I talk about home maintenance a lot, but usually we hear about the same things over and over. Change your furnace filter, clean your gutters, have your HVAC serviced, check your smoke detectors.

But there are also a lot of things around our homes that we may not even realize we’re supposed to be checking or maintaining. Here are some of the less obvious ones that are worth adding to your list.

When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Refrigerator Coils?

This is definitely one that’s easy to forget. Dust, dirt and pet hair can collect around the coils underneath or behind your refrigerator. When they get dirty, your refrigerator has to work harder.

Every once in a while, pull the refrigerator out and see what’s going on back there. You may be surprised by what you find.

Check the Grease Pan Under Your Grill

If you’ve been using your grill all summer, take a minute and check the grease pan or tray underneath it.

Grease can really accumulate over a summer of grilling, and it’s probably not something most of us think to check regularly. Cleaning it out is simple and can also help prevent a grease fire.

Clean More Than the Lint Trap in Your Dryer

Most of us are pretty good about cleaning the lint screen, but what about the actual dryer vent?

Lint can build up in the duct that runs from your dryer to the outside of your house. If your clothes are suddenly taking longer to dry, don’t automatically assume you need a new dryer. It could be your vent.

It’s worth having the entire vent cleaned periodically, especially because lint buildup can also become a fire hazard.

Have You Ever Flushed Your Water Heater?

This is one I don’t think a lot of homeowners even know they’re supposed to do.

Sediment can build up inside a tank style water heater over time. Periodically flushing it can help remove that buildup.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular water heater, and if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, ask your plumber.

Those TEST and RESET Buttons Are Actually Supposed to Be Tested

We all see the TEST and RESET buttons on the outlets in our kitchens, bathrooms, garages and other areas, but when was the last time you actually pushed the TEST button?

GFCI outlets are an important safety feature, particularly around water, so it’s a good idea to periodically make sure they’re actually working.

Look Up in Your Bathroom

When you’re cleaning your bathroom, don’t forget about the exhaust fan.

Those fans collect a surprising amount of dust, which can affect how well they’re pulling moisture out of the room. If you’ve never taken the cover off and cleaned it, it might be time.

Check Your Range Hood Filter

Another place that’s easy to forget about is the filter above your stove.

It collects grease and other particles while you’re cooking, so depending on what type of filter you have, it needs to be cleaned or replaced periodically.

If you cook a lot and can’t remember the last time you looked at it, that’s probably your sign to check it.

Take a Look at Your Soffits Before It Gets Cold

Walk around the outside of your house and look up at your soffits and roofline. Look for holes, loose pieces or areas that have been damaged.

As it gets colder outside, squirrels and other animals are going to start looking for warmer places to go. You don’t want your attic to become one of them.

If you see an opening, get it repaired now. It’s much easier to deal with a small repair than an animal that’s already made its way into your house.

Do You Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is?

This isn’t really maintenance, but it’s something I think every homeowner should know.

If you had a major water leak right now, would you know exactly where to go to shut off the water?

Find it before you need it. Make sure other people in your house know where it is too, and label it if it isn’t obvious. The middle of a plumbing emergency is not the time you want to be figuring this out.

Keep Track of the Big Things You’ve Done to Your House

I recommend keeping one folder for your house, either on paper or digitally.

Keep track of when you replaced your roof, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, windows, appliances and other major items. Keep your receipts, warranties, contractor information and details about what was actually done.

It helps you keep track of what may need attention in the future, and it’s also really helpful when you eventually decide to sell.

A Few Small Things Worth Checking

There is always something to maintain when you own a home, but it’s often the things we don’t think about or don’t see every day that can turn into bigger problems.

Take a few minutes every once in a while to look around your house a little differently. Check the things you normally walk right past. A little maintenance now can save you a lot of aggravation and expense later.

And if you find something that needs attention and aren’t sure who to call, reach out to me. I’m always happy to share the names of contractors and home service professionals I know and trust.