Owning a home is a dream come true for many people, especially in today’s uncertain economy. It is also an excellent way to ensure that no snarky landlord will disrupt your peace by raising the rent suddenly, and no one will be able to terminate your lease because you decided to get a dog. However, besides all the bliss, becoming a homeowner also means that you will need to take proper care of your new property and keep up with all the necessary maintenance.
It is hard to deny that home maintenance can sometimes feel like a daunting chore, particularly if you are a complete rookie who has never cleaned the gutter or dealt with heat pump maintenance. Luckily, it all does not have to be so overwhelming. All you need is the simple guide below, which will walk you through four helpful home maintenance tips. They range from, you guessed it, keeping your gutters in pristine condition to changing your filters and checking your water heater.
These little jobs, when performed regularly, can help you avoid paying hefty amounts of money for replacement or repair fees, so continue reading below to learn more!
Check the Condition of Your Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are usually the most neglected parts of the house, which can cause them to break down faster than expected. However, if you try to maintain them regularly, it is much easier to prevent major damage or breakage.
According to the experts at OptiLight , you should be extra careful with your window glass and seals because they are one of the most common reasons why some people choose to replace their windows. For example, window screens catch all kinds of dirt, bugs, and even birds’ nests, which can wreak havoc on the frames and locks.
In the same manner, if you let paint and rust build up on metal frame components, they will eventually corrode and break. To avoid this, you should wash your windows and screens at least once a year and make sure that there is no debris stuck in the hinges and locks.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are one of the most overlooked parts of the house, but they can get stuffed with leaves and debris rather quickly, especially in the fall and winter, which means that they need regular maintenance. Clogged or broken gutters can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to repair, so it is definitely better to avoid these fees by keeping them in good shape all year round.
In general, it is recommended that you clean your gutters at least once or twice a year. However, if there are many tall trees near your house, you might need to do it more often. If you decide to clean them once or twice a year, your best bet is to do it in spring and early fall. That is because fall and winter can put the gutters to the test with the amounts of leaves and debris that are bound to accumulate there.
Many homeowners choose to clean their gutters themselves. All you need is a ladder and some gloves, but if you have a multi-story house or gutter guards installed, it might be better to leave this task to professionals.
Check the Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your house. After all, it heats thousands of gallons of water a year. Without proper maintenance, it can only perform well for so long, so if you want to avoid having to break the bank in order to pay for a new one or finance the usually costly repairs, make sure to take a look at it every once in a while. A thorough yearly maintenance check is recommended for every water heater, even if yours has just been replaced.
It is better to be safe than sorry and catch a failing water heater just before it decides to give up on you completely than to come home to a flooded room or basement. You should also check your water heater for leaks, clogged drains, or scale build-up.
Change Filters
There are a lot of filters in your house, and you want to keep a close eye on them. That way, you will know when it is time to give them a good clean or replace them altogether. This task should be performed monthly, quarterly, or annually. It all depends on which exact filter needs your attention. Luckily, you do not have to guess, as your owner’s manual will tell you what’s the recommended frequency for each one of your filters.
Changing the filters regularly is vital because as they catch the natural pollution of your home – dust, mold, fungal spores, pet hair, fabric fibers – the mesh through which air passes becomes denser and can even get completely clogged over time. If you neglect to change them, the air will not be able to pass, and the dirty filters will not be serving any purpose. On top of that, you should pay special attention to your dryer filter, as accumulated lint in dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer-related fires.
Keep the HVAC System in Top Condition
Home heating and air conditioning systems cost thousands of dollars to replace, so it is only natural that you should make an effort to keep yours in tip-top condition. Doing so is also an excellent way to save money on monthly energy bills and minimize the risk of needing costly repairs.
Ideally, you should inspect your system monthly. If you are afraid that you may forget about this task, you can try to do so when changing the filter. Also, make sure to check the thermostat, take a look inside the unit and outside unit, as well as inspect the registers and returns. See if there are any signs of mold and see if the condensate system is draining properly. Last but not least, keep the outside unit clean by removing fallen leaves and debris and trimming the nearby plants or bushes.
Remember that even the best HVAC system will not last forever and the average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 25 years. By performing regular maintenance, you should be able to maximize the working life of your heating and cooling system for longer and maintain higher efficiency.
In Conclusion
Owning a home is a true dream come true, but at the same time, it is also a huge responsibility. This means that as a homeowner, you need to take proper and regular care of your property and perform all the necessary maintenance to ensure that every part of it, from the gutters to the HVAC system, remains in top condition.
This includes regular maintenance tasks like cleaning your gutters from leaves and debris as well as changing and cleaning your filters. You will also need to take care of more complex challenges, such as inspecting your water heater and ensuring that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit is working fine.
Although home maintenance can sound complicated at first, it does not have to be! By following the tips listed above, you should be able to keep your home in great shape for years to come without spending a fortune or breaking a sweat.
