Home maintenance is a necessary part of homeownership that includes regular cleaning tasks and inspections. Homeowners who stay on top of these responsibilities can prevent problems from occurring, save money and increase their property value.
Preventing issues like a frozen pipe or an overflowing gutter can keep homeowners from paying for costly service calls. Following this checklist can help people stay on track to maintain their homes properly.
Check the Heating System
A home’s heating system can impact its energy efficiency and safety. Unusual smells, moisture, and inconsistent heating can indicate a problem that requires prompt attention to avoid fire hazards or carbon monoxide leaks.
Professional inspections can catch problems before they become serious. They can include checks of the heat exchanger and fuel lines, ensuring that they are properly sealed.
Maintaining airflow is also essential. Checking and regularly replacing air filters prevents clogging and allows warm air to circulate freely.
Inspect the Roof
The roof is the first line of defense against harsh weather and outside elements. Often, structural damage occurs before most people are able to notice a problem.
A qualified inspector will look for sagging, leaks and other signs of damage throughout the entire roof system. He or she will also check the condition of the soffit, fascia and gutters.
In addition, a certified inspector will inspect the vent pipes, roof vents and media installations for proper sealing. He or she will also evaluate the condition of roof flashing.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters trap leaves and debris that prevent water from flowing down the roof and away from the house. This can cause damage to shingles, fascia and the foundation of your home.
Gutter cleaning should be done regularly, at least twice per year. If you don’t feel confident climbing a ladder and cleaning the gutters yourself, consider calling in professional services. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. Also, hiring a pro can help you avoid a potential fall from the ladder and injury.
Check the Water Heater
A malfunctioning water heater can be a major safety risk, and water damage caused by a defective unit is one of the most common homeowner policy claims. Regular maintenance checks for gas leaks and inspecting the pressure relief valve can prevent safety issues and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
You should also check the temperature and pressure settings to ensure they are correct. Water temperatures should be set no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and save energy.
Check the Electrical System
A professional can help ensure your electrical wiring is up to par and safely accommodates the number of appliances, technological devices, and lights in your home. They’ll look for frayed wires, faulty outlets and switches, brown or black marks on cover plates, and other signs of wear.
Breakers that frequently trip, outlets that are hot to the touch, and other issues can be caused by overloaded circuits or old wiring. Addressing these problems early can save you a lot of headache and expense down the road.
Check the Vent Hood Filter
The filters on your vent hood should be cleaned regularly to prevent blockage from grease. You can do this yourself by soaking them in hot water mixed with a degreaser, and then scrubbing them clean.
Keeping the filter and exterior of the vent hood free from grease helps to reduce fire hazards in the kitchen and improves air quality throughout the house. This is one of the important home maintenance tasks that many homeowners often forget to perform.
Change the Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, but only if they’re working. Most smoke and CO detectors are battery-powered, and the batteries need to be replaced annually (unless they use sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years). They can either be hardwired into a home’s wiring (requiring professional installation) or plugged into an outlet.
March 10, or Check Your Batteries Day, is dedicated to highlighting the importance of this often-overlooked home maintenance task. The observance is important because it encourages proactive safety.