As a homeowner, you already know there is a lot that can go wrong when you have your own place. Waiting for things to break is like asking for trouble, yet many people do it. Routine maintenance can greatly reduce the number of times you have to call for a repair. Here are three things that should be on your annual to-do list every single year.

1. Inspect Your Roof

As long as the rain stays outside, most people don’t think a whole lot about a home’s roof. That can be a big mistake. Small damage and leaks can cause big problems if they are left to fester. That is why you should have an annual roof inspection St Louis MO. When done properly, an inspection can catch early signs of trouble before they show up as water inside the house — or lead to an entirely new roof being installed.

2. Clean the Gutters

Be honest: You probably don’t really like to clean the gutters. Even if reaching in and grabbing clumps of wet leaves and roof grit isn’t exactly your idea of a fun afternoon, you should still make sure the gutters on your home are free of debris. Clean gutters are better able to channel water away from the roof and foundation, meaning less chance of water damage.

3. Change Air Filters

Another set of common items that need attention on a regular basis are air filters. Keeping them clean helps improve indoor air quality and helps the HVAC system operate more efficiently. Where the filters are in your home will depend on your HVAC system. Check the manual to find out where they are and how often they need to be changed.

Performing routine maintenance can allow you to avoid or postpone some repairs by catching problems early. Be sure to have your roof inspected and gutters cleaned every year. Changing air filters will also help improve indoor air quality while minimizing strain on your HVAC system.