Yearly Maintenance Tips for Your New Home
December 7th, 2018
Making sure you keep up with the maintenance of your property is critical. A home that does not have proper maintenance will undoubtedly suffer in the long run. There are some home maintenance items that most people do not always think about. Many of the things that make a house stand out are a result of regular maintenance which helps keep up both the functioning and appearance of a home. Performing these jobs on a periodic basis can help you avoid paying costly replacements or repairs later on down the road.
Maintain Your Filters
Make sure you keep up with changing your heating and cooling filters. Your central heating and air conditioning unit work hard to push air throughout your house. You will help the unit operate efficiently and effectively by changing your filters on a regular basis. Failing to install a clean filter can put unnecessary strain on your central air unit. Make sure you pay attention to the rating of the filter you are using. Some filters need to be changed monthly, while others are rated to last longer. A quality filter can usually be bought for your system and is designed to be modified far less frequently.
Check Your Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your family’s safety depends on making sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Take any precaution to avoid a house fire or the other tragic events that can occur with a carbon monoxide leak. Regularly change the batteries and test all of the detectors in the house. Having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is critical.
Check Your Toilets and Faucets
Take some time every six months to inspect your basic plumbing fixtures. Inspect both kitchen and bath fixtures, plus cabinets for leaks. Prevent water damage by recaulking or regrouting countertops and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom as necessary. Water will find any available avenue to escape, especially when under pressure. It’s guaranteed that sooner or later one of these fixtures will begin leaking. If you are handy, replace the faulty seal. If not, bring in a plumber to tackle the problem before it becomes much bigger.
Inspect the Outside of Your Home
Check your roof for leaks, damaged or missing shingles and pests hiding in vents. While you are up there, remember to check your chimney for leaks as well and ensure the bricks and mortar are not falling apart. Check your attic’s insulation and observe for leaks and pests here as well. A simple attic inspection is easy to do when you know what to look for. Check outside walls for damage or deterioration such as brickwork or siding repairs and peeling paint. Check your deck for water damage or stains. A pressure washer can help rid your deck of mold and moss and in general, will help to clean up nearly all surfaces pertaining to the outside of your home.
Deep Clean
Take one day every six months to give the whole house a proper deep clean. Include appliances, windows, walls, ceiling fans, vents, and dust every nook and cranny. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt, grime, and dust build up over the years will help keep your home in tip-top shape, keep the family healthy and always ensure you are cognizant of the improvements and repairs needed in your home.