Keeping your home in top shape involves more than just the basics. Here are five often-overlooked maintenance tasks that are crucial for a well-maintained home:

**1. Clean Your Range Hood Filters: Range hood filters can become clogged with grease over time, impacting performance and creating a fire hazard. Clean or replace them every few months to ensure proper ventilation. 

**2. Inspect and Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and costly repairs. Check and clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent blockages and ensure proper water flow. This is also a great way to prepare your home for wildfire season.

**3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Regularly test these detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries annually and the units themselves every 7-10 years to keep your family safe.

**4. Service your furnace, AC, and flush your hot water tank: It can be easy to forget booking services for your furnaces and air conditioners, but this is an easy way to prolong the lifespan of your systems and avoid unexpected system troubles in hot or cold snaps. Sediment buildup can reduce your water heater’s efficiency and lifespan. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment and keep your system running smoothly.

**5. Check for Air Leaks: Inspect windows, doors, and other openings for air leaks. Sealing these gaps can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Don’t let these important tasks slip through the cracks. Regular maintenance ensures a safer, more efficient, and comfortable home. For more tips on how to best care for your property, or for contacts of tried and trusted professionals to help you with caring for your property, reach out! We are here to help in all aspects of your real estate journey!