Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been in your home for years, routine maintenance tasks are critical. Neglecting even minor repairs leads to big problems down the road. You spend more money on repairs, and your home’s value decreases. You may also lose some warranties, have to replace appliances sooner, and pay higher energy bills. What home maintenance tasks should you prioritize?
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most expensive systems in your home. Scheduling routine maintenance checks saves money in the long run by prolonging the life of your system and catching minor problems before they become significant concerns.
HVAC services include changing air filters, cleaning coils, checking Freon levels, and more. Always rely on reputable HVAC companies that are licensed and insured. They have the experience, skill, and knowledge to maintain your system correctly.
Your HVAC works more to maintain a comfortable temperature when heat escapes through walls, ceilings, and floors. Check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary. Add insulation to your walls, especially if you live in an older home.
Additionally, weatherstrip doors and windows to minimize drafts. When the HVAC doesn’t work as hard, it lasts longer, stays efficient, and has fewer repair needs.
Your gutters keep water away from your home’s foundation. When clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, they overflow. The water seeps into the ground around your home’s foundation and loosens the soil. Water may also leak into your basement or crawlspace.
In the winter, frozen gutters and ice dams cause even more problems. As water backs up, it seeps into your home, causing water damage and staining ceilings and walls. To prevent these problems, clean your gutters regularly and repair any leaks or damage.
If possible, install gutter guards to keep debris out of the gutters. The effort is more critical when you have trees close to your home.
Your water heater is one appliance you probably don’t consider until it stops working. Then you have no hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. To prevent this, have the tank flushed and inspected annually. The technician also checks the anode rod and temperature. Replace the anode rod as needed to prevent corrosion. Also, lower the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and prevent scalding.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. If they’re more than ten years old, replace them. Also, vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt. When you don’t have enough detectors, purchase and install them on each level of your home, in every bedroom, and near any fuel-burning appliances.
The roof protects your home from the elements. Inspect it regularly for damage and make repairs as needed. Clean the gutters to prevent water from seeping under shingles and damaging the roof deck.
If you have a metal roof, look for rust spots and repair them to prevent leaks. Trim trees near the roof to prevent limbs from falling on it and causing damage. After a heavy storm, inspect the roof for missing shingles, damaged flashing, and other problems.
Maintaining the yard keeps your home looking its best and prevents problems. Remove dead leaves and branches from the yard and trim trees and shrubs near the house. Inspect the irrigation system regularly and repair any leaks or breaks. Remember to clean, repaint, or restain decks and porches as needed.
Some tasks need more attention and time than others, but the overall result is a home that runs smoothly and looks great. You’ll avoid constant emergencies, repairs, and high utility bills while your home value improves.
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