12 common home maintenance mistakes you probably don't realize you are making

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When you own or even rent a home, you take maintenance and upkeep for granted. It's just something you do every day. You may not even realize that you're doing something unnecessary or, heaven forbid, incorrectly. Keep up your home in a way you're proud of by avoiding some common mistakes.
Even if you just do a few little things every day around the house, you keep your house a place you're not only proud of, but an investment that only increases in value over the years. Avoid the following mistakes to keep up your house.
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1. Forgetting to make timely repairs
Waiting too long to make repairs is a common mishap many homeowners make. It's easy to put off something that doesn't seem like a big deal at the time, but it could get worse and cost you more in the long run. It's best to tackle a problem as it occurs.
2. Letting dust build up
Dust builds up really fast -- usually in less than a week or so. Buy inexpensive dusters, change them out and make a clean sweep a few times a week -- especially if you or other family members have allergies. If dust builds up, it becomes harder to remove and can cause damage. This includes dust on air vents.
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3. Forgetting to clean your gutters
Avoid roof leaks by keeping gutters clean, which is something that's easy to overlook each season. Make sure you do this safely by using a ladder, and always remove large pieces of trash and debris first before flushing out leaves and other trash that's clogging your gutters. Most professionals recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year, but you must clean them more often than that when you have trees that grow and drop leaves over your roof throughout the year.
4. Ignoring your refrigerator coils
Did you even know your fridge had coils? If not, then you need to keep up with this minor maintenance that can extend the life of your appliance.
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5. Attempting unfamiliar DIY repairs
YouTube isn't a good replacement for a plumber or electrician, and if you're out of your wheelhouse when it comes to repairs, put down the computer mouse and call a professional. You may end up doing more damage trying to fix the issue yourself.
6. Going without a toolkit
Many people don't realize that it can be really handy to have everything you need for home maintenance on hand. This includes everyday items like hammers and screwdrivers along with less common things like lock picks, a drill and a working flashlight.
7. Forgetting to winterize
If you're not ready for winter, you may be in for a rude awakening. Maintain your sprinkler system to avoid a frozen system, and don't forget to cover outside faucets.
8. Forgetting to clean your air filters
A clogged air filter can make your cooling units work harder, costing you more money in electric bills. Switch out filters every couple of months or more often if you have furry friends in your home.
 Serenethos / Shutterstock
9. Not knowing your cleaning agents
Avoid chemicals and other hazards when you clean that can actually do damage to your home, fixtures and appliances. Instead, use more natural cleaners and substances -- there are very few things that vinegar and baking soda can't make sparkle!
10. Avoiding roof repairs
Your roof is something you don't see much of, so it's easy to forget about it. Make it a habit when you clean your gutters to take a peek up top. Check for loose tiles or damage and clean it up a bit.
11. Not thinking long term
When you're doing permanent remodels, ignore trends and stick to the classics. You can always change out your decor, but it's harder to pull out cabinets or redo countertops.
12. Ignoring the little things
That dripping sink can turn into a costly faucet repair. The toilet that doesn't flush could become a plumbing emergency. Loose tiles, cracked grout, rotting wood splintering cabinets or even tarnished appliances could cost you less in the long run if you catch them as they happen and clean or repair them before they get too bad and end up emptying your wallet.
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