4 Home Maintenance Tasks to Schedule Now—Before Problems Start

You may not think to call a maintenance professional before something malfunctions, but this method isn’t in your—or your home's—best interest. With just some careful planning, you can prevent both system issues and their hefty resulting bills.

Below, two home maintenance experts reveal the commonly skipped upkeep tasks that you should schedule now and how getting ahead of them can protect your home and budget.

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Be it summer or winter, your HVAC system is constantly working to keep your home at an optimal temperature. Forgetting to change its air filters can make the system work harder, resulting in quicker breakdowns, explains Rob Chism, GM of Jack Rabbit Air Conditioning. “Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your air conditioner strain to cool your home and leading to frozen coils, compressor damage, and complete system failure.”

Chism emphasizes the importance of having your unit professionally serviced twice a year, ideally once before summer and again before winter. “Annual inspections catch refrigerant leaks, worn components, and electrical connections before they cause system breakdowns,” says Chism. 

And if you’re hearing strange noises (think banging or grinding sounds) coming from your HVAC system? Don’t ignore them. “A simple belt replacement that costs under $100 becomes a $3,000 compressor replacement when homeowners delay repairs,” Chism adds.  

Testing of Your Safety Devices 

Your home’s safety devices, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and GFCI outlets, are designed to protect without much fuss. This makes them easy to forget about—until they stop working. Tim Hodnicki, president and owner of Electrical Experts, explains that regularly testing and replacing these devices is essential, especially in older homes that may not meet current safety standards.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly by pressing the test button for a few seconds. If the batteries and siren work, you’ll hear a loud noise. For most detectors, batteries should be replaced every year. And if it’s been 5-10 years, it’s time to replace the entire device.

With a GFCI outlet, ensure it works by pressing the reset and test buttons. If that doesn’t work, make sure your circuit breaker is on. Still not working? It’s time to call an electrician out ASAP, as this type of outlet can shock you when faulty.  

Water Heater Maintenance

When your water heater isn’t frequently maintained, sediment buildup is likely lurking inside the tank. Chism recommends flushing the system yearly to protect the longevity of your unit. “Annual flushing removes sediment that insulates heating elements and reduces hot water production,” he explains. While you can do this yourself, it may be better to call in a professional if your unit is older than five years or hasn’t been flushed in a while. 

In addition to its annual flushing, Chism recommends having a pro inspect the tank’s anode rods. These prevent the tank itself from rusting and, if the rods are corroded, chances are your tank’s walls are next. “Checking and replacing anode rods every three to five years can extend water heater life by several years and prevent sudden tank failures that cause thousands of dollars in water damage to floors, walls, and belongings,” says Chism.

Routine Electrical Panel Inspections

"It’s easy to forget about something as normal and reliable as the electricity in your home," says Hodnicki, "but it’ll be all you can think about when something goes wrong."

Your home's electrical panel, wiring, and grounding all require maintenance. "A periodic inspection helps catch issues early and ensures the system is still appropriate for the home’s electrical load," Hodnicki says.

In regions with harsher winters, scheduling inspections before temperatures drop can help prevent electrical failures during periods when lighting and heating are especially essential. In warmer climates, early spring inspections can prepare systems for the demand of air conditioning during long summer months.