New homeowners usually regret skipping boring maintenance, not cosmetic projects. The expensive misses are dryer vents, HVAC filters, gutters, alarms, water heater care, hidden leaks, and appliance filters.
The 7 tasks to do first
- Clean the dryer vent path.
- Check and replace HVAC filters.
- Clean gutters and confirm downspouts drain away from the house.
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Check the water heater for sediment signs, leaks, and age.
- Look for slow leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances.
- Reset appliance filters and coils so you know the schedule.
1. Cleaning the dryer vent
The lint screen is not the whole vent system. Lint also builds up in the duct behind the dryer and the exterior vent hood. Restricted airflow makes loads take longer and increases fire risk.
Clean the lint screen every load. Plan on deeper vent cleaning about yearly, or sooner if drying time gets worse.
2. Replacing HVAC filters
A clogged HVAC filter reduces airflow. In cooling season, poor airflow can contribute to frozen coils. In any season, it can make the system run longer and strain equipment.
Check the filter monthly and replace it when dirty. Many homes land around every 1 to 3 months, but pets, dust, smoke, and heavy use change the schedule.
3. Cleaning gutters before water goes sideways
Gutters move roof water away from the house. When they clog, water can spill over the edge, soak fascia, pool near the foundation, or find weak points around the roofline.
Clean gutters at least in spring and fall if trees are nearby. After heavy storms, look for overflow marks, washed out soil, or downspouts dumping water too close to the house.
4. Testing alarms
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Replace smoke alarms when they reach the age on the label, commonly 10 years. Check carbon monoxide alarm replacement guidance by model because it varies.
If the previous owner left old, yellowed, unlabeled alarms, replacing them is usually simpler than guessing.
5. Checking the water heater
Find the water heater age, look for leaks or corrosion, and listen for rumbling or popping. Sediment can collect in tank water heaters, especially in hard water areas.
Many tank water heaters are flushed about yearly, but old neglected tanks deserve caution. Call a plumber if the tank is rusted, leaking, hard to shut off, or installed where a leak would cause major damage.
6. Looking for hidden leaks
Open cabinets under sinks. Look around toilets, the dishwasher, the washing machine, exterior hose bibs, and the water heater. Stains, swelling, soft flooring, corrosion, and musty smells are early clues.
This is not glamorous. It is also one of the cheapest ways to prevent a miserable repair.
7. Resetting appliance filters and coils
Clean refrigerator coils if dusty. Check the dishwasher filter. Clean range hood grease filters. Record refrigerator water filter models, HVAC filter sizes, and any air purifier filter numbers.
The first year is about taking control of the schedule instead of inheriting someone else's mystery maintenance.
Good maintenance rhythm
- Monthly: HVAC filter check, alarms, leak check, toilet check.
- Yearly: dryer vent cleaning, water heater service check, refrigerator coil check if dusty.
- Spring and fall: gutters and drainage.
- As needed: professional help for gas, electrical, roof, major plumbing, or unsafe work.