There’s a reason that only 45% of homeowners say that they handle repairs as soon as they arise. Life is hectic; we’re running around town from morning until night and constantly being pulled in a thousand different directions.
In all that chaos, we forget all about home maintenance. It happens to everyone from time to time!
There’s nothing wrong with leaving a patch of worn paint or a broken cabinet door until you have time to fix it. However, there are a few items on your home maintenance checklist that need continual care to prevent major damage (both to your home and your wallet).
To learn which items should be at the top of the list on your home maintenance plan, just keep reading.
1. Keep Your HVAC Unit Clean
Your HVAC unit is one of the most expensive items in your home to repair or replace. Luckily, with regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your unit by years.
First, do a quick check of your unit every time you pass it to ensure that it’s not bogged down with leaves and other debris. If you do notice leaves, as this can damage the inside. Instead, use your hands to remove the larger pieces of debris, then a wet/dry vacuum and hose to clean it the rest of the way.
You should also get your unit cleaned and inspected by a professional at least twice a year. Most heating and air companies offer home maintenance services at an affordable rate.
2. Maintain Your Roof
It’s easy to neglect your roof, but it’s the primary protection for the rest of your home and is constantly exposed to the elements – it needs attention too! Maintaining your roof will increase its lifespan, as well as the lifespan of your HVAC unit and your home as a whole.
Never allow leaves and yard debris to build up on your roof or in your gutters. If you can’t get it down yourself, hire a professional home maintenance company to clean the roof and gutters for you.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so that they aren’t touching the house. Twigs and branches can push shingles out of place and damage the roof.
Last, get your roof inspected at least once a year by a professional roofer. Catching damage early can mean less costly repairs.
3. Protect Your Pipes
Water damage can be devastating, especially if it goes unnoticed for weeks or months because the leakage is in the walls. To prevent such a disaster, keep a close eye on your tubs, toilets, sinks, and appliances.
If you notice any dripping, running, or other malfunction, don’t wait to repair it. Pay attention to your water bill as well; a sudden spike can be a sign of a leak.
In addition, it’s important to keep your pipes in good condition. No one likes a hair clogged drain! Clean your drains monthly to prevent buildup, but do not use chemical drain cleaners.
While these will clean out your drain in minutes, they’ll also corrode your pipes. A drain snake, clog remover tool, or mix of baking soda and vinegar are much safer means of keeping your pipes in top shape.
Lower Home Maintenance Costs With These Tips
Leaking pipes, roof replacement, and HVAC repairs are three of any homeowner’s worst nightmares. And while they’re an unavoidable part of owning a home, you can lessen the frequency of repairs and put off replacement by performing regular home maintenance.
Treat your home as another member of the family! Giving your home the care and attention it needs will help it stay in the best shape possible.
Now, keep in mind that these are only three items on a long list of yearly maintenance tasks. Check out our blog to learn more about maintaining your home!
