Home Safety Checklist (Part 2): 5 More Overlooked Hazards and How to Fix Them Like a Pro

More simple upgrades that protect your home, your health, and your wallet.

In Part 1 of our checklist, we focused on the hidden risks in your laundry room, electrical system, and under your sink. Now we’ll finish strong with five more areas where quick fixes can prevent long-term damage or stress.

Whether you're improving air quality or just making your home easier to navigate — these small updates go a long way.

Continuing Your Home Safety Checklist

6. Clogged Air Filters and Blocked Vents

Why it matters:Dusty filters make your HVAC system work harder, raise your utility bills, and spread allergens throughout your home.

What could go wrong:

• Poor indoor air quality

• Uneven heating or cooling

• Shortened HVAC lifespan

How to fix it:

• Replace your air filter every 60 to 90 days

• Use MERV 8–11 pleated filters for better dust control

• Don’t block vents with rugs, furniture, or clutter

• Vacuum vent covers at least once a season

Time: 5–10 minutes

Cost: $10–20 per filter

7. Unmaintained Garage Door Springs

Why it matters:Garage door torsion springs are under extreme tension. If they break, they can damage property or cause injury.

What could go wrong:

• Garage door won’t open or close properly

• Loud snapping sound, potential damage

• Safety hazard if spring fails suddenly

How to fix it:

Do NOT attempt to repair the spring yourself — it’s dangerous.

Instead:

• Check once a year for rust, sagging, or gaps in the spring

• Test balance: disconnect opener and lift door halfway — it should stay in place

• Schedule professional servicing every 5–7 years

Time: 5–10 minutes for visual check

Cost: ~$300–500 for pro spring replacement (if needed)

8. Missing or Expired Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why it matters:Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, invisible, and produced by gas-powered appliances like water heaters, stoves, and furnaces. CO detectors alert you before levels become dangerous.

What could go wrong:

• Exposure to CO can cause headaches, nausea, or worse

• Without a detector, you may never know it’s happening

• Many detectors expire after 5–7 years and stop working silently

How to fix it:

• Install CO detectors on every floor, especially near bedrooms

• Choose models with digital display + battery backup

• Test monthly; change batteries twice a year

• Check expiration date on the back of the unit

Time: 15–20 minutes per detector

Cost: ~$20–40 each

9. Lead Paint in Older Homes

Why it matters:Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint — often on trim, windows, or doors. Lead dust is hazardous when disturbed.

What could go wrong:

• Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women

• Dust from sanding, drilling, or scraping can spread easily

• DIY work without precautions can create long-term contamination

How to fix it:

• Use a lead paint test kit (~$10–15) before sanding or remodeling

• If positive, follow EPA Lead-Safe practices

• Use plastic sheeting and HEPA vacuums if working in suspect areas

• Consider hiring a certified lead-safe contractor for major work

Time: 10–20 minutes for testing

Cost: ~$10–15 for kit; professional work varies

10. Poor Lighting in Stairwells, Entrances, and Garages

Why it matters:Dim or missing lighting makes movement harder and less safe — especially for seniors, kids, or guests unfamiliar with your layout.

What could go wrong:

• Increased risk of tripping or falling

• Missed steps on stairs or thresholds

• Difficulty accessing tools or storage in dark garages

How to fix it:

• Replace old bulbs with LED lights rated 800+ lumens

• Install motion-sensor lights in stairwells and entryways

• Consider solar path lights for outdoor steps and driveways

• Add night lights in hallways for better nighttime visibility

Time: 10–30 minutes per light

Cost: $10–50 per fixture or kit

Bonus: Seasonal Home Safety Schedule

Keep your home running smoothly year-round:

Season	What to Check
Spring	Dryer vent, window screens, moisture under sinks
Summer	HVAC filter, CO detector, ceiling fans
Fall	Outlet upgrades, attic insulation, weatherstripping
Winter	Lighting, garage door balance, plumbing insulation

Tip: Add reminders to your phone or hang this list near your breaker box.

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Need a Hand?

Live in Chicago or the Northwest Suburbs? We make home safety upgrades easy, fast, and done right the first time. Book your free estimate today — let’s fix it before it becomes a problem.