Preserving your home’s value means doing maintenance. Minor maintenance prevents major catastrophes. Keep your family healthier by keeping allergens, like mold and dust, at bay. Don’t forget the following items, they’re the ones most often overlooked.

Inspect and Clean Your Appliances

Home appliances make life easier, but certain ones can cause fire or water damage if they are not in good condition. Start by inspecting your electrical cords on every appliance to make sure they are not frayed. Then clean areas such as your dryer vents that tend to collect debris that poses a fire risk. That sticky dust between your kitchen range and cabinets is flammable too. Finally, make arrangements for the appliances that need professional maintenance or replacing.

Dust Your Hidden Spaces

You likely give your furniture a good wipe down now and then. There are other areas of your home collecting less noticeable dust. Check the tops of doorways, open areas above your cabinets and the edges of picture frames. Cleaning these hidden areas will reduce the total dust thats circulating in your home.

Change Your Air Filters

It's a dreaded task. But changing the air filters is essential to keeping your HVAC system in top condition. Some units have a filter in the main unit in the attic, be sure to check there as well. This simple maintenance task prevents problems with your A/C and helps to curb allergens. Ideally, perform this task about every three months unless your unit’s manufacturer recommends otherwise.

Clear Your Gutters

Keep things flowing. Be sure to clean out leaves and nesting materials from the gutter spaces. Then, do a quick inspection along the seams to make sure they are not in need of repair.

A yearly home maintenance checklist should cover the areas of your home that you don't inspect on a regular basis. Over time, minor issues such as a clogged air filter can lead to serious damage. Stay on top of your to-do list, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your house is in good repair.