16 Myths About Home Maintenance That Are Draining Your Wallet

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If you’ve every felt like home maintenance is a full time job, you’re not alone. Homeowners are constantly being given advice, some helpful, most not. The problem? A lot of these so called ‘tips’ are in fact myths, costing you time, money and peace of mind. It’s sort of like trying to follow an old recipe; it just doesn’t work today.

Let’s debunk some of these common myths. By the end of all this reading, you will know exactly what is keeping your home in tip top shape and what is just wasting your money.

You Only Need to Clean Your Gutters Once a Year

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No one likes working on their gutters, but you can wind up paying big bucks for repairs if you neglect them. It’s a recipe for disaster to believe you can clean them once a year if you live in a leafy area. Clogged gutters are one of the top reasons for basement flooding. Check and clean them at least twice a year to save yourself costly repairs.

Bleach Is the Best Thing to Use to Kill Mold

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Bleach may seem like the perfect solution for molds, but it’s not the superhero it’s made out to be. It can wipe away surface stains, but it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Bleach won’t penetrate into porous surfaces such as drywall to kill the mold at its source, and mold can grow deep within porous surfaces. If the mold problem persists, choose vinegar or a professional mold treatment instead.

Painting Over Water Stains Fixes the Problem

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Painting over water stains is like putting a band aid on a broken arm — it doesn’t solve the problem. Leaky or moisture problems are often signaled by water stains. If you ignore them, the structural damage or mold growth will occur later. Worry about aesthetics after you’ve addressed the root cause.

The Most Expensive Air Filter Should Always be Used

Forgetting to Change Air Filters
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Not all the time is the most expensive air filter the best for your HVAC system. In fact, some of the high end filters can restrict airflow and in turn make your system work harder, sending your energy bills through the roof. Change filters as recommended by the manufacturer for your specific system, and stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Small Cracks in Your Foundation Aren’t a Big Deal

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Not all cracks are a time bomb, but brushing aside even small ones can result in big problems. These cracks can grow over time with the seepage of water into them, which could also undermine your home’s foundation. Professional can save you thousands in repairs with a quick inspection.

DIY Pest Control Is as Effective as Professionals

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DIY pest control methods can provide temporary relief, but more often than not they don’t solve the problem of infestations at the root. Over the counter treatments often do not eliminate pests completely, resulting in ongoing problems. The best long term investment is a professional exterminator.

Insurance Covers All Roofing Issues

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Homeowners insurance can be a life saver, but there are things it doesn’t cover. Damage due to lack of maintenance or general wear and tear is frequently excluded, for example. Small repairs and regular roof inspections can keep you from getting a costly surprise when you file a claim.

Daily Watering of Your Lawn Is Necessary

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Not only is overwatering your lawn wasteful—it’s bad for your lawn. About an inch of water per week is how much grass needs to get, whether you get it through rainfall or sprinkler. Too much water can cause shallow roots and leave your lawn susceptible to drought and disease. Deep water less often for a healthier yard.

You Can Lower Your Energy Bills By Duct Cleaning

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Duct cleaning is a great idea, but it doesn’t really do much to improve your energy usage. The Environmental Protection Agency says there’s not much evidence that it makes a difference at all in efficiency unless you have visibly clogged ducts. To save significantly, however, spend time sealing leaks and upgrading insulation.

Turn Off HVAC Systems to Save Energy

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It might seem smart to save money by turning off your HVAC system when you’re gone, but that can end up costing you more. When your home is allowed to get really cold or really hot, your system will have to work that much harder to get back to a comfortable temperature, which means higher bills. Instead, get a programmable thermostat so you don’t waste money.

Ceiling Fans Cool Rooms When Nobody Is in Them

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The problem with ceiling fans is that they are great for making a room feel cooler, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Leaving them on in an empty room is just wasting electricity. Fans will get their job done when you are around and enjoy the breeze, so turn them off when you leave.

Your Water Heater Should Always Be Set to 140 Degrees

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It’s unnecessary for most households to set your water heater to 140 degrees, even if it feels like a luxury. The U.S. Department of Energy says a setting of 120 degrees is the best for water heater temperature: It’s safer, more energy efficient and you don’t need it so hot to be comfortable.

You Can Use a Power Washer on All Surfaces Safely

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Handy as power washers are, they’re not a one size fits all. Soft wood or old brick can be damaged by high pressure. To avoid costly mistakes, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines or hire a professional.

Flushable Wipes Are Good For Your Plumbing

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‘Flushable’ wipes are bad for your plumbing system, despite what the label says. They are not as prone to breaking down as toilet paper are, leaving them contributes to a massive clog. Save yourself a phone call to the plumber and stick to toilet paper.

It’s Not a Big Deal if You Have Leaky Faucets

Fixing a Leaky Faucet
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You might not think much about a dripping faucet, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water every year. The Environmental Protection Agency states that homeowners can save about 10 percent a year on water bills by fixing easily corrected leaks.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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