Title: Essential Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Introduction
As a real estate agent, I’ve witnessed countless homeowners who take pride in their properties. However, maintaining your home’s value and ensuring its longevity requires more than just occasional cleaning and minor fixes. To help you keep your home in top shape, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on home maintenance tips, including when to call in professionals and what you can handle yourself.
1. Home Systems Maintenance
a. Heating and Cooling Systems
– Frequency: Bi-Annually and Annually
– Be sure to change the filters in your system at least 2 times a year. Take a picture of your filter sizes and save it on the phone so you always know the size of the filter you need to buy. A professional HVAC technician should inspect and service your heating and cooling systems annually. During the colder months, pay special attention to the maintenance of your HVAC system. Replacing dirty filters helps improve indoor air quality and the system run more efficiently. When autumn arrives, turn off your outdoor faucets and winterize your system paying special attention to having any inground sprinklers blown out. This includes cleaning filters, checking for leaks, and ensuring the system operates efficiently.
b. Plumbing
– Frequency: Regularly
– As a significant part of house maintenance, homeowners should regularly inspect for leaks, discoloration drips, unusual noises or other changes that could indicate wear or corrosion. These can include things like discoloration on metal pipes; cracking or crimping of plastic, PEX or polymer parts; deposits or rust-like buildup; frayed metal or discoloration on braided supply hoses. If you spot any of these issues, consider proactively replacing the part or calling a professional for assistance. If needed, clean slow-running drains to help prevent a major backup. Make sure toilets aren’t running constantly, as this may cost you more money, waste water and may be damaging to septic systems. Replace worn-out hoses and consider a professional plumber for more complex issues. Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases and make repairs as needed. To help avoid mold or mildew buildup, scrub bathroom tile and grout with your preferred cleaning product at least once per month. During the winter months, keep your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to prevent the home from getting too cold. Open cabinet doors to let heat in where the pipes are and let the faucet drip to protect pipes.
c. Electrical Systems
– Frequency: Annually
– An annual electrical inspection by a licensed electrician can identify potential hazards, such as overloaded circuits or frayed wires.
2. Interior Maintenance
a. Home Safety
– Frequency: Regularly
– Take precautions to make sure your home is safe and that you have supplies on hand in case there’s a storm or other event that leads to a power outage. Test your security system to make sure that it’s properly functioning. Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers to confirm they’re ready in the event of an emergency.
b. Painting
– Frequency: Every 5-10 years
– Repaint interior walls and ceilings every 5-10 years to refresh your home’s appearance. Touch up as needed in high-traffic areas.
c. Flooring
– Frequency: As needed
– Regularly clean and vacuum carpets, and polish or refinish hardwood floors as required. Repair or replace damaged tiles or laminate flooring promptly.
d. Appliances
– Frequency: As needed
– Maintain and clean appliances regularly, following manufacturer instructions. Address issues promptly to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Clean your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to help prevent clogs or leaks, and replace water filters in your refrigerator as needed. If your refrigerator has an ice machine or water dispenser, check the hose between the wall and the refrigerator to determine if it is pinched or stressed. Also look for signs of leaking or wear and tear.
e. Smoke Detectors and CO Alarms
– Frequency: Monthly
– Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually. Replace units every 10 years.