As a homeowner, you’re likely diligent about the basics—mowing the lawn, touching up paint, and cleaning regularly. But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see every day?
Research shows that home maintenance frequently takes a backseat, even with the best intentions. In fact, a recent survey found that 60% of homeowners have postponed necessary maintenance or repairs, while 40% admit to paying for a major home repair that could have been avoided with better upkeep.¹
Still, it’s not just about avoiding costly emergencies—it’s also about maximizing the return on your biggest investment. According to research by Thumbtack, homeowners who do put in the extra care are rewarded: Well-maintained homes sell for an average of 10% more.²
Let’s explore 10 often overlooked home maintenance tasks and how they can save you thousands in long-term costs.
1. Gutter Cleaning: Your First Line of Protection
Clogged gutters are more than a nuisance—they’re a silent threat to your home’s structure. When gutters overflow, water can seep into your foundation, attic, or siding, causing long-term damage like rot, mold, and even basement flooding. As a Downers Grove and DuPage County realtor, I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when this maintenance is overlooked. One of my past clients delayed redirecting water away from her downspouts, allowing it to pool at the foundation. Over time, that water caused the foundation walls to shift—and she ended up with a $20,000 repair bill.
The real cost of neglect: While professional gutter cleaning averages $162 nationally (up to $390 for multi-story homes), water damage repair costs can add up—averaging $5,100 for foundation damage and $4,300 for a flooded basement.³,⁴,⁵
Your action plan:
-
Clean gutters at least twice a year—in the spring and fall.
-
Use a gutter scoop or hose to clear out leaves and debris.
-
Consider installing gutter guards to cut down on future clogs.
This quick maintenance task protects your home’s value, helps prevent structural issues, and gives you peace of mind—especially in the unpredictable weather we see here in Downers Grove and across DuPage County.
2. HVAC Filter Replacement: Small Task, Major Impact
A dirty HVAC filter reduces airflow, causes your system to work harder, and increases energy use. It can also lead to health concerns from trapped contaminants circulating in your home’s air.⁶
The hidden costs: A neglected filter can lead to clamped-up coils, furnace failures, and sometimes a complete system replacement costing $4,000–$12,000.⁶
Your maintenance routine:
-
Replace filters every 1–3 months, depending on filter type, usage, and the number of pets in your home.
-
Opt for MERV 8–13 filters for efficiency and air quality balance.⁷
-
Schedule full-system annual servicing ($175–$550) to catch hidden issues early.⁸
This simple task saves on energy bills (15–20% according to the Department of Energy) and extends your HVAC system’s lifespan.⁸
3. Water Heater Flushing: Preventing Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment accumulates in your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and shortening the unit’s lifespan. Left unchecked, this buildup can cause leaks or complete tank failure.
The financial reality: Regular flushing prevents early replacement and may be required to maintain your water heater’s warranty.⁹ You can do it yourself or hire a professional for around $160.¹⁰
Your annual process:
-
Turn off power and water supply to the unit.
-
Attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank completely.
-
Check your anode rod; it may need to be replaced every 3–5 years.
This simple routine extends your water heater’s life and preserves energy efficiency.
4. Dryer Vent Cleaning: A Critical Safety Task
Lint buildup in dryer vents doesn’t just reduce drying efficiency—it’s one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S.¹¹ They also force your dryer to work harder and longer for each load.
The cost factor: Professional dryer vent cleaning costs about $144 nationwide, while fire-related damage can run into the tens of thousands.¹²
Your safety protocol:
-
Clean dryer vents every six months using a brush kit, or call in a professional.
-
Replace plastic ducts with rigid metal ones, which resist lint clogs.
-
Monitor drying times—longer than usual may signal a blockage.
This potentially life-saving task improves both safety and appliance efficiency.
5. Refrigerator Coil Cleaning: The 35% Energy Drain
Your refrigerator’s coils help expel heat. When coated in dust, they force the compressor to work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening appliance lifespan.
The efficiency impact: Dirty coils can increase energy use by up to 35% and, over time, can lead to costly repairs or replacement.¹³
Your simple solution:
-
Check your manufacturer’s guidelines; many recommend cleaning every six months.
-
Locate coils behind or at the bottom of the unit and use a vacuum or coil brush to remove dust and debris.
-
Keep condenser fan areas unobstructed.
This $0 DIY task can trim your electricity bill—and prevent early breakdown.
6. Garage Door Lubrication: Prevents Costly Repairs
A squeaky garage door means friction—and friction leads to wear on moving parts, costly spring damage, and failed openers.
The mechanical reality: A new garage door opener can cost between $350–$1,000 installed, but a can of lubricant only costs about $10.¹⁴
Your annual routine:
-
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to choose the right lubricant for your garage door.
-
Prioritize safety: Ensure the door is fully closed and cut the electricity.
-
Check for any signs of damage before proceeding, and call in a pro if needed.¹⁵
This simple task eliminates squeaks and avoids expensive mechanical repairs.
7. Sump Pump Testing: Your Basement’s Guardian
Your sump pump quietly protects your basement from water damage—but it needs testing to ensure it works when you need it most.
The flood prevention factor: Sump pump failure during a storm can result in thousands of dollars in cleanup costs.⁵
Your quarterly test:
-
Pour water into the pit to ensure the float triggers the pump.
-
Confirm pump and drainage are working correctly.
-
Clean the inlet screen once per year to avoid clogs.
This 10-minute check gives peace of mind and avoids major flood damage.
8. Chimney Cleaning: Preventing House Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of home heating fires (30%) is a dirty chimney.¹⁶
The fire prevention imperative: Professional cleaning costs between $100–$350 and is crucial for anyone burning wood.¹⁷ The cost of ignoring this task includes chimney repairs and fire damage that can devastate homes.
Your annual safety check:
-
Hire a certified chimney sweep for inspection and cleaning, if needed.
-
Use only seasoned wood to reduce creosote buildup.
-
Install a chimney cap to block debris and critters.
Professional chimney maintenance is a non-negotiable safety investment.
9. Roof Inspection: Protecting Your Shelter
Your roof endures a lot—storms, sun, pests—and while damage may start small, it can become unbelievably costly if ignored.
The structural stakes: A professional inspection averages $239, but some roofers will offer one for free.¹⁸ Roof repair costs have surged 28.47% year-over-year.¹⁹ A new roof now costs $9,500 on average.²⁰
Your inspection process:
-
Twice per year, perform a DIY inspection for missing shingles, cracked flashing, and sagging areas.
-
Check your attic for stains or leaks after rainfall.
-
Consider a professional inspection every 1–2 years, depending on your risk factors.¹⁸
Early intervention prevents thousands in repairs and helps retain resale value.
10. Water Pressure Monitoring: Protecting Your Plumbing
Many homeowners never check their home’s water pressure, but levels above 80 psi can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures throughout your home, leading to premature failures and leaks.
The pressure problem: Water pressure that’s too high can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repairs or flooding. Pressure that’s too low can impact the performance of your faucets and appliances.²¹
Your annual check:
-
Use a water pressure gauge connected to an outdoor faucet.
-
Ideal pressure: 40–60 psi. Install a regulator if it runs high.
-
Monitor for sudden changes that could signal a plumbing issue.²¹
This small check helps you avoid hidden damage to your entire plumbing system.
Creating Your Home Maintenance Schedule
Rather than reacting to emergencies, create a proactive plan. Here’s a maintenance chart that puts it all in one place:
Task frequency and cost chart
The Maintenance Investment Reality
As a Downers Grove and DuPage County realtor team, The Tully Team at Platinum Partners Realtors always advises our home buyer clients to set up a dedicated home maintenance and emergency fund after closing. It’s easy to underestimate the costs of homeownership beyond the mortgage, but planning ahead is essential. This simple habit helps protect your investment, minimizes stress when repairs arise, and ensures your home stays in top condition over time.
Homes with consistent maintenance routines sell for around 10% more than average.² More importantly, budgeting 1–4% of your home’s purchase price annually helps prevent sudden, catastrophic expenses.²² As Lucas Puente, Economist at Thumbtack, notes: “Across the U.S., buyers should be prepared to spend at least a few thousand a year in home maintenance costs.”²³
Whether you’re buying your first home in Downers Grove or relocating within DuPage County, setting aside a maintenance budget is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner.
Bottom Line
Proactive home maintenance isn’t optional; it’s essential. The ten hidden tasks above are often overlooked, but they’re critical to preserving your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and resale value. As a top Downers Grove and DuPage County realtor, I’ve seen how the homeowners who stay on top of maintenance tend to enjoy fewer costly surprises and stronger resale outcomes when it’s time to sell. On the other hand, neglect can be incredibly costly. I’m familiar with a homeowner who delayed regular upkeep for many years, and by the time the property was ready to be listed, its value had decreased by nearly $300,000. That kind of loss could have been avoided with consistent, routine care.
Your home is more than where you live; it’s one of your biggest investments. And consistent upkeep helps you avoid emergencies, save on utilities, and protect your equity over time.
If you’re not sure where to begin, see our extensive blog for more home maintenance tips and information. Ready to create a tailored maintenance plan for your home? I can connect you with trusted local service professionals and show you how proactive upkeep contributes to your home’s long-term market value. Let’s talk about keeping your home in peak condition and making sure you’re always in a strong position when the time comes to sell.
Shanon Tully
Lead Agent for The Tully Team
Platinum Partners Realtors
📞 630.435.3585
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.soldbytully.com
Shanon Tully is a licensed real estate broker and leads the The Tully Team at Platinum Partners Realtors located in Downers Grove, Illinois. She provides exceptional concierge real estate services throughout the Chicagoland area, especially the western suburbs. A residential listing specialist, Shanon thoroughly enjoys helping clients achieve their goals, and particularly relishes the unique challenges associated with staging, redesigning, and marketing properties. Her attention to detail and dedicated care for her clients has earned her numerous rave reviews! Among other things, Shanon has earned several designations and certifications including SRS-Seller Representative Specialist, PSA-Pricing Strategy Advisor, RENE-Real Estate Negotiation Expert, SRES-Senior Real Estate Specialist, CSC-Certified Staging Consultant. She is eager to speak with you and always welcomes new referrals! Shanon can be reached at 630.435.3585 or [email protected]