New Year Home Maintenance Resolutions Most Homeowners Forget

Home maintenance is a smart way to start fresh in the new year. As we spend more time indoors during the winter months, prioritizing home maintenance keeps our spaces safe, efficient, and comfortable. From checking your HVAC filters to sealing drafty ducts, simple home maintenance projects can lead to major savings. Don’t forget to flush your water heater and inspect for mold or leaks. Regular home maintenance now can prevent costly damage later. If you notice signs of water, fire, or mold issues, contact PuroClean of Bloomington for expert help. Make home maintenance part of your new year resolution routine.

1. Seal and Insulate Your Ducts

If your HVAC system is working overtime, leaky ductwork might be the cause. Focus on sealing ducts that are easy to reach—like those in your basement or crawl space—before worrying about the attic or behind-the-wall spots. Use duct sealants or metal-backed tape along with fiberglass insulation to boost your home’s energy efficiency.

Not only will this reduce your energy bills, but it can make every room in your house feel more comfortable year-round.

2. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, especially during winter when windows stay closed. Here’s what you can do:

• Change furnace filters every 2-3 months.
• Clean your HVAC system regularly.
• Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity and prevent mold.
• Switch to low-VOC paint.
• Burn real firewood instead of pressed logs, which may release formaldehyde.

These small steps go a long way in keeping your lungs—and your home—healthy.

3. Declutter for a Calmer Space

Start small. Maybe it’s the basement or the garage. Use boxes to sort by category: keep, donate, or toss. If you’re short on space, consider using areas between wall studs or under the stairs. A little extra organization can transform chaos into calm and reduce stress at home.

4. Save Water (And Money)

Consider swapping out old fixtures for WaterSense-labeled products. Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water use without sacrificing pressure. If your toilet was made before 1994, upgrade to a low-flow model that uses about 1 gallon per flush. These water-saving improvements are easy wins that add up fast.

5. Maintain Your Water Heater

Sediment builds up in your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency. Every three months, drain a quart of water from the tank using the drain valve. It takes just a few minutes and can extend the life of your unit.

Don’t Stop There

Take a slow walk through your home. What squeaks? What leaks? What’s collecting dust or growing mold? Add those to your list.

If you spot water damage, fire damage, or signs of mold, don’t wait. Get professional help.

FAQs About New Year Home Maintenance Resolutions

Q: What’s one home maintenance task most people overlook in January?
A: Cleaning and inspecting dryer vents. It’s a fire hazard many homeowners forget to address early in the year.

Q: How can I tell if I need to replace my furnace filter?
A: If it looks gray and dusty or it’s been over three months, it’s time for a replacement.

Q: Is flushing a water heater difficult?
A: Not at all. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, open it, and let it run into a bucket. Just be careful—the water may be hot.

Need Help With Home Damage? Call PuroClean of Bloomington – (309) 433-0900

Even the most thorough resolutions can’t prevent every emergency. If your home suffers water damage, fire damage, or mold growth, PuroClean of Bloomington is here to help.

Our experienced team handles emergency restoration and biohazard cleanup services with care and professionalism. We’re just a phone call away: (309) 433-0900

Let us help you start the year right—with peace of mind and a home that’s truly taken care of.