Home Maintenance Myths That Are Costing You Money

Quick answer: Several common home maintenance beliefs are wrong or incomplete. A clean inspection report does not mean years without upkeep, a new home still needs maintenance and a radon test, insurance does not pay for wear and tear, painting does not fix moisture, and closing vents does not save energy. Each myth below is checked against federal agencies, standards bodies or state regulators.

Myths about when to fix things

Myth: "If it isn't broken, don't fix it"

Reality: the systems that cost the most fail quietly. Water is the clearest example. The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours of a leak, mold will in most cases not grow, but a slow leak that goes unnoticed gives it time. The Department of Energy says replacing a clogged air conditioner filter can cut that unit's energy use by 5% to 15%.

Manufacturers such as A. O. Smith and Bradford White recommend inspecting a tank water heater's anode rod every year, because once the tank corrodes through, it generally has to be replaced. Our guide to the cost of deferred maintenance puts prices on this.

Myth: A clean home inspection means no maintenance for years

Reality: an inspection is a snapshot. The American Society of Home Inspectors' Standards of Practice limit an inspection to systems and components that are visually observable, readily accessible and installed, and inspectors operate normal controls rather than test invasively. It does not tell you how many years a roof, water heater or furnace has left. Read the ASHI Standards of Practice to see what is and is not covered, and see what a home inspection missed for common gaps.

Myth: A new home does not need maintenance

Reality: new homes need upkeep from the first season, and some risks come with the territory. The EPA says any home can have a radon problem, new or old, and recommends that every new home be tested as soon as possible after occupancy, even if it was built with radon-resistant features. Builder warranties generally address construction defects, not routine upkeep, so read what yours covers and note its deadlines.

Myth: Painting over a problem fixes it

Reality: paint hides symptoms. The EPA says that if you clean up mold but do not fix the water problem, it will most likely come back, and that you should not paint over moldy surfaces without cleaning first. A water stain on a ceiling means finding the source: a roof leak, a plumbing leak or condensation.

Myths about safety and health

Myth: Radon is only a problem in certain regions or old basements

Reality: the EPA says elevated radon has been found in every state and that nearly 1 in 15 US homes has elevated levels. It estimates radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year. EPA's radon zone map should not be used to decide whether to test. A short-term test kit is inexpensive, and the EPA recommends fixing a home at 4 pCi/L or higher.

Myth: Smoke alarms are fine until they stop working

Reality: the US Fire Administration says smoke alarms need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date, and should be tested monthly. Check the manufacture date marked on each alarm, and see the USFA smoke alarm guidance for placement. Replace any alarm whose date you cannot find.

Myth: Hotter water is better

Reality: the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scald injuries. It notes burns can occur with a six-second exposure to 140-degree water, and that lowering the setting saves energy.

Myth: Any visible mold needs a professional

Reality: the EPA says small areas, less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch), can usually be handled by a homeowner, and hard surfaces can be scrubbed with detergent and water and dried completely. Larger areas, or mold that returns, call for finding the moisture source and often a professional.

Myths about money and energy

Myth: Homeowners insurance covers everything

Reality: the NAIC's consumer guide states that a homeowners policy is not a maintenance contract. It insures against perils such as fire, wind and hail and does not pay to repair items that simply wear out. Flood is not covered, and mold often has limited or no coverage. Maryland's insurance regulator adds that older roofs are paid at a depreciated value after a covered loss. What is excluded and how much is paid differs by policy and state, so check yours and see how to lower your homeowners insurance premium without cutting cover.

Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy

Reality: the Department of Energy's home energy quiz says closing vents could strain the HVAC system and result in more energy use, not less. What does work: setting a thermostat back about 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can lower heating and cooling costs by roughly 10% a year, according to the same DOE quiz.

How this varies by region

Some myths bite harder depending on where you live. Building codes, disclosure rules and insurance terms also differ by state, so ask your local building department or state insurance department.

Stop guessing: use a schedule

Most myths survive because nobody keeps records. Steadwell's home maintenance tracker lets you set recurring tasks, such as smoke alarm tests, filter changes and water heater checks, with reminders before they are due. Steadwell is a tracking tool, not an inspection or insurance service, so it relies on what you enter.

Frequently asked questions