The maintenance of a home is hard. You are aware of the home maintenance tasks to be kept upon, but are you performing these tasks properly or as frequently as you ought to?

The dishwasher cleans itself.

It might appear that the dishwasher is automatically cleaning itself, but this isn't the situation. In order to keep the dishwasher running efficiently and fresh, it is recommended to regularly wash the dishwasher.

Clean any debris out of the tub and filter it to ensure that it drains correctly. Place a few cups of vinegar inside a clean bowl close to the bottom of the rack, and run the dishwasher through a normal cycle with no detergent. This can help clean and eliminate the smell from the wash. If your dishwasher is still emitting an unpleasant smell, it could be time to scrub the filter.

Conserve energy by shutting off the AC when you're not at home.

You might think you're saving energy by turning the air conditioner off before you leave your home at the end of the day, but it's not the most efficient method to save money.

As per National Property Inspectors, "When you come back home and turn your system back on, your AC unit will have to work overtime to cool your house back down, negating any energy savings you've accrued."

Instead, you can set your thermostat 5-10 degrees higher before you leave. Don't forget the other air conditioner maintenance advice.

The bathroom exhaust fan is maintenance-free.

If cleaning your bathroom's exhaust fans isn't part of your usual household chores, add it to your list. We've noticed that mildew and mold can grow within the fan. Furthermore, dust can accumulate over time and over the motor. Therefore, make sure you remove and clean the cover of the fan and other mechanical components at least every 6 months to 12 months.

Testing the button is the most effective way to test your smoke alarm.

If you press the button to test your house's smoke alarm, all you're really testing is whether the alarm's sound system is working in a proper manner, as per Security First Insurance.

Instead, to check your alarm's smoke signal, put a new burned match underneath the device. The smoke will trigger an alarm sound. Experts recommend testing the smoke alarms at a minimum one time in spring and in the fall.

Asbestos in your home must be removed.

Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials before it became banned in 1978. If you have asbestos in your house, it is not necessary to get rid of it. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos is only a health risk if the material is brittle (crumbled or broken down) and the fibers are released.

"If building materials in your home aren't damaged and won't be disturbed, you do not need to have your home tested for asbestos," the EPA says. "Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone."