These 18 Common Habits Are Secretly Wrecking Your Home

Sustainable living has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people adopting eco-friendly habits daily. According to Statista, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, which leads to a reduced carbon footprint, while the global sustainable apparel market revenue is only 4.7%.

Although many of us are conscious of our impact on the environment and try to reduce waste and conserve energy, we often overlook the negative effects our habits can have on our homes. Below are 18 habits that might be undermining your home.

Disregarding Landscaping

Overgrown plants and untrimmed trees can damage your home’s exterior and foundation. The front lawn leading to your door is the first thing a visitor notices and could have a massive impact on the home’s value.

The American Society of Landscape Architects reports that professional landscaping can increase a home’s resale value by 15-20%.

Not Checking Smoke Alarms

As per the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in properties without smoke alarms or with non-functioning ones. Smoke alarms are essential home safety features that provide early warning in case of a fire. 

Regularly checking and replacing batteries helps ensure they function correctly when needed.

Not Cleaning Gutters

Filters in appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and furnaces should be regularly cleaned or replaced. The added weight from debris and water can also pull gutters away from the house, creating gaps that result in leakage.

Window Hero recommends cleaning your gutters at least twice yearly to reduce the build-up.

Slamming Doors

Slamming doors may seem like a minor irritation, but it could damage your home’s infrastructure. The constant impact of a door slamming can loosen the hinges and damage the door frame, resulting in costly repairs. Consider installing soft-close mechanisms or make an effort to close doors gently.

Rinsing Food Down the Sink

Not all foods should be rinsed down the kitchen sink. Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods are notorious for clogging drains. Oils and grease can also cause severe blockages as they solidify when cooled. Instead, dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost bin to avoid expensive plumbing repairs.

Not Cleaning Filters

Filters in ACs, Refrigerators, and Furnaces should be replaced or cleaned frequently. Unsanitized filters prevent airflow, making the appliance more energy-intensive and expensive. Inadequate filter maintenance can also result in costly repair or replacement.

Rick Heaney, owner of Hire a Hubby Franchise, says that failing to clear filters can reduce an appliance’s efficiency and recommends regular cleaning to avoid blockage.

Forgetting To Open Windows

It is essential to keep your home’s air circulating so that it isn’t polluted and mold starts growing. With windows opened, air flows in, avoiding respiratory ailments associated with trapped air.

It also manages temperature and moisture, which affects furniture and structural strength.

Overloading Power Outlets 

Plugging in too many devices can cause electrical fires or damage your wiring system. The United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission reported that overloaded electrical outlets caused over 3,000 electrical fires in American homes in 2023.

Outlets can only handle a certain wattage, and exceeding this limit is dangerous. Invest in power strips or extension cords to distribute the load evenly and avoid overloading outlets.

Neglecting HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system keeps your house warm and cozy throughout the year. However, failure to attend to maintenance often results in breakdowns and costly fixes. To keep your HVAC in good condition, change the filters every 3–4 months and have it inspected annually.

Using Harsh Chemicals on Wood  

Using harsh chemicals on wood furniture and floors can strip away the protective layer and cause damage. A study by the Environmental Working Group(EWG) shows that most cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds that can cause health harm, such as respiratory system damage, increased cancer risks, and developmental and reproductive impacts, as well as affect the quality of air both indoors and outdoors.

Instead, You should opt for natural or professional cleaners to clean your wooden surfaces.

Ignoring Small Cracks in Walls 

Small cracks in walls may seem insignificant, but they could indicate a more significant underlying issue. These cracks can lead to water and pest infestation, compromising the structural integrity of your home. It’s best to address these issues as soon as possible before they escalate into costly repairs.

Placing Hot Pans Directly on Counters   

Hot pans on a countertop cause burning and melting. Exposure to extreme amounts of heat can cause natural stone to become discolored and compromise its integrity. As per Granite Selection, hot pans should not be placed directly on granite countertops, as the extreme heat can cause them to crack, especially if there are concealed fissures below the surface.

Keep your counters safe from hot pans with trivets or heat-resistant mats. Purchasing better quality heat-resistant materials can also prevent long-term damage aesthetically and structurally.

Not Using Cutting Boards  

Cutting food directly on countertops or other surfaces can cause scratches and damage, especially if they are made of wood or stone. This can affect the aesthetic appeal and value of your home. Always use a cutting board to protect your surfaces from unnecessary wear and tear.

Neglecting Paint Work

Peeling paint is ugly and can lead to property damage. Paint seals the walls from dampness excluders and attempts to prevent mold and wood rot.

According to Precision Painting Plus, painting increases the financial return on investment in your home and provides a fresh, clean smell throughout. Depending on your area’s climate and weather conditions, it’s recommended that you repaint your home every 3-5 years.

Dragging Furniture Across Floors    

Dragging furniture over floors can cause damage and scuffs, particularly on wood and tile surfaces. Whenever you move furniture in a room, lift and carry it rather than drag it on the floor.

Use furniture sliders or ask for help when moving bulky items to prevent unnecessary scuffing of your flooring.

Overwatering Indoor Plants    

Indoor plants add a touch of nature to your home, but too much water can do more harm than good. To avoid overwatering, The Sill recommends watering up to one-fourth or one-third of the volume of your planter. 

Overwatering can lead to root rot and attract pests. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with each plant’s watering needs and create a schedule to avoid overwatering.

Ignoring Leaks

Even minor leaks can cause immense water damage. The U.S. EPA states that an average household leaks more than 10,000 gallons of water each year, which equates to a bill of $100 from leaks that go unattended.

Leaking water causes mold growth and rotting, which weakens the structure’s integrity. Don’t wait until it’s too late; address any leaks as soon as you notice them.

Leaving Lights On

Although this might not physically damage your home, it unnecessarily wears out your bulbs faster and increases your energy bill. According to Elesi, 6.5 million people admit to leaving lights on when they aren’t in a room, which costs a daily average of roughly $2 per user. 

Learn to turn off lights, invest in energy-saving bulbs, or purchase smart lighting systems that enable you to control artificial light from a remote location.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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