Being a homeowner is a lot of work. There are house maintenance chores to keep an eye on, but are you performing the following tasks promptly or as frequently as possible?

Your dishwasher is cleaned by itself.

It could appear as if your dishwasher self-cleans, but this isn't the situation. To keep your dishwasher running efficiently and fresh, you must regularly clean your dishwasher.

Clean any debris out of the tub and filter it to ensure that it drains correctly. Place a few glasses of vinegar into a clean bowl close to the middle of the bottom rack, and run the dishwasher on a regular cycle without detergent. This will aid in sanitizing and eliminating the smell. If your dishwasher is still smelling unpleasant, it could be time to wash the filter.

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

It's tempting to think that you're saving energy by turning the air conditioner off before you leave early in the morning, but it's not the most effective option 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 to 5 to 10 degrees after you leave your home. Don't forget the other air conditioner maintenance suggestions.

The bathroom exhaust fan is maintenance-free.

If cleaning your bathroom's exhaust fans isn't part of your usual home maintenance chores, you can now include it on the list. Notice that mildew and mold may develop inside the fan. Additionally, 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 to 12 months.

Testing the button is the best 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 correctly, as per Security First Insurance.

To examine your smoke alarm, put a new burned match beneath the device. The smoke should trigger an alarm sound. Experts recommend that you test the smoke alarms at a minimum every spring and fall.

Asbestos in your home must be removed.

Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials before its ban in 1978. If you possess asbestos within your house, you are not required to get rid of it. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos poses only health risks if the material is brittle (crumbled or crushed) 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."