The new year is the perfect time to give your home the attention it deserves. While you’re setting personal goals and making resolutions, why not add “maintain my home” to the list? A little preventative care now can save you from expensive repairs and uncomfortable surprises down the road.
At Bell Cow Service Company, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners throughout the Triangle and Sandhills regions of North Carolina, and Hampton Roads and Richmond in Virginia keep their homes running smoothly. We’ve seen firsthand how a simple maintenance routine can extend the life of your systems, improve efficiency and keep your family comfortable all year long.
Here’s your comprehensive January home maintenance checklist to start 2026 right.
HVAC system: Keep the comfort coming.
Your heating system has been working overtime through the winter months, and it needs some attention to keep performing at its best.
Change your air filters. This is the easiest and most important task on your list. Dirty filters restrict airflow, force your system to work harder and decrease indoor air quality. Check your filters monthly and replace them every one to three months depending on usage, pets and allergies.
Schedule a professional tune-up. If you haven’t had your heating system inspected in the last year, now’s the time. Our HVAC technicians can spot small issues before they become major problems, clean components that affect efficiency and ensure your system is running safely. Professional maintenance can extend your furnace’s lifespan by years and reduce your energy bills by up to 30%.
Check your thermostat. Replace batteries if needed and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to maximize energy savings. These devices can automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away or sleeping, cutting costs without sacrificing comfort.
Inspect vents and registers. Walk through your home and make sure nothing is blocking your vents. Furniture, curtains and storage boxes can restrict airflow and create uneven heating throughout your space.
Plumbing: Stop small drips from becoming big problems.
Winter is tough on plumbing, making January the ideal month for a thorough inspection.
Check for leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters and anywhere else water flows. Even small drips can waste gallons of water and lead to expensive damage over time. Don’t forget to check outdoor faucets and hose bibs for freeze damage.
Test your water heater. Flush sediment from the tank to improve efficiency and extend its life. Check the temperature setting (120°F is ideal for most homes) and inspect for any signs of rust, corrosion or leaks around the base. If your water heater is more than 10 years old or showing warning signs, it might be time for a professional inspection.
Clear your drains. Pour hot water down infrequently used drains to prevent buildup. If you notice slow draining in any sink, shower or tub, address it now before it becomes a complete blockage. Our drain cleaning services can handle stubborn clogs and keep your plumbing flowing freely.
Inspect exposed pipes. Check crawl spaces, basements and attics for any exposed pipes that need insulation. This simple step can prevent frozen pipes during cold snaps and save you from a plumbing emergency.
Test your sump pump. If you have a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it activates and drains properly. This small device protects your home from flooding, so you want to know it works before you need it.
Safety first: Protect what matters most.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Press the test button on each unit and replace batteries if needed. These devices are your family’s first line of defense against fire and gas leaks, so don’t skip this step. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
Check your fire extinguisher. Make sure it’s properly charged and everyone in your household knows where to find it and how to use it. If it’s been used or is past its expiration date, replace it.
Inspect GFCI outlets. Test ground fault circuit interrupters in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoor areas by pressing the test and reset buttons. These outlets prevent electrical shocks in areas where water and electricity mix.
Room by room: The details that make a difference.
Kitchen. Clean or replace the range hood filter, check under the sink for leaks, run the garbage disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels to freshen and sharpen blades, and inspect appliance hoses and connections for wear.
Bathrooms. Re-caulk around tubs and showers if needed, check toilet tanks for internal leaks by adding food coloring (if color appears in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak), and clean exhaust fan covers to improve ventilation.
Living areas. Vacuum heating vents and cold air returns, check windows and doors for drafts, inspect caulking and weather stripping, and reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down (clockwise direction).
Basement and attic. Look for signs of moisture, pests or structural issues. Check insulation levels, especially around pipes and ductwork. If you spot any concerning damage, our home improvement team can help with repairs.
Energy efficiency: Small changes, big savings.
Seal air leaks. Use caulk or weather stripping around windows and doors to keep heated air inside where it belongs. You’ll feel the difference in comfort and see it in your utility bills.
Inspect insulation. Adequate insulation in your attic, walls and crawl spaces keeps your home comfortable year-round and reduces the load on your HVAC system.
Check your ductwork. Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your heating and cooling energy. If you notice excessive dust, uneven temperatures or high energy bills, it might be time for a professional duct inspection and sealing.
When to call the pros.
While many maintenance tasks are perfect DIY projects, some jobs require professional expertise. At Bell Cow Service Company, our certified technicians are ready to help with:
- Annual HVAC inspections and tune-ups
- Water heater maintenance and repairs
- Sewer line inspections and drain cleaning
- Ductwork inspection and sealing
- Any plumbing or HVAC issue that’s beyond routine maintenance
- Emergency repairs when you need help fast
Our maintenance agreements make it easy to stay on top of these tasks with regular scheduled service, priority emergency service and exclusive discounts.
Start the year strong.
Home maintenance might not be the most exciting way to spend a January weekend, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your property. A few hours now can prevent headaches, protect your investment and keep your family safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Don’t tackle this checklist alone. Bell Cow Service Company is here to help with everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Our experienced technicians serve the Triangle and Sandhills regions of North Carolina, and Hampton Roads and Richmond in Virginia with honest pricing and superior customer service.
Ready to give your home the care it deserves? Call or text Bell Cow Service Company at 844-234-2355 or fill out a quick contact form to schedule your maintenance services today. Don’t get milked by the other guys.