When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget or ignore routine home maintenance tasks. However, identifying minor problems can keep issues from turning into major, expensive repairs.

Here are five home maintenance tasks you should never overlook: 

Fix leaky faucets: Fixing leaks is about more than just saving water and avoiding flooring or wall damage. Mold growth is a serious issue! It can cause structural damage, plus the spread of mold spores can affect indoor air quality and cause allergic reactions.

Check air conditioner drainage: A blocked condensate drain line could cause water to settle, developing mold. The mold spores can spread through the HVAC system, your ducts, and your indoor air. A blockage can reduce system efficiency or cause water to overflow, damaging the foundation and walls. Routine maintenance can increase your system’s efficiency and prevent expensive breakdowns or repairs.

Manage indoor air quality: Airborne contaminants such as mold, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, or viruses can lead to poor indoor air quality, harming your health. It’s important to wash, clean, or replace your air filters to ensure they can keep your air clean. If you or another person in your home experiences more allergic reactions, it’s time to call in the air quality experts to evaluate and talk to you about installing an air purification system. 

Repair electrical problems: Avoid fire, electric shock, or appliance damage by ensuring you don’t ignore frayed wires, faulty outlets, circuit breaker malfunctions, and other electrical problems! It’s best to call a professional electrician instead of attempting to fix or use a damaged electrical system. 

Leaky doors and windows: Gaps in your doors and windows can interfere with the climate in your home, especially during the coldest and warmest months of the year. These air leaks will make your heating and cooling systems run less efficiently, increasing your energy bill! Prevent air leaks by sealing them with caulk or weatherstripping.