Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. It’s not just a financial investment but an emotional one, too. Keeping up with maintenance protects your house and prevents major problems when you least expect it. Take care of your home today to keep it like new for as long as possible. Here are some tips for care some of which you can perform yourself, while others we recommend you leave to a professional.
Maintenance on your HVAC system
Your new HVAC system was fairly expensive, so you will want to keep it running well during its lifespan. Here are the things we recommend doing in order to extend the life of your AC or heater:
- Change the air filters once a month. A dirty filter puts wear and tear on your furnace. Make sure to get quality filters.
- Get a heating and air conditioning tune up in the spring and fall. Ideally, you should schedule it about four to six weeks before the season begins. Keeping your system clean will save you money on your utility bills and keep your system running longer.
- Install a programmable thermostat. You’ll cut your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away. Plus, it puts less stress on your system, again making it last longer.
Electrical services maintenance
Most people think maintenance is about aesthetics, but there are many systems that you never see in your home that should get an annual inspection. Electricity is one of those systems. You should routinely check the sockets and circuits of your home every year. Watch out for these signs that indicate you may have electrical damage:
- If you get shocked when you turn on a switch, chances are your wiring has been exposed to water.
- Do your light bulbs burn out more often than they should? If could mean that your electrical wires are damaged somewhere in your home.
- Does running one appliance cause the lights to dip? You may have a circuit problem.
Electrical wiring is not a DIY project. You should always get a professional electrician when making repairs.
Annual plumbing maintenance
It’s estimated that each person uses about 80 to 100 gallons of water each day. Just think about the amount of water that goes through your pipes each month. The plumbing system takes a lot stress. Remember these tips to keep it working properly:
- Repair leaks quickly. A leaking faucet will quickly increase your bill.
- Clean out slow drains before they turn into a major clog which will take professional help.
- Clean your faucet aerators and shower heads every year. Remove them and soak in vinegar to remove mineral deposits that form and reduce water flow.
- Get your sewer line inspected annually. Be proactive in preventing a sewer main backup. By using a video camera, your plumber can spot tree root intrusions and potential vulnerabilities in your sewer line that can be fixed before you experience a major problem.
- Flush your hot water tank annually. This prevents rust and sediment from building up, which reduces the efficiency of the tank and shortens the life of the heater.
Maintain good records
Use a home maintenance manager app to keep records about your home maintenance. Track warranties and other information so that you know whom to call when something breaks down. If you can’t reach your regular technician, you can advise the professional team who is making repairs or handling service what has been done. You can also track the expected lifespan of appliances to know when you should expect to replace them.
Investing a little time will help you experience fewer breakdowns and stay ahead of the game when it comes to the maintenance of your home. Make sure to reach out to an HVAC professional when it’s necessary and you will be able to keep your house working efficiently for many years to come.
