For many, it can often feel like a daunting chore to maintain the HVAC system, smoke detectors, water heater, and more. Fortunately, your home maintenance checklist does not have to be overwhelming to be effective.
No matter the age of your home, here are some tasks you may want to consider completing regularly:
Keep Air Filters Clean
If you or a family member start sneezing or have difficulty breathing when in a particular area of the house, it could be your climate control system. Because the heating and air conditioning system circulates hot or cold air through the house, it can become a conductor of pollution in the home.
Dirty or clogged vents and air filters can damage or breakdown your system. Clean air filters help keep pollution out of the air. Therefore, you should clean and replace the heating, ventilation, and HVAC system filters at least once every three months.
Test the Smoke Detectors
When it comes to your family’s safety, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are necessities. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, regularly testing your smoke detectors at least once a month and replacing your batteries once or twice a year helps guarantee proper function.
A helpful way to remember to do this is to change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
Drain Your Water Heater
It is easy to take your water heater for granted until it stops working, and you wind up with a cold shower or water all over the floor. Thankfully, your water heater does not require much attention to keep the hot water flowing and the system running efficiently.
You should drain the water heater at least once a year. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to drain it more frequently.
Check the Exterior
Are there cracks in the concrete? Does the roof have loose or broken shingles? When examining the exterior of your house, look for signs of water collecting, and wear and tear around the foundation and siding. Also, check for decay or damage to the trimming around the chimney, under roof valleys, and poorly hung gutters.
Repair Doors, Windows and Walls
Are the surfaces discolored or showing the effects of moisture? Is cold air slipping through doors and windows causing higher heating bills? Improperly installed doors and windows can allow moisture into the wall cavity, increase air leakage, and decrease energy efficiency.
When you discover a problem, find its source. Many gaps can be eliminated by applying caulk. Repairing the cracks will help prevent drafts and excess moisture from entering the home. If the problem is more serious, contact an expert to correct drainage issues.
Keep Moisture Under Control
Moisture within your home may not seem like something that requires immediate attention, but it can have a larger impact on your house than you might think. Moisture often results in musty odors, poor air quality, allergens, mold, disease-carrying rodents, and invasive insects.
To reduce the risk of humidity and moisture, make repairs to leaky roofs, sinks or pipes as quickly as possible, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
Homeowners’ Insurance
It is important to remember that if damage originates from everyday use, wear and tear, neglect, or failure to properly maintain the property, most standard homeowners' insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for specific items. Whether you plan to sell in a few years or stay forever, home maintenance is an essential investment in the value of your property. When you know what is and is not covered, you will be better prepared, and you can plan accordingly.
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