4 Things to Change in Your Home to Reduce Maintenance

Buying a house of your own seems like a big decision. The satisfaction is unparalleled. But lest you think the initial purchase is the trickiest part, you will soon realize otherwise. As a homeowner, maintenance is a considerable expense for you. It comes up every few months in seemingly unassuming spots around the house.

A 2023 survey conducted by Real Estate Witch found that 90 percent of homeowners reported feeling unprepared for the additional costs of maintaining their properties. Almost 73 percent of the respondents said they regretted buying their home because of the expensive upkeep costs.

Some expenses are inevitable, such as storm or hurricane damage repairs. However, changing a few things around the house can reduce maintenance expenses considerably. Let us identify four of these areas.

1. The Filters of Your Air Conditioner

How often do you change the filters of your AC?

It may not seem urgent if your AC successfully cools the house and keeps everyone comfortable. But filters can get dirty quickly, with dust accumulating in thick layers.

This buildup clogs and overheats your system when you don’t change the filters frequently. Eventually, your HVAC system starts malfunctioning and incurs hefty repair bills. Dirty filters can also worsen dust allergies in the family and irritate pets. You could face medical bills in addition to home maintenance.

According to WebMD, you should change the AC filters once every quarter. It can reduce the incidence of breathing problems, especially if someone in the house suffers from chronic lung conditions.

Note that filters with a higher MERV rating may need changing less frequently as they can hold debris for long periods. It stands for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of the product.

However, you should ensure a balance between filter quality and airflow. Opting for an MERV rating between 6 and 8 is usually a safe bet.

2. Gutters With Seams

Water damage is another area incurring significant expenses for homeowners. The problem has become more frequent due to the wrath of climate change. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused torrential rain and winds in several parts of South Carolina. Many neighborhoods in Greenville were flooded. The resulting need for home repairs was nerve-wracking.

Considering that situations like these may become more common, homeowners should consider upgrading their gutters to avoid long-term damage. Faulty or clogged gutters can impair your home’s foundation and trigger invasive mold growth. You may also experience flooding in your basement and problems related to malodor and dampness.

If your house has gutters with seams, the chance of debris accumulation is higher. Moreover, more joints translate into more spots for clogging, which requires frequent maintenance and cleaning.

On the other hand, gutters without seams have a smoother interior surface and a lower probability of clogging. For example, seamless gutters in Greenville SC can prevent leaves and other debris from building up after floods, ensuring smooth water flow.

Apart from the design, it is crucial to check the installation of your gutters to prevent frequent problems. SureFlow Gutters recommends checking for accurate alignment, proper fit, and strategic positioning to direct rainwater away.

3. Paints Without UV Resistance

Nothing dampens your spirits like bubbling or crumbling paint. As a homeowner, you probably delight in beholding your lovingly created home. Shoddy paint jobs can take the fun out of it and cause stress about yet another redecoration.

Exterior paint often starts deteriorating faster because of prolonged exposure to natural elements. You may notice patchiness and fading after incessant rainfall or a particularly hot summer. One reason for this is picking paints without UV resistance. They may be cheaper upfront but lack UV absorbers or UV-resistant polymers, like acrylic urethanes. It makes them prone to paint failure.

Consider using UV-resistant paint the next time you plan a home renovation. Future Market Insights observes that the acrylic polymer market is growing rapidly due to rising demand for durability and gloss retention. Water-based acrylic polymer paints are also more eco-friendly than solvent-based options.

4. Plumbing Loopholes

Plumbing problems are a perpetual headache for many homeowners. It seems like you spend a significant amount every month fixing leaky faucets and unclogging drains in the bathroom. Why not take proactive steps to prevent these problems from springing up so often?

For starters, you should always keep your drains clear. Hair is the usual culprit behind clogged drains and showers. We recommend involving every family member in this somewhat yucky but essential activity after their daily baths. It is worth noting that chemical drain cleaners are not a silver bullet: some have harsh agents that can corrode piping components.

Similar guidelines apply to your toilet. Perhaps the little ones in the household have yet to learn proper flushing etiquette. Some kids love experimenting with flushing things down the drain. They find it exciting, but you are looking at yet another emergency call to the plumber.

Another idea is to set up a water softener if your home is in a neighborhood with exceptionally hard water. Mineral deposits in the water supply can cause piping issues over time.

They say change is the one permanent thing in our world. For homeowners, a few strategic changes can extend the optimal life of various home appliances and systems. Their impact may not be permanent, but you will undoubtedly find maintenance bills go down gradually.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

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How Weather Can Impact Your Construction Timeline

3 Ways Property Owners Can Handle Vacation Rental Emergencies Effectively

Evolving Sustainable Roofing: Emerging Trends and Innovative Solutions

Custom Outdoor Living: How Deck Builders Bring Your Vision to Life

Understanding the Causes of Water Damage in Walls and How to Prevent Them

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