Whether your home is small and simple or expansive and high-tech, routine maintenance is essential. Regular upkeep keeps your living environment safe and preserves your home’s value. Incorporating annual money-saving tasks ensures your home remains in excellent shape year-round.
Check Your Roofs
Roof damage can escalate quickly if not addressed early. Loose or missing shingles may lead to leaks, causing significant interior damage. Annually, conduct a visual inspection of your roof. Look for signs like curling, cracked, or missing shingles. If you spot any issues, consider hiring a professional for a more thorough inspection.
Clean Gutters
Leaves and debris can clog your gutters. It can prevent proper water drainage and cause it to pool on your roof. This can lead to leaks and damage. Make sure to clean your gutters, especially after the fall season. This ensures your water flows freely and away from your house, protecting your roof and walls.
Inspect HVAC System
Schedule an annual professional inspection of your heating, cooling, and ventilation system. Clean the ducts, or replace the filters every few months to prevent dust and dirt from straining the system. This helps in prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC unit and ensures it operates more efficiently.
Repair and Paint Siding
Your home’s exterior endures a lot throughout the year. To keep your siding in top condition, inspect it annually for cracks, holes, and warping. Repair any damage promptly and apply a fresh coat of paint every one to two years to project and maintain its appearance.
Clean Dryer Exhaust Duct
Lint buildup in your dryer exhaust duct can hinder efficiency and pose a fire hazard. Ideally, clean the duct more than once a year. If accessible, you can do it yourself by vacuuming thoroughly. Ensure every nook and cranny is lint-free to keep your dryer functioning safely and efficiently.
Drain Water Heater
Sediment accumulation in your water heater reduces its efficiency and lifespan. Annually, drain about a quarter of the tank to remove sediment. Turn off the cold-water supply, attach a garden hose to the drain valve, and run the hose to a bucket. Be careful, as the water will still be hot.
Examine Drafts and Leaks on Windows and Doors
Securing windows and doors of your property improves your home’s heating and cooling efficiency significantly. Annually, caulk any leaks or cracks around windows and add weather stripping if necessary. Check attics, walls, and spaces around doors to ensure there are no drafts. You can save money on utility bills as a result.
Seal Decks
Protect your deck or patio from harsh winter weather by sealing it annually if you live in a wet climate. In drier regions, sealing every three years may suffice. These preventive measures help maintain the deck’s structure and appearance, prolonging its life.
Check for Termites
Termites can cause severe damage if ignored. Once a year, inspect your home for signs of termites. Search for damaged wood, mud tubes, or abandoned rings. If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control professional to protect your home from these destructive pests.
Make Driveway Repairs
Inspect your driveway for cracks, potholes, and unevenness in the spring. Repair any damage caused by winter storms or windblown debris. Addressing these issues before heaving summer use prevents potential trips and falls. This ensures the safety of your family and visitors.
Test Safety Devices
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial for safety but lose effectiveness over time. Test alarms by pressing the test button. If they do not sound, replace the batteries. Additionally, replace smoke alarms every ten years. Do the same for carbon monoxide detectors every five to seven years to ensure reliability.
Check and Refresh Caulking
Old caulking can lead to water damage and mold. Inspect caulking around bathtubs, showers, and sinks annually. If it is dry, peeling, or cracked, remove the old layer and apply a new caulk. This not only prevents water damage but also keeps your bathroom looking neat and clean.
Inspect Chimneys
Residue buildup in chimneys can increase fire risks. That is why, every year you should have a professional inspect and clean your chimney. Preferably do so before winter every year. Even if you rarely use the fireplace, checking for nests or obstructions is essential for safety.
Do Lawnmower Maintenance
Regular maintenance extends your lawnmower’s life. Clean it by removing belt guards to clear debris, replace spark plugs, change the oil, and refill with fresh gas. Inspect the blades and replace any that are dull or worn. You should also check tires for punctures and grease fittings as needed.
Test Your Well Water
Well water can be contaminated with nitrates, sulfates, or microorganisms. Make sure your well water is safe by performing an annual test every year. Many municipalities offer free water screening, or you can send samples to a lab. Regular testing helps prevent health issues from contaminated water.
Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
Dust and debris on refrigerator coils can reduce efficiency. For optional appliance performance, vacuum the coils no less than once a year. Clean coils help the refrigerator maintain the correct temperature and use less energy. This helps in saving electricity bills.
Clean Carpets
End-of-summer is ideal for cleaning carpets, as they may accumulate dirt and allergens. Vacuum, steam, and shampoo your carpets annually. Do not forget rugs- if you cannot clean them yourself, take them to a professional. The quality of indoor air and the longevity of the carpet are improved with clean carpets.
Drain Sprinkler Systems
To prevent freezing and damage, drain your sprinkler system and other outdoor water sources like ponds and fountains before winter. Water expands when frozen. It can cause dangerous explosions and destroy equipment if not properly drained.
Inspect Your Attic
Unchecked attic issues can lead to costly repairs. Inspect insulation for discoloration, matting, or dampness. It indicates leaks or condensation. Look for dusty or dirty insulation, which might signal air leaks. Seal gaps and stop heat loss with expanding foam or caulk.
Update Your Disaster Kit
Every home needs an emergency kit with essential supplies for power outages or storms. Annually check your disaster kit. Ensure items like nonperishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and maps are intact and not expired. A well-maintained kit ensures readiness for any emergency.
