
10 Overlooked Home Maintenance Tasks That Could Save You Trouble
When it comes to homeownership, there’s a lot to keep track of. From paying bills to maintaining the yard, it’s easy to let certain home maintenance tasks slip through the cracks. However, neglecting these tasks can lead to expensive repairs and reduced home value down the road. If you’re looking to protect your investment, keep reading and take action to ensure your home remains in good condition.
1. Cleaning Gutters
Gutters are like the unsung heroes of your home, diverting rainwater away from your foundation and preventing water damage. Neglecting them can lead to serious (and expensive!) problems. When leaves, debris, and dirt accumulate in your gutters, they become clogged. This can cause water to overflow, potentially leading to:
- Foundation Issues: Excess water around the foundation can weaken its structural integrity and lead to cracks.
- Basement Flooding: Clogged gutters can redirect water towards your basement, resulting in costly flooding.
- Wood Rot: Water overflow can saturate the wood fascia, soffit, and siding, leading to rot.
2. Replacing HVAC Filters

Your HVAC system does more than just keep you comfortable; it also maintains air quality in your home. Neglecting filter replacement can result in:
- Reduced Air Quality: Dirty filters can’t effectively capture dust, pollen, and other allergens, leading to poor indoor air quality.
- Higher Energy Bills: A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and bills.
- System Damage: Over time, neglected filters can damage the HVAC system itself, resulting in costly repairs.
3. Checking for Roof Leaks
A leaking roof isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen. Delaying repairs can lead to:
- Interior Damage: Leaks can damage ceilings, walls, and insulation, leading to costly interior repairs.
- Microbial Growth and Mildew: Moisture from roof leaks can promote microbial and mildew growth, which is both unhealthy and expensive to remediate.
- Decreased Home Value: An unrepaired roof leak can significantly reduce your home’s value and make it harder to sell.
4. Flushing Your Water Heater

Your water heater plays a crucial role in your daily life. Routine flushing helps remove sediment buildup that can lead to:
- Reduced Efficiency: Sediment buildup can make your water heater less efficient, causing it to use more energy and increasing your utility bills.
- Shortened Lifespan: Neglecting this maintenance can lead to the premature failure of your water heater, resulting in an expensive replacement.
- Inconsistent Hot Water: Sediment can block the heating element, resulting in uneven hot water distribution.
5. Testing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense in emergencies. Forgetting to test them regularly can put your family’s safety at risk:
- Reduced Safety: Non-functioning detectors may not provide early warnings in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, potentially endangering lives.
- Increased Fire Risk: Without working smoke detectors, fires can escalate before you’re aware of them, leading to more extensive damage and danger.
- Legal Consequences: In some areas, failing to maintain working detectors can lead to legal liabilities and penalties.
6. Cleaning Dryer Vents
Your dryer vent may not be something you think about often, but ignoring it can lead to severe consequences:
- Fire Hazard: Lint buildup in dryer vents is a significant fire risk and a backed-up vent can lead to house fires.
- Reduced Dryer Efficiency: Clogged vents make your dryer less efficient, which means longer drying times and increased energy consumption.
- Costly Repairs: Neglected vents can damage your dryer, requiring costly repairs or replacements.
7. Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Gaps around windows and doors might seem minor, but they can lead to significant issues:
- Higher Energy Bills: Gaps allow drafts to enter, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy bills.
- Reduced Comfort: Drafts can make your home less comfortable and affect your and your family’s well-being.
- Potential Pest Infestations: Gaps can be an entry point for pests such as insects and rodents.
8. Inspecting the Foundation
Your home’s foundation is the bedrock of its structural integrity. Check it regularly to help prevent costly issues:
- Structural Damage: Foundation problems can lead to cracks in walls and ceilings, uneven floors, and even doors that don’t close properly.
- Decreased Home Value: Foundation issues can significantly reduce the value of your home and make it less attractive to potential buyers.
- Extensive Repairs: The longer you delay addressing foundation problems, the more expensive and complex the repairs become.
9. Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator is a workhorse in the kitchen, so regular maintenance is needed to keep it working efficiently. An often-neglected task is cleaning its coils, which can lead to several issues:
- Increased Energy Consumption: Dirty coils make your refrigerator work harder, increasing energy consumption and electricity bills.
- Reduced Lifespan: Neglecting maintenance can lead to the premature failure of your refrigerator, requiring a costly replacement.
- Inefficient Cooling: Dirty coils can result in inadequate cooling, potentially spoiling your food.
10. Servicing Your HVAC System

To keep your HVAC equipment running in tip-top shape, it needs regular attention, too. Routine maintenance—like a Goettl Rejuuuvenation®—can help prevent:
- Costly Repairs: Neglect can lead to equipment breakdown, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
- Reduced Lifespan: Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your equipment, saving you money in the long run.
- Inefficient Operation: Neglected equipment may not operate efficiently, leading to an uncomfortable home and higher energy bills.
Neglecting home maintenance tasks can have serious consequences, both financially and in terms of your family’s safety and comfort. By addressing these tasks regularly, you can protect your home, increase its value, and save money in the long run.
Get ahead of your to-do list with help from Goettl!
Don’t wait until it’s too late to address neglected home maintenance tasks. For routine maintenance of your HVAC equipment and plumbing systems, trust the experts at Goettl to help keep your home comfort in tip-top shape. Protect your investment and ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live by contacting Goettl today!
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us


UPDATE Julian and his team, Nick & Jeffery, were here to fix my sewer pipe. They explained everything thoroughly and kept me apprised of their progress. When they finished, it looked as if they hadn’t been here even though they dug a giant whole in my yard! Most impressive! I highly recommend Goettl.
UPDATE November 14, 2025
Goettl continues to be a 5-star company for me. Always, on time, clear explanations, fair pricing, respectful of property and competent, friendly staff. Caelin was my team member today and upheld all of these values.




Adam was very professional and provided details about the issues we had with our water softener and RO system. Although we ended up needing to replace both units due to previous owner’s lack of maintenance, we feel assured that Goettl will continue to take good care of us with the maintenance schedule they have down pact. As first time homeowners, the burden of large repairs feels slightly less daunting knowing we’re in capable hands.









Edgar, the Technician, was knowledgeable, came in with a purpose, and very professional. Customer Service was superb, and his brainstorming, to include problem solving was impeccable.

Jason and Marco operated like a well oiled machine with one replacing the AC unit while the other replaced the furnace. Clean up was excellent and the system works beautifully now.

I appreciate Goettl being professional and respectful of my home thank you
Highly recommended company!


I will definitely use their services going forward.
Thank you Goettl Air crew!


Very happy with the service today, thanks again


Had Andrew come out to remove garbage disposal and repipe sink. He also swapped out 13 emergency water shut off valves in 3 bathrooms.
Andrew was professional, courteous and expedient. He did have to run out to get some supplies. He stayed until 7pm to complete the job on one trip.
May 2023 update. Technician Steve came today to do the summer rejuvenation. Friendly and professional tech. Explained the process and findings. Both systems are new, so everything checked out good. Did a god cleaning of coils and now all set for the summer season. Had them out for fall prevention service and to review the systems that are here. I just bought the house and needed to understand what was in place.
The service tech, Kevin was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He explained and provided photos and video of all components. He ensured keeping house clean and wore booties.
My second unit is not in the best shape, and Kevin explained each of the issues. I will follow up with service managér to determine next steps (repair or replacement).
I signed up for there service plan and am very pleased with the service and communication to date
12/21 Luis C came today to do routine maintenance on hot water heater. Professional and courteous. He did a through job and explained everything.
10/15. Juan came today and did a great job. He was professional, courteous and friendly. Was here for exterior water bid but also did a hot water heater. Took his time and explained everything.
10/22 update. Timothy was here to due furnace rejuvenation. Very professional, courteous and friendly. He did a very thorough inspection. Everything looked good, but did comment on lack of insulation as has been noted before. Did not have current code. But was ok. Explained the benefit of higher level/depth of insulation. Scheduled so as to get current rebates.
11/12/25. Calob came to install a whole house filter, purifier, water softener. Along with reverse osmosis in kitchen. Calob was was professional courteous and friendly. Very knowledgeable about the system and needs. He took his time and did not rush. He did run into a problem with the softener and worked it with the assistance of the home office. Calob left the place clean And all picked up. Great service and cheers the Goetrl!



Greg Sanches


He was prompt and very professional. As patt of my monthly maintenance agreement. He installed sensors for my furnace and hot water heater. He also suggested we use 20x25x3 filters in our return vent instead of the 20x25x1 filters that we used in the past.








Matthew came out very promptly, was very nice and did a great job. Will be using them again
Matthew came back out and did awesome!

Zack and his crew who did the tile work, made it look easy! We can't wait to try it out after the caulking and other stuff set up and dry out!

Thank you Jef, for helping me keep my home cozy and safe.





Update: 26 Aug 2025, Joel Jr. did an outstanding job explaining the plumbing systems and future recommendations. Thx Goettl!
Update: 6 April 2025. Ask for William, Aiden for plumbing and Juan for QC. If that doesn't work their managers , especially Jason , will offer a fair solution. All provided outstanding, experienced and expert services.
Update: 31 Mar 2025. Thanks Will Bloodworth for taking my call and ensuring that we received service...even on your day off!
Update: 20 Mar 2025. Thanks again Tyler L. for the great service!
Update: 21 Dec 224. Outstanding work performed by Richard.
Joseph provided us with excellent service and took the time to answer all of our questions!
UPDATE: Another big shout out to Andrew Arizola. Once again, with expertise and efficiency, Goettl showed up as promised. Andrew diagnosed the repair and resolved all of my sink/faucet/plumbing issues at a reasonable cost. It is always a breath of fresh air to work with fair and honest Plumbers/technicians. Thanks again, we appreciate it.


I especially want to give a shout out to Connor, who did the replacement, he was awesome. He was respectful and cleaned up afterwards. I even commented on how impressed I was that he was able to fit everything needed in a small space.
Overall I would recommend Goettl services especially in an inconvenient situation like mine. They will make you a priority.


Update-9/26/2025-Angel Zamora, Jose Torres, and Jonathan Saucedo are great assets to your team. You couldn't ask for better representatives for your brand. They were efficient and got the job done right. I really appreciate them.
Alex Nelson is the BEST! When I say I thought I was going to die from this extreme heat and Alex came along and saved the day, he did! Im so thankful he is honest and trustworthy! Thanks Goettl!!






This appointment was to check that my heater is working properly before winter arrives.





Today the HVAC team came with a coil cleaning and suggested maintenance. Steven and Jonathon were top notch. Courteous, professional and informative. If you want it done right, get Goettl.

Maintenance, I have 3 (three) units, Brandon
Completed the work in a reasonable amount of time, and gave a comprehensive overview
Of conditions , He was very courteous, with good appearance , and was careful of surrounding furniture.
I would rate him, Excellent.

















Given the extent of the work I need to get multiple quotes and some companies insist on expensive trip charges (one up to $500) to have a “specialist” assess before providing a quote for the work.
These guys were timely, transparent and uncomplicated. I appreciate Shane for quickly putting together an estimate before even leaving the house, providing multiple options at various price point and without pressure of upfront commitment.
I would feel confident moving forward with these guys. Thank you Shane!


I was so impressed I joined the maintenance program, so an additional shout out to Ryan Angle who completed my water heater service and plumbing inspection, same as the others Great Job… Thanks
Had my AC serviced yesterday, another 5⭐️ for Goettl, Brandon Moreno got everything squared away, Happy Summer 😎👍🏼🆒
Just had my winter service completed by Brandon Moreno, as always with Goettl 5⭐️ again, always courteous, friendly and professional. Happy Winter ❄️⛄️😎
Had a valve issue come up and ended up handling the situation myself, however the visit to initially assess and troubleshoot the problem with technician Ryan Angle was another quite pleasant interaction with the Goettl team. Thanks and Happy Holidays ⛄️❄️😎








Nov 22 2024: Seasonal maintanence check and I once again was fortunate to get Jacobi again. He is a well thorough service tech. Everything went smooth and he explained what he saw and did. A+++++
Mar 25 2024: My service tech's name is Jacobi. He is a very knowledable individual. He mentioned he does maintenance and installation. I was due a routine maintenance but for this call my furance wasn't turning on. He diagnosed and explained it was the blower. Very pleased with his work.
Aug 27 2020: Jeremy did a great job.Called when he was heading over. Cleaned out the dripping pan and cleaned out the drain pipe. Wore his mask while he was inside my house.
Great, fast service even on July 4 2018. Tony was my service tech. He diagnosed and got me up and running ASAP.

I highly recommend Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing! Shane Smith, their plumbing service technician, provided outstanding service when we needed a new water heater. He arrived promptly, explained all options clearly, and guided us through the process with professionalism and friendliness. Shane's knowledge and patience made our decision-making easy. We're grateful for his help and impressed by Goettl’s efficient, customer-focused approach. Five stars for Shane and Goettl.
Zach Carlisle from Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing did an incredible job installing our new water heater. His exceptional professionalism, courtesy, and expertise made the entire process seamless. Zach kept us well-informed, worked efficiently, and left our home spotless. He even took the time to educate us on water shut-off procedures. Zach truly embodies the values of excellent customer service and craftsmanship. Kudos to Goettl for having such a talented and dedicated installer!


Stacy arrived today. He was super knowledgeable and interested in answering our questions (which were abundant). Very friendly and not in any hurry to leave. He took his time to explain what he was doing. He pointed out a dangerous situation with our surge protectors. We had fried wires! We ended up having them replaced right on the spot. We were so impressed with him that we will be requesting him next time we're due for our routine check up. Thank you,
Stacy!
James Jacobson was outstanding with his knowledge and took his time explaining every detail.
Julian and Devin arrived to do the Water Jetting and they were outstanding! I was impressed and I Highly Recommend them.



Thank you,
Greg Sanches









Addendum: Furnace inspection on hold until vents can be don; but new Furnace/AC coming in soon.
Round two: Plumbing with Skip Yonker!!
Thank you Skip for making the whole process more understandable! Very informative and got right to work!! He explained and confirmed what Pablo had pointed out originally. New Water heater coming soon.
Round three: Furnace/AC in!!! Thank You Marco and Rafael for coming in extra early to get started! Had work today but they stayed and got everything installed. I honestly felt very comfortable leaving them here to get the job done!
I have recommended you to two friends already!! They will be calling you soon ☺️
Round four: New water heater pending. To be completed Friday!! Super excited!!





























This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!







The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.






