Overlooked Areas in Your Home That May Need Maintenance

We all know the drill: change the furnace filter, clean the gutters, mow the lawn. But houses are complex beasts, and they hide secrets. While you scrub the kitchen counters, other parts of your home quietly gather dust, grime, or wear and tear, just waiting for the worst possible moment to fail. It’s easy to get comfortable and forget about the nooks and crannies that keep the whole operation running smoothly.

Don’t worry, though. You don’t need a degree in structural engineering to keep things in check. A little attention to these overlooked areas in your home that may need maintenance goes a long way. Let’s shine a light on the spots you probably walk past every single day without a second glance.

Inspect Window and Door Seals

Drafts are the enemy of a cozy home and a reasonable utility bill. The rubber or weatherstripping around your windows and doors degrades over time due to temperature changes and constant use.

Run your hand around the edges of your windows and doors on a windy day. If you feel a breeze, your seal failed. Replacing weatherstripping is an inexpensive, easy DIY project that makes a significant difference in your comfort.

Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a basement in Toronto, you likely have a sump pump. Most people ignore this little pit in the corner until their basement floods. Don’t be that person.

Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to raise the water level. The pump should kick on immediately, drain the water, and shut off. If it doesn’t, you need to repair or replace it before the next big rainstorm hits.

Maintain Garage Door Mechanics

We use our garage doors constantly, yet we rarely look up to see how they work. The hardware does heavy lifting daily. If you hear grinding or squeaking, the rollers or hinges likely need lubrication.

Pay special attention to the springs. These high-tension coils balance the door’s weight. If they look rusty or worn, they require professional attention. If you have garage door springs, it’s important to note that ignoring them can lead to sudden failure, trapping your car inside, or causing injury.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

Your fridge works hard 24/7. When dust and pet hair coat the condenser coils (usually located at the bottom or back), the appliance struggles to release heat. This forces the compressor to work overtime, shortening its life and spiking your electricity bill.

Unplug the fridge and use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean the coils. You will be shocked at how much dust hides back there.

Flush the Water Heater

Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This layer of debris insulates the water from the heating element, reducing efficiency and potentially causing the tank to overheat and rust.

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run water into a bucket or a floor drain until the water runs clear.

Keep Your Home Happy

Taking care of these overlooked areas in your home that may need maintenance saves you money and stress down the road. You don’t have to tackle them all at once. Pick one task on the weekend, put on some music, and knock it out. Your house will thank you by staying warm, dry, and functioning exactly as it should.