Being a homeowner is a lot of work, and we don’t just mean cleaning, mowing the lawn, and paying bills. Home improvement projects never end when you’re a homeowner, but that doesn’t mean you need to tackle them all at once. By spacing out the following home maintenance tips throughout the year, you can keep your house looking and functioning perfectly.
Check Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is the backbone of your home, and it has lots of different pieces and parts that require regular maintenance. You should have a professional inspection of your HVAC system done every year to check for condenser problems and other issues.
However, there are plenty of HVAC home maintenance projects you can handle on your own, as well. For example, you should change your furnace filter and air conditioner filters regularly to keep the air quality in your home at optimal levels.
Appliance Maintenance
Your appliances are essential to your way of life, from your oven and refrigerator to your washer and dryer. At least once a year, you should inspect and make sure that your favorite appliances are working properly and in good repair.
Also, you should remember to deep clean several of your appliances regularly, including but not limited to:
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Freezers
- Refrigerators
Your washer and dryer should also be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to clean your dryer hose and dryer vent regularly, as well, as clogged vents can impede the function of your dryer and, in extreme cases, even pose a fire risk.
Weatherproof Windows and Doors
While the weatherproofing around your windows and doors might go unnoticed much of the time, checking both the interior and exterior weatherproofing on a seasonal basis is always a good idea. Your windows and doors hold back warm and cool outdoor air during the most extreme times of the year, and they keep the threat of water damage at bay, as well.
Finally, keep in mind that good weatherproofing can save money, too. When your home is buttoned up properly, it will resist outside temperatures better, which means less work for your HVAC system. If your windows and doors are getting old, you might even consider upgrading to newer, better options, which could save you money in the long run, as well.
Check Your Water and Plumbing
The plumbing system in your home can cause catastrophic damage if it fails. Fortunately, many plumbing problems are easy to spot with proper home maintenance and vigilance. Maintaining any water-based appliances in your home, such as your sump pump or hot water heater, is very important.
If you neglect the plumbing in your home, you might end up with water pressure problems, leaks, and other issues. While you can easily fix some plumbing issues by yourself, calling a professional for help if you suspect a serious problem is always the best route.
Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Hopefully, you never need to use the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, but they should still be functional and in good repair in case an emergency arises. Inspect your alarms at least yearly to make sure they function properly, and replace the batteries at least that often, as well.
Your home’s smoke detection system can be easy to ignore since it’s meant to go unnoticed until it’s needed, but letting it go uncared for can be dangerous. Many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will sound an alarm when they need new batteries, but it never hurts to be safe and routinely replace the batteries so that you know they are good.
Check Your Home’s Exterior
Any time is a good time to check the exterior of your home for unexpected issues, especially pest damage. Since different pests tend to be active at different times of the year, give your home a good once-over regularly as the seasons change.
The exterior of your home can also be one of the first places that you’ll notice indications of pest issues inside your home. For example, if you notice termite, ant, or carpenter bee damage on your deck or patio, it’s likely that the damage will eventually (or already does) extend to inside your home, as well. Call a professional if you notice pest damage instead of trying to handle it yourself.
If you need pest damage repair, patio repairs, or vinyl siding replacement, call House Repair and Care & Handyman Service at (931) 645-0382 today to set up your initial consultation.
