When you become a homeowner, the freedom of having your own space and the value of having such an asset are easy to enjoy, but they come with added responsibilities as well. If you haven’t owned a home before, then you may not have had to be too concerned with the various maintenance tasks required to keep it strong and livable over the years. Now, however, you can’t skip those tasks, so let’s take a look at what exactly you need to fit into your schedule.
Cleaning And Inspecting The Gutters
Gutters play a vital role in diverting any water that hits the roof away from it, making sure that it doesn’t affect the materials of the home and, even more importantly, the foundation. For that reason, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, preferably before and after the fall season causes a lot more clutter with falling leaves and the like. While cleaning, check for sagging sections or leaks at the seams. Install gutter guards if you’re frequently cleaning them, especially if trees surround your home. Keeping your gutters in good shape is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent water damage throughout your property, and it can be done by yourself or a professional.
Test Your Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Monitors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have become a vital aspect of safe living in the modern age. They can genuinely save your life, but only if they’re actually working. You can typically test a detector once a month by pressing the test button, and it’s recommended that you replace the batteries at least once a year, even if they seem like they’re working fine. Most units also have expiration dates, usually around 8–10 years, after which the entire unit should be replaced. Consider upgrading to interconnected detectors that trigger alarms throughout the home for faster alerts. Placement of your detectors is important, as well. Smoke detectors work best on ceilings, while it’s recommended you position carbon monoxide detectors at knee level.
Invest In Routine HVAC Care
Our modern standards of comfortable living are largely supported by our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. These systems work all year to keep the temperature of the home at the level we desire, and also play a role in keeping the air of the home clean. However, to operate effectively and efficiently, they should be maintained twice a year. It’s best to have your AC checked in the spring before you have to deal with the summer heat, just as your heating should be inspected in fall, before the winter chill sets in. A technician will clean coils, check for leaks, test electrical connections, and make sure your system is running efficiently. Dirty or neglected HVAC units not only waste energy but can break down when you need them most.
Drain Your Water Heater
Traditional water heaters can experience a buildup of sediment throughout the year that, over time, can cause them to have to work harder, making them less efficient and increasing the risk of them breaking down. Once a year, drain a few gallons from the tank to flush out debris. It’s a simple process: turn off the power, connect a hose to the drain valve, and let it run into a bucket or outside drain. You’ll often see mineral sediment come out, especially in homes with hard water. However, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you could hire a professional plumber to come out and do it for you.
Get Your Roof Inspected Once A Year
The roof is the silent protector of the home, ensuring that the worst of the weather’s impacts are kept out of the property. However, even the most reliable roofing materials are prone to fail over time. As such, it’s important to work with a licensed roofing contractor to ensure that your roof gets inspected once a year to look for issues like missing or curled shingles, moss growth, cracked flashing, or water stains in the attic or ceilings below. If you catch minor issues early, often you can invest in a repair or part replacement that isn’t too costly, but you should also steadily prepare for the eventual roof replacement you may need down the line.
Seal Your Doors And Windows
If you want to preserve your heating, cooling, and air quality, then air leaks are an issue you should certainly be aware of. These can form around your windows and doors, and even small leaks can lead to big energy losses. You should inspect the seals around your doors and windows at least once a year and invest in weather stripping if you spot any. Feel for drafts, look for daylight around frames, or hold a lit candle near the edges to detect air movement. This task not only improves comfort but also cuts utility bills by reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Of course, you may eventually have to consider upgrading to more modern doors and windows if yours are starting to fail more regularly.
Keep An Eye Out For Leaks
Aside from air leaks, plumbing leaks are also, naturally, a serious concern, leading to water damage and mold growth if they’re not dealt with quickly. Once a season, inspect under sinks, around toilets, behind appliances, and anywhere pipes are exposed. Look for signs of moisture, corrosion, or mildew. Many neglect to check exterior spigots and hoses, but it’s important to be diligent with these as well, especially in the winter months when they may be at risk of freezing. Catching a leak early and getting a plumber to fix it can save you thousands in potential repairs if the issue goes ignored for too long.
It might seem like there’s a lot you have to do to take care of your home, but scheduling these out and making them routine over the years can make it a lot easier to ensure that you’re giving your home the care it needs.
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