Proper home maintenance offers so many benefits to you and your family. A well-maintained home will ensure the overall longevity of its parts and appliances. It also prevents breaks and costly repairs. Some maintenance tasks make your energy use more efficient and cost-effective. But aside from saving you money, proper maintenance prevents risks like fires, structural collapses, and other dangers that can harm you or your family.
Here are a few things that will help keep your home in good condition and everyone in your household safe:
Check your sump pump regularly
Chances are, you have a sump pump in your basement as a last line of defense against flooding. This also prevents condensation buildup and the flow of water from drains. Because it performs such vital tasks for your home, you should check on its condition at least once every six months. If you notice that your sump pump is not turning on even if there’s excessive groundwater present, it might be time to call in a professional.
Clean your water heater
Because of the constant flow of water, there’s a chance that sediment will build up inside your water heater. This prevents the device from working at optimal condition, which will translate into more energy use and a higher power bill. The buildup can also block the flow of water. If not, after a while of continually working overtime to overcome the blockage, your water heater can break down. If this happens, make sure that the new water heater is installed professionally.
Inspect your home’s exteriors
Your home’s exteriors play an essential role in keeping the elements out. Over time, the constant exposure to the weather will inevitably deteriorate parts of your exterior. The trick here is to spot these damages as early as possible. Examine the shingles in your roof, the sidings, and the gutter system. Problems here can lead to water coming in and staining and damaging your inner walls, ceilings, and other wooden parts. If left unattended, this can even lead to leaks that can cause slips and short-circuits. Here’s the New York Times with a comprehensive checklist for home exterior maintenance.
Rake those dead leaves
There’s no avoiding the mountain of dead leaves that fall always brings. Not only do these leaves nullify the otherwise perfect aesthetic of your lawn, but a thick bed of these will also smother your grass and potentially kill them. These leaves also invite the growth of mold on your turf. On an unusually dry and warm day, they can even become fire hazards. It can be tedious to do, but raking dead leaves as they fall is the right decision to make sure that everything is clear, clean, and safe.
Have your HVAC system serviced
This has to be done at least once every year. The HVAC system must work in prime condition the whole year round because heating and cooling are among the most significant contributors to increasing power bills. They also raise your household’s carbon footprint. Not to mention that it’s one of the most expensive systems to replace if it breaks down. Make sure you have this system checked and cleaned so that it keeps working well.
Home maintenance is a chore, in every sense of the word. But it’s something that needs to be done regularly to avoid costly repairs and safety risks. Keep your home, your family, and yourself safe by following these home maintenance tips.
