,000. Testing it is simple: pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it activates.
Average cost: A new pump costs $100–$400, which is a small price to pay compared to water remediation costs.
- Pro tip: test your sump pump quarterly, clean the inlet screen, and keep a battery backup pump in case of power outages during storms.
7. Roof Inspection
The roof protects your entire home, yet many homeowners don’t check it until there’s a leak. Twice-yearly inspections, once in spring and once in fall, can catch missing shingles, cracked flashing, or moss growth before they cause major problems.
Average cost: Professional inspections average $150–$300, and repairs for small issues might be just a few hundred dollars, compared to $8,000 or more for a full replacement.
- Pro tip: If climbing isn’t safe for you, use binoculars from the ground to look for trouble spots or hire a roofer for a thorough check.
8. Water Pressure Monitoring
While high water pressure feels great in the shower, it can be a silent destroyer of pipes, faucets, and appliances. Over time, excessive pressure weakens seals, increases leak risk, and shortens appliance lifespans.
Average cost: A pressure gauge costs just $10–$20 and attaches easily to a hose bib. If readings are above 60 psi, a plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve for $200–$400.
- Pro tip: Check pressure annually, especially after plumbing work or if you notice frequent faucet drips or appliance failures.
9. Heating System Tune-Up
Your heating system should get a professional inspection once a year, ideally in early fall before the temperatures drop.
Average cost: A tune-up, which costs $80–$200, ensures burners are clean, components are lubricated, and no dangerous gas leaks are present. Skipping maintenance could lead to higher energy bills and emergency repairs that cost thousands.
- Pro tip: Schedule your tune-up before cold weather hits, when HVAC technicians are less busy and prices are often lower.
10. Air Conditioning Maintenance
Just like your heating system, your air conditioner needs yearly attention. Neglecting maintenance can mean a $5,000–$10,000 replacement much sooner than expected.
Average cost: A $75–$200 service includes coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and thermostat calibration, all of which help your system run more efficiently and last longer.
- Pro tip: keep the area around your outdoor unit free of debris, change filters regularly, and have coils cleaned each spring to prepare for summer demand.
Home Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Miss
These ten home maintenance tasks may seem small, but together they form a powerful defense against costly repairs and wasted energy. Over time, consistently performing them could save homeowners anywhere from $38,000 to $57,000 in avoided repair and replacement costs. Think of it as putting a little time in now to avoid major expenses later, your wallet will thank you.
Why choose Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin?
Emily has called California home for over a decade and likes to think of herself as a California “native.” Learning at a young age from her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top-producing real estate agent for 40+ years, Emily has been immersed in real estate all of her life. As a homeowner in her early 20s in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, followed by San Francisco, and now Healdsburg, Emily understands the intricacies of home ownership in highly sought-after regions such as Manhattan, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and her beloved hometown of Healdsburg, California.
Whether clients are buying their dream home, purchasing a second home, selling a cherished property, or investing in the market, Emily is here to make their dreams a reality. Her extensive luxury experience, attention to customer service, marketing expertise, strong work ethic, and passion enable her to provide a level of service that is truly distinctive.
As the journey begins, here’s what clients can expect:
Unmatched Luxury Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the luxury market, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into luxury goods, sales, and lifestyle. Whether clients are buying or selling, she has the expertise to navigate the world of real estate and the Healdsburg Luxury Homes market.
A Tradition of Excellence
With a family legacy spanning four decades in real estate, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition. Emily is committed to upholding the impeccable reputation her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top North Shore Chicago agent, has built by delivering nothing short of excellence to her clients.
Unwavering Dedication & Passion
Emily is dedicated to her clients’ success. From the moment they embark on this journey together, she provides unwavering support, guidance, and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. When asked to describe Emily, the first words that come to her clients ‘ minds are passionate, energetic, experienced, and dependable.
Explore the Luxury Lifestyle in Healdsburg’s Wine Country
Luxury real estate is not just about properties—it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about finding the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and comfort that feels like home. It’s the feeling clients get when they walk into their dream home.
Contact Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin today at: emily@luxeplaces.com or 707-926-3200 to begin an extraordinary real estate experience. Together, you’ll create a story worth telling, a life worth living, and a legacy worth building.