15 Home Maintenance Tips Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know
You just bought your first home. Congratulations, and welcome to the world of clogged gutters, mysterious furnace noises, and that nagging feeling that something, somewhere, needs attention.
The truth? Most first-time homeowners don't know what they don't know.
You've never had to think about HVAC filters, water heater anodes, or dryer vent fires. Your landlord handled all that. Now it's your responsibility—and the stakes are high. A $20 filter you forgot to change can lead to a $5,000 HVAC replacement. Gutters you neglected can cause $10,000 in foundation damage.
But here's the good news: home maintenance isn't complicated once you know the essentials. These 15 tips will help you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes new homeowners make.
- Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly
- Know Where Your Water Shutoff Is (Before You Need It)
- Clean Your Gutters Twice a Year
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Monthly
- Clean the Dryer Vent Annually
- Flush Your Water Heater Once a Year
- Inspect Caulking Around Tubs, Showers, and Sinks
- Check for Water Leaks Regularly
- Keep Trees and Shrubs Away from Your House
- Maintain Your Refrigerator Coils
- Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
- Change the Batteries in Everything
- Check Your Roof Annually
- Maintain Your HVAC System Professionally
- Create a Home Information Binder
1. Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly
Why it matters: A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy bills by 5-15% and potentially shortening the system's lifespan by years. Worst case? A completely clogged filter can cause your system to overheat and fail. Repairs can run from $300-$600, or $5,000-$10,000 for a full replacement.
How often: Every 30-90 days, depending on your filter type and household.
Change filters more frequently if you have:
- Pets (pet dander clogs filters faster)
- Allergies (cleaner air requires fresher filters)
- A dusty environment or ongoing construction
DIY or Pro: This is 100% DIY. No tools required.
How to do it:
- Locate your return air vent (usually a large rectangular vent on a wall or ceiling)
- Turn off your HVAC system
- Remove the old filter and note the size printed on the frame (example: 16x25x1)
- Slide in the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the duct
- Turn your system back on
Cost: $20-$50 per filter, depending on size and MERV rating.
2. Know Where Your Water Shutoff Is (Before You Need It)
Why it matters: A burst pipe can release 4-8 gallons of water per minute. If you can't find your shutoff valve quickly, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in water damage, plus not to mention mold remediation costs.
How often: Locate it once, test it annually.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
How to do it:
Your main water shutoff valve is typically located:
- In the basement or crawl space, near the front foundation wall
- Near the water heater
- In a utility closet
- Outside in a "meter box" near the street
Once you find it, test it. Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops, then turn on a faucet to confirm the water is off. Turn it back on counterclockwise.
Also locate:
- Gas shutoff valve (near your meter, requires a wrench)
- Electrical panel (usually basement, garage, or utility room)
- Individual fixture shutoffs under sinks and behind toilets
3. Clean Your Gutters Twice a Year
Why it matters: Clogged gutters cause water to pool against your foundation, leading to basement flooding, foundation cracks, and erosion. They can also cause ice dams in winter, which damage your roof and siding. Foundation repairs average $4,500-$15,000.
How often: Twice a year: late spring (after pollen and seed pods) and late fall (after leaves drop). More often if you have overhanging trees.
DIY or Pro: DIY if you're comfortable on a ladder. Otherwise, professional cleaning costs $150-$350 for most homes.
How to do it:
- Set up a sturdy ladder on level ground
- Wear work gloves
- Scoop out debris by hand or with a gutter scoop
- Flush gutters with a garden hose, starting at the end opposite the downspout
- Check that water flows freely through downspouts
- Inspect for loose brackets, holes, or sagging sections
Signs of trouble:
- Water stains on siding below the gutter
- Pools of water near your foundation
- Gutters pulling away from the house
- Plants growing in your gutters (yes, this happens)
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Monthly
Why it matters: Working smoke alarms cut your risk of dying in a home fire dramatically. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. You won't know it's there without a detector.
How often: Test monthly. Replace batteries annually (or when they chirp). Replace the entire unit every 10 years.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
How to do it:
- Press and hold the test button until you hear the alarm
- If the sound is weak or absent, replace batteries immediately
- Check the manufacture date on the unit—if it's more than 10 years old, replace the whole detector
Detector placement:
- At least one on every floor
- Inside each bedroom
- Outside each sleeping area
- In the basement
- Near (but not in) the kitchen
Cost: Smoke detectors: $10-$30 each. Combination smoke/CO detectors: $30-$50 each.
5. Clean the Dryer Vent Annually
Why it matters: Consumer Affairs states that between 10,000-15,000 fires occur annually from dryers. Lint buildup in the vent is the leading cause. Beyond safety, a clogged vent makes your dryer work harder, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan.
How often: At least once a year. More often, if you do a lot of laundry or notice your dryer taking longer than usual.
DIY or Pro: DIY for most vents. If your vent is very long, goes through the roof, or has multiple bends, consider hiring a pro ($100-$200).
How to do it:
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall
- Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer
- Use a dryer vent brush (long, flexible brush available at hardware stores for ~$20) to clean inside the vent pipe
- Go outside and clean from the exterior vent opening as well
- Vacuum any lint from behind the dryer
- Reconnect everything and push the dryer back
Warning signs your vent needs cleaning:
- Clothes take longer than one cycle to dry
- Clothes are hotter than usual after a cycle
- The outside of the dryer feels very hot
- Burning smell when the dryer is running
- The exterior vent flap doesn't open when the dryer is on
6. Flush Your Water Heater Once a Year
Why it matters: Sediment naturally builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This sediment reduces efficiency, shortens the unit's lifespan, and can cause the tank to overheat and fail prematurely. A new water heater costs $800-$2,500 installed.
How often: Once a year.
DIY or Pro: DIY for tank water heaters (most common). Tankless water heaters require professional descaling.
How to do it:
- Turn off the power (flip the breaker for electric heaters; turn the gas valve to "pilot" for gas heaters)
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank
- Run the hose to a floor drain, outside, or into buckets
- Open the drain valve and let water flow until it runs clear
- Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and restore power
Signs of sediment buildup:
- Popping or rumbling sounds from the water heater
- Hot water runs out faster than it used to
- Lukewarm water that doesn't get truly hot
- Rusty or discolored hot water
7. Inspect Caulking Around Tubs, Showers, and Sinks
Why it matters: Caulk is your bathroom's first line of defense against water intrusion. Failed caulk lets water seep behind walls and under flooring, causing mold, rot, and structural damage that can cost thousands to repair.
How often: Inspect every 3-6 months. Recaulk as needed, typically, every 3-5 years.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
How to do it:
- Inspect all caulk lines around tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets
- Look for cracks, gaps, discoloration, or areas pulling away from the surface
- To recaulk, remove old caulk with a utility knife or caulk removal tool
- Clean the area thoroughly and let it dry completely
- Apply new silicone caulk in a steady bead
- Smooth with a wet finger or caulk tool
- Let cure 24 hours before exposing to water
Cost: A tube of silicone caulk costs $5-$10.
8. Check for Water Leaks Regularly
Why it matters: Small leaks become big problems. A slow leak under your sink can cause wood rot, mold growth, and even attract pests, all before you notice anything wrong.
How often: Monthly quick checks. Be vigilant after extreme cold (frozen pipes) and during heavy rain.
DIY or Pro: DIY for detection. Repairs vary. Some are simple (tightening a connection), others require a professional.
Where to check:
- Under all sinks (kitchen, bathroom, utility)
- Around the base of toilets
- Behind the washing machine
- Around the water heater
- On ceilings below bathrooms
- In the basement or crawl space
- Around windows during rain
How to check for hidden leaks:
- Turn off all water-using appliances
- Read your water meter
- Don't use any water for 2 hours
- Read the meter again
- If it moved, you have a leak somewhere
Action steps:
- Tighten loose connections
- Replace worn supply lines (the braided hoses behind toilets and under sinks)
- Call a plumber for anything you can't identify or fix easily
9. Keep Trees and Shrubs Away from Your House
Why it matters: Overgrown vegetation causes more problems than most new homeowners realize. Branches rubbing against siding or shingles cause damage. Plants against the foundation trap moisture and invite pests. Roots can damage foundations and underground pipes.
How often: Inspect seasonally. Trim as needed.
DIY or Pro: DIY for shrubs and low branches. Hire a certified arborist for large trees or anything requiring a ladder taller than 10 feet.
Recommended clearances:
- Shrubs: Keep 3 feet from foundation walls
- Tree branches: 6-10 feet from the roof
- Tree trunks: At least 10 feet from the house for small trees; 20+ feet for large species
Why this matters:
| Problem | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Branches touching roof | Shingle damage, pest entry points |
| Shrubs against siding | Trapped moisture, mold, wood rot |
| Roots near foundation | Foundation cracks, plumbing damage |
| Limbs overhanging roof | Leaf accumulation, gutter clogs, storm damage |
10. Maintain Your Refrigerator Coils
Why it matters: Dirty condenser coils make your refrigerator work harder to stay cool, increasing energy consumption by up to 25% and shortening the compressor's lifespan. The average refrigerator can last 10-15 years, but poor maintenance can cut that in half.
How often: Every 6-12 months. More often, if you have pets.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
How to do it:
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Locate the coils, normally either on the back (older models) or behind a grille at the bottom front
- For bottom coils, remove the grille (usually snaps off)
- Use a coil brush (long, narrow brush) or vacuum with a crevice attachment
- Clean thoroughly, removing all dust and debris
- Replace the grille and plug back in
11. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Why it matters: Air leaks account for 25-30% of heating and cooling costs in the average home. Beyond energy waste, gaps let in moisture, pests, and outdoor allergens.
How often: Inspect annually, typically in fall before heating season. Reapply caulk or weatherstripping as needed.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
How to find leaks:
- On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick near window and door frames. If the smoke wavers, there's a draft.
- Check for visible gaps, cracks in caulk, or daylight around door frames
- Feel for drafts with your hand on cold days
How to fix them:
For moving parts (around doors, operable windows): Install weatherstripping.
- V-strip or tension seal for sides of doors
- Door sweeps for the bottom of exterior doors
- Foam tape for window sashes
Cost: Weatherstripping: $20-$50 covers most homes.
12. Change the Batteries in Everything
Why it matters: Beyond smoke detectors, your home is full of battery-powered devices that fail at the worst times. Dead batteries in a keypad lock could lock you out.
How often: Replace batteries in critical devices annually, whether they seem dead or not.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
Devices to check:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Thermostat (if not hardwired)
- Keypad door locks
- Garage door opener keypad
- Sump pump battery backup
- Security system (if applicable)
- Flashlights (keep fresh batteries ready)
13. Check Your Roof Annually
Why it matters: Your roof is your home's primary defense against the elements. Catching small problems early (a missing shingle, damaged flashing, or minor leak) prevents the catastrophic and expensive failures that come from neglect.
How often: Once a year, plus after major storms.
DIY or Pro: Visual inspection from the ground is DIY. Walking on the roof or making repairs is best left to professionals.
What to look for (from the ground, with binoculars):
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys
- Sagging areas
- Moss or algae growth
- Debris accumulation
- Damaged gutters or downspouts
Inside your attic, look for:
- Daylight coming through the roof
- Water stains or discoloration
- Damp insulation
- Signs of pests
Warning signs of roof problems:
- Granules (gritty material) in gutters
- Water stains on interior ceilings
- Higher than expected energy bills (poor insulation)
14. Maintain Your HVAC System Professionally
Why it matters: Your HVAC system is the most expensive equipment in your home ($5,000-$15,000 to replace). Professional maintenance catches problems early, keeps it running efficiently, and can extend its life by 5-10 years. It also maintains your warranty. Most manufacturers require annual professional service.
How often: Once a year for heating (fall) and once for cooling (spring). Or once annually if you have a combined system.
DIY or Pro: Professional. This is not a DIY job.
What a pro does:
- Inspects and cleans components you can't access
- Checks refrigerant levels (AC)
- Tests electrical connections
- Lubricates moving parts
- Verifies thermostat calibration
- Identifies worn parts before they fail
- Cleans condensate drain line
Cost: $75-$150 per visit for basic maintenance. Worth every penny.
15. Create a Home Information Binder
Why it matters: When something breaks at 10 PM, you don't want to be searching for the warranty paperwork or trying to remember what size filter your furnace takes. A home information binder puts everything you need in one place.
How often: Set it up once. Update as needed.
DIY or Pro: DIY.
What to include:
Emergency Information
- Location of main water shutoff, gas shutoff, electrical panel
- Emergency contact numbers (fire, police, poison control)
- Utility company phone numbers
System Information
- HVAC filter size and replacement schedule
- Water heater age and model number
- Appliance makes, models, and purchase dates
- Paint colors for each room (for touch-ups)
Contacts
- HVAC technician
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Handyman
- Pest control
Documents
- Appliance manuals (or note where to find them online)
- Warranty information
- Home inspection report
- Survey/plat map
The Bottom Line
Home maintenance isn't glamorous. Nobody brags about cleaning their dryer vent or flushing their water heater.
But these 15 habits are the difference between a home that costs you money and one that protects your investment. Between a 3 AM emergency and a routine Saturday morning task. Between a $15 filter and a $15,000 problem.
Start small. Pick two or three tips from this list and put them on your calendar. Build the habits gradually.
This article is part of Keeper's First-Time Homeowner series. Keeper is a preventive home maintenance service serving Greater Cincinnati. For $99/month, we handle the tasks on this list and 40+ more so you never have to worry about what you're forgetting.
