Being a new homeowner is exciting. It can also be stressful with new tasks to take care of.

Performing regular home maintenance is a huge part of homeownership. It might not be fun — at least, it might not always be fun — but it’s necessary if you want to protect your investment and keep your home in good shape. 

Read this handy list from our partners at American Home Shield® to learn more about home maintenance projects every new homeowner should keep up with.

Clean window weep holes

Weep holes are a row of tiny, tiny holes on the outside bottom of your window frame. They allow any water that gets inside the window frame to drain properly, but they can easily get clogged with dirt and debris.

What to do: Use a pin or paper clip to pick the debris out every six months or so.

Flush the water heater

Are you hearing any mysterious banging sounds from your water heater? If so, it’s time to flush it — and fast. The water in your heater tank contains minerals that can build up and cause the tank to deteriorate.

What to do: Flush your water heater once a year and replace the anode rod every five years.

Check and repair weather sealing

Peeling caulk around your window frames create drafts in your home, which can lead to increased energy costs. Bad caulk can also allow water to seep into your walls, potentially damaging the structure of your home.

What to do: Check for damage to caulk and rubber seals twice a year. If you see damage, check for water damage to the wood of your window frames.

Clean your chimney

If you have a fireplace and you use it for heating or ambience purposes, creosote can build up and cause fires. Even if you don’t have a working fireplace, small animals can nest or get stuck, which can cause a mess or unpleasant smells.

What to do: Have your chimney professionally-cleaned yearly. If you don’t plan to use your fireplace, have it capped.

Vacuum your refrigerator condenser coils

Your refrigerator uses condenser coils to remove heat from the inside of the unit, but if they’re covered with dust, pet hair and other debris, they can’t do their job as efficiently. Keeping them clean could extend the life of your refrigerator, which tends to be one of the most expensive and necessary appliances in your home.

What to do: Pull your fridge out from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils or wipe them clean with a dust cloth every few months.

When you’re a new homeowner, it can be hard to keep track of all the house maintenance chores you need to perform throughout the year. To learn more, continue reading here.