Are you too busy to pay attention to ongoing home maintenance needs? Do you have someone to help you with those arrangements or do you just let them go in the hope that they will go away?
We’re all busy at times and forget that our house, apartment, or condo (whatever you call “home”) just keeps getting older. Are here ten arrangements that should always be at the top of your to-do lists to keep your home a healthy and safe environment for your family. Please note that this list is not in any particular order. Each item has its own importance, meaning and value.
1. Filters in air conditioning and heating units
The filter should be inspected at least every 30 days and replaced if necessary. If it is clean, check it at least every 45 days. If a central heating and air conditioning system is used regularly, the filter should be changed at least once a year.
2.gutters
You should inspect and clean them in the spring and fall. Loosen any dirt that has gotten into the gutters and scrub them with a stiff brush. Flush with a stream of water from the hose to remove lodged material. Consider installing a mesh screen or leaf catcher system. If during the inspection you find leaks in the gutters, they will need to be repaired to prevent future damage to your siding and gutter systems.
3. Window caulking
As fall approaches and the weather begins to cool down, it’s a good time to think about replacing the caulking around your windows. Was there a draft in any of your rooms last winter? Did the curtains move when the oven was not on? These are signs that your window caulking is no longer doing its job and needs to be replaced. Fall is a good time to do this job, as caulking works best when applied in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees F.
4. Plumbing
Do you have leaky faucets? A constant drip in the shower or bath? These constant leaks take a toll on your home; It costs you money (water usage increases dramatically!), damage (leaks can also happen where you can’t see them), and the irritation factor (a constant drip can be incredibly annoying!). Sometimes a simple washer replacement or adjustment of your faucet parts may be all it takes to solve the problem. Do not wait. It won’t go away alone!
5. Mold and mildew eradication
Mold needs a food source (dirt, for example!), a moisture source, and a place to grow.
Exposure to any mold could cause health effects (eg, allergic symptoms, shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue) under the right conditions. It is important to ensure that the source of moisture is stopped before cleaning mold. If this is not done, the mold will grow back. Mold must be cleaned and then prevented.
6. Electrical faults
These “glitches” can include problems with light bulbs and fixtures, dead outlets, circuit breaker problems, and switch difficulties. For the most part, these are things that need professional intervention. Take notes when you notice problems; that is, when they occur, what appliances or accessories are on at the time of the problem, how often it occurs, and if you have noticed changes in your electric bill.
7. Hot water heater maintenance
Most of us buy water heaters (or they come with our house!) and ignore them until there is a problem. That in itself often creates problems. A few basic items will keep your unit running efficiently and extend the life of your water heater. (Which, by the way, is from eight to 12 years). Annual maintenance is the key. Drain the water from your water heater at least once a year to prolong its life. Make sure your unit is equipped with a drip pan and, if required by local laws, earthquake straps. Removing sludge or sediment is also a good idea as it collects in the bottom of the unit and can prevent efficient operation.
8. Dryer wind maintenance
The exhaust pipe at the back of the dryer vents to the outside. All the hot, moist air coming out of the dryer is ventilated in this way, carrying with it not only hot air, but also fluff and fluff from clothes. This lint material collects in the lint filter, which is located in the front of the dryer door or on top of the dryer. (KEEP that clean!) Some sediment and lint passes through that trap and into the vent tube. There are more than 15,000 dryer fires each year, caused almost exclusively by lint built up in the exhaust pipe or behind the dryer. A blocked vent can cost up to $20 a month in electricity! Not to mention, many dryer motors burn out prematurely due to this blockage and buildup!
9. Maintenance of bathtubs and showers
Keep bathtub and shower areas well ventilated; leave glass doors or curtains open for a while to ensure air circulation. Keep grout and sealants around fixtures. Caulking should be replaced or refreshed regularly to prevent leaks. Make sure the shower head sleeve is firmly attached to the wall so that no water can enter from behind. Make sure all showerhead fittings are tight and leak-free at the point of connection to the plumbing. Remember, the goal is to prevent water from infiltrating behind the enclosure or under the floor. With that in mind, it’s important to check and re-caulk other areas of the bathroom as well. Seal the region where the bathtub meets the floor, where the vertical tiles meet the horizontal tiles, and the line where the sink countertop meets the backsplash.
10. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
The most common suggestion is to change the batteries in battery-powered units twice a year; when daylight saving time comes and goes, it’s the most frequently suggested time; it’s easy to remember! Press the test button to make sure the alarm works. Try lighting a candle and holding it to the unit for about 20 seconds to see if the smoke detector activates. Seek help or replacement if unit is not working properly.
For carbon monoxide detectors; Change the batteries twice a year and keep the unit clean. During the winter, when doors and windows are closed and heaters and furnaces are running, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning increases dramatically. A few minutes twice a year can pay incalculable dividends in the safety and well-being of your family.
ADDITIONAL TIPS > Print this article and use it as a checklist. It’s an easy way to remember key maintenance requirements in your home!