There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of living in your own home. You can decorate it anyway you want to. You’ll always have a place to stay. The downside is the responsibilities that come with it. You’re in charge of making sure that it’s in top shape whether you’re planning on living in it or renting it out. It’s not only expensive to maintain but it can also be challenging and time-consuming. On the bright side, there are several chores that you only have to do once a year.
Here are three essential things to do at home to keep your house sturdy and secure:
Have Your HVAC Serviced
HVAC systems are incredible machines that can make any space homier. Whether it’s summer or winter, you can rely on your HVAC to keep the conditions inside comfortable. But they need some attention as well. They have to be maintained at least once every year to make sure the system is in top shape. Have the air ducts cleaned to make sure dirt won’t accumulate and keep the airflow clean. A professional service can also check for any leaks in the system. Having a leak is a big deal because it leads to humid conditions that attract mold and mildew. These can trigger allergic reactions like cough and stuffy noses.
Besides the health benefits, maintaining your HVAC system can also lead to savings. Without all the gunk inside the machine, it can work more efficiently. This means that you don’t have to set the temperature higher or lower just to compensate. It can also save you money by extending the shelf life of the system. As you make sure that it’s in great working order, you don’t have to replace it with a new one.
On the other hand, you should consider replacing your system if it’s more than 12 years old. According to the government-run Energy Star program, doing so can reduce your costs by 30%.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Washing clothes has never been easier. All you have to do is put all your shirts and pants inside the washing machine and wait. Then, you transfer the clothes into the dryer and you’re done. You can have clean and fragrant clothes without exerting much energy. But it’s not all about the advantages. The trade-off with having such a convenient system is that you have to pay attention to the machines that do the work. Follow the manual and replace the hoses and clean the filters regularly. Like HVAC systems, washing machines can also attract mold because of moisture. You can make sure that fungus won’t develop by wiping down the clothes washer after you use it.
Arguably one of the most important things to do is to have your dryer vent cleaned at least every 12 months. It’s not only a cleanliness matter but it’s also a serious safety concern. Figures from the National Fire Protection Agency show that there’s almost 16,000 reported dryer-related fires every year. You can either do the work yourself or have a professional clean it for you. The important thing is that it’s done properly and timely to avoid serious accidents.
Inspect Your Roof
They’re often overlooked since they’re not the most visible part of a house. But roofs are one of the most important components of any structure. They protect the entire home from the adverse effects of inclement weather conditions. They’re the reason why you don’t have to worry about getting wet or snowed in even if it’s raining or snowing outside. But it’s important to remember that roofs require some sort of attention as well.
The good news is that you can save money on labor fees and inspect the roof yourself. Get a ladder and get on top of the situation as you check the shingles and the gutter up high. If there’s a missing shingle, you can fix it yourself using just a handful of tools. But if you see more serious signs like rotting and mold growth, it’s best to hire a professional to fix the problem. They can determine the extent of the damage and tell you if you need a full replacement. Remember to prioritize safety over savings. Saving a few dollars won’t matter if it leads to harmful situations.
Make the most out of having your very own home by making sure that it’s in top shape. Don’t try to cut corners if it can have dangerous consequences. Maintaining your house isn’t just a good financial investment but it’s also a safety matter.
