Take care of your home now to save money later

 

April 2021

Take Care of Your Home Now to Save Money Later

For most of us, our homes are our most valuable asset. Regular maintenance can save you money in the future. Wouldn’t you rather spend money on a new bathroom than taking care of water damage caused by a leak or appliance failure? Like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other automobile maintenance, a house benefits from regular attention.

While many things can go wrong with your house, these are some of the common problem areas to keep an eye on.

Flush your water heater
If you have a conventional tanked water heater, sediment and minerals can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. (This is often indicated by a “popping” sound coming from your water heater.) While the sound itself is harmless, the build-up can eventually cause a leak or damage to the heating element or other parts. Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year, but more frequency could be required depending on your water composition.

If you have a tankless water heater, check your water conditioner to see if it needs replacement. If you find you do not have a water conditioner, be sure to get one as soon as possible, or your water heater could be damaged by hardened mineral deposits called limescale. Limescale build-up causes a tankless water heater’s heat exchanger to work harder than it should to bring the cool water entering the unit to the desired hot temperature. Eventually, the heat exchanger will overheat due to the increased workload. In many cases, an error code is triggered, and the unit will be automatically shut down. A repair or service may be required to get the tankless water heater operating again.

Have your furnace and air conditioner maintained
Annual professional maintenance will help lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Regular changing of your furnace filters will not only improve the air quality in your home but also help your system run more efficiently and help prevent costly repairs. How often you need to change them depends on several factors, including your HVAC system’s usage and the type and size of the filter used. A good rule of thumb is every three months, or when it is dirty. Replacing a standard fiberglass filter with a pleated filter will provide better overall air quality as their increased surface area picks up more debris and pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, dirt, and dust. While they are more expensive, they don’t need to be replaced as often, and over time, they will be less expensive. Additionally, pleated air filters can be recycled, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

Keep gutters clear of debris
Gutters are designed to guide water from your roof and away from the foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters will help prevent water damage to the foundation, roof, and walls. It eliminates a nesting place for pests that can cause damage to your home (such as mice) or annoy you in your yard (like mosquitos). Overflowing gutters can also cause damage to your landscaping from misdirected water. Be cautious when cleaning or inspecting your gutters and practice ladder safety. Gutter screens can be installed to eliminate the majority of the debris. Gutters will still need to be checked once a year.

Inspect your deck
These are just a few of the areas on your deck that should be checked: deck boards should not warp or sag, flashing should be tight and undamaged (replace damaged flashing, especially in any areas where water is accumulating), tighten all loose fasteners, and pound in loose nails, and check that railings and handrails on stairs are tight and secure. A wood deck should be cleaned and sealed every 2-3 years. Ensure all debris is removed from the cracks, as it can damage the deck framing over time. If you have any concerns, make sure to have a professional inspect your deck as there are some problems only a professional will catch.

Check the exterior
Make a visual inspection of the exterior of your home and look for any problems. Are there foundation cracks or other holes or damage? Is siding loose, or are there gaps in the exterior, especially around windows and doors? All gaps should be sealed to prevent rodents from entering your home. Take a look at the roof (from the ground!) to inspect for any visible damage. If it appears there may be damage, hire a professional to address the problem. Don’t attempt to get up on the roof yourself.

Other safety checks
Many other items should be checked regularly to ensure the home is safe and efficient, including your dryer vent, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, garage door auto-reverse feature, water softener, and sump pump.

 

Home Maintenance Check List by Season

Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance schedule is vital for every house’s upkeep. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule your seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning, along with a handful of monthly tasks. Revisit the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in prime working condition. If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to more complicated repairs, consider hiring a professional to help.

SPRING

  • Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles, flashing, and leaks
  • Change the air-conditioner filter
  • Clean window and door screens
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Replace burnt-out bulbs
  • Clean and seal the deck
  • Power-wash windows and siding
  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
  • Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or invest in 10-year detectors and replace every 10 years
  • Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank
  • Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
  • Vacuum lint from dryer vent
  • Inspect chimney for damage. Check that spark arrestor is in place and secure
  • Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals
  • Check sprinkler heads and drip emitters. Clean drip filters
  • Service air-conditioning system
  • Drain or flush water heater or check tankless water heater and assure it has a conditioner

SUMMER

  • Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges
  • Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents
  • Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter
  • Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
  • Check dishwasher for leaks
  • Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and toilets for leaks
  • Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers and aerators if needed
  • Seal tile grout
  • Prune trees and shrubs away from structures

FALL

  • Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
  • Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins
  • Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues
  • Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary
  • Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models
  • Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint
  • Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
  • Power-wash windows and siding
  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
  • Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. Seal if needed
  • Have your fireplace professionally inspected
  • Tune up major home appliances before the holidays
  • Repair or replace siding
  • Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace detectors every 10 years
  • Clean the carpets
  • Clean window and door screens
  • Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
  • Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks
  • Check for frayed cords and wires
  • Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages
  • Check water heater for leaks


WINTER

  • Cover your air-conditioning unit
  • Check basement for leaks
  • Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms
  • Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill
  • Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
  • Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers

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