Home Maintenance Advice We Give Every Day

A home maintenance routine starts with having a simple home maintenance schedule you can follow throughout the year. While it may seem easy to put off small tasks, routine upkeep can help prevent costly repairs, improve your home's efficiency, and keep your family safer. We asked our experienced store managers to share the maintenance tips they recommend every day, from seasonal checklists to easy 10-minute tasks that can help you protect your home and avoid common maintenance headaches.

If there is one theme that we see again, it is water damage. Whether it's a slow plumbing leak, worn caulk, or a small roof leak, water has a way of causing expensive damage long before you notice it. The challenge is that many of the areas most prone to leaks are easy to overlook. As Store Manager Ray Rodela, Terrell, TX, says, "Anything that's out of sight is ultimately out of mind."

A few minutes of inspection can help you catch problems early. Make it a habit to check:

• Cabinets under sinks for plumbing leaks
• The attic for signs of roof leaks or moisture
• Gutters to make sure water is flowing away from your home
• Outside vents to ensure they're clear and functioning properly
• Caulking around windows, doors, tubs, and exterior trim for cracks or gaps

These quick inspections can prevent minor water issues from turning into major repairs.

It's just as important to address small problems as soon as you find them. Store Manager Andre Haddad, Georgetown, TX, learned that lesson firsthand after putting off a dripping outdoor faucet. What seemed like a minor leak ended up requiring the entire hose bib to be replaced after a winter freeze. His experience is a reminder that taking care of a small repair today is almost always easier—and far less expensive—than dealing with the damage later.

Your HVAC system works hard year-round, and a little routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping it running efficiently. Several of our store managers agreed that one of the biggest—and most preventable—mistakes homeowners make is skipping basic HVAC maintenance. In fact, Store Manager Raul Lopez, Pharr, TX, says the maintenance task that causes the biggest headaches is forgetting to replace the air filter every 30 days, which helps extend the life of your AC unit.

Keep your HVAC system in top shape by making these simple tasks part of your home maintenance schedule:

• Replace your air filter every 30 days to improve airflow, lower energy costs, and reduce strain on the system.
• Clean the outdoor condenser coils to remove dirt and debris that make your unit work harder.
• Flush the condensate drain line annually to help prevent clogs and water damage.
• Check your thermostat batteries before the heating or cooling season begins.
• Inspect attic fans to make sure they're set correctly and operating efficiently before summer heat arrives.

Most of these tasks take only a few minutes, but staying on top of them can improve your system's performance, lower utility bills, and help you avoid costly repairs when temperatures are at their highest.

Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but it's also one of the most overlooked. Regular maintenance can improve its efficiency, extend its lifespan, and help you avoid an unexpected cold shower.

A few simple tasks can make a big difference:

• Flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment and mineral buildup. As Rodela explains, annual flushing helps keep your water heater operating efficiently and reduces wear on the heating elements caused by scale buildup—especially in areas with hard water.
• Inspect for leaks or signs of corrosion around the tank and plumbing connections.
• Know where your water shutoff valve is in case a leak develops.
• If you drain your water heater, always refill it before restoring power. As Lopez reminds homeowners, "Never forget to fill your water heater up before you turn the electricity back on."

Just a little maintenance each year can help your water heater last longer and prevent costly repairs.

When people think about home maintenance, they often focus on repairs and upkeep—but safety deserves a place on your checklist, too. In fact, Rodela says one of the most important maintenance tasks homeowners skip is fire safety. A few simple precautions can protect your home, your belongings, and most importantly, your family.

Make these safety checks part of your regular home maintenance schedule:

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed.
• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they're charged and easy to access. As Rodela points out, fire extinguishers are one of those products people often buy after it's already too late.
• Practice a family fire escape plan a few times each year. If you have young children, teach them how to open a window, remove a screen if necessary, and where everyone should meet outside.
• Inspect fireplaces, propane heaters, kerosene heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances before cold weather arrives.
• Test your generator before you need it, and make sure everyone who may use it understands proper operating procedures. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space, as carbon monoxide can be deadly.
• Check outlets before plugging in space heaters. Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet—never into a power strip or extension cord, which can overheat and create a fire hazard.

Most of these tasks take only a few minutes, but they can make a life-saving difference when an emergency happens. A little preparation today helps ensure your family knows what to do—and has the tools they need—if the unexpected occurs.

The right tools don't just make repairs easier—they can help prevent costly damage before it starts. Our store managers recommend keeping a few inexpensive essentials on hand so you're prepared when small problems arise.

Consider adding these homeowner must-haves to your toolbox:

• Water shutoff wrench to quickly turn off the water in an emergency.
• Water leak alarms to detect leaks under sinks, near water heaters, or behind appliances before they become major problems.
• Quality caulk gun for sealing gaps around windows, doors, tubs, and trim.
• Wet/dry shop vacuum for everything from garage cleanups to unexpected water messes.
• Fire extinguisher to help protect your home during an emergency.
• Multi-bit screwdriver, tape measure, and level for everyday repairs and DIY projects.

Having these simple tools within reach can save time, reduce stress, and help you tackle small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Not every home maintenance task takes an entire afternoon. In fact, many of the best habits only take a few minutes and can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

Spend 10 Minutes On These Tasks

• Change your HVAC air filter.
• Clean refrigerator coils.
• Lubricate door hinges and garage door hardware.
• Check under sinks for leaks.
• Inspect caulking around windows, doors, tubs, and trim.
• Test smoke alarms.
• Clean the dryer lint trap and inspect the vent.
• Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs for leaks.

Advice We Give Customers Every Day

Our store managers also shared a few reminders they find themselves repeating over and over:

• Find the cause before buying the fix. Solving the symptom instead of the source usually means another trip to the store.
• Keep receipts for warranty items. You'll be glad you did if you ever need to make a claim.
• Know where your main water shutoff is before an emergency happens.
• Temporary repairs should stay temporary. Duct tape, expanding foam, and the wrong sealants aren't long-term solutions.
• Check before you drill. Always make sure there aren't water lines or electrical wires behind the wall.
• Don't wait. Small repairs are almost always easier—and less expensive—than major ones.

A little routine maintenance today can help prevent costly repairs tomorrow. Join the McCoy's Loyalty Program to receive our seasonal home maintenance checklist, plus helpful tips and exclusive offers throughout the year. And whenever you need advice or the right products for your next project, stop by your local McCoy's—our team is always happy to help.