7 Home Maintenance Tips to Keep your Home Running Beautifully

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Along with all of the benefits that come along with owning your own home, there are some responsibilities that you’ll want to stay on top of. And, taking care of the upkeep on your home is high on that list of responsibilities. Here are seven home maintenance tips that will keep your home looking great and running efficiently.

#1 Annual Inspections

There a few different parts of your home that will benefit from annual inspection. Not only will everything be running efficiently, but you will be able to catch small repairs before they turn into expensive ones. Here are a few things that you can schedule for annual inspections.

• HVAC: At least once a year, and maybe twice, depending on your home’s layout, you’ll want to have your HVAC system inspected. It’s generally a good idea to have your furnace inspected in the fall, and the air conditioner would be inspected in early spring. Your ducts could be cleaned along with either inspection.

• Plumbing: A plumbing inspection will not only be looking at the integrity of your pipes, but they’ll also be checking the water heater, water softener, and any other major appliances that use water.

• Roof: A well-built roof constructed with quality materials should last you about 25 years. And, during that time, Mother Nature will be pounding away at it with rain, sleet, snow, and high winds, depending on where you live. An annual inspection will let you know if there are any issues with the integrity of your roof.

• Septic system: If your home has its own septic system, you’ll want to have it inspected on a yearly basis. The tank will also need to be pumped every couple of years.

#2 Take Care of Your Windows

Your windows are abused by the elements just as much as your roof, and they are much more fragile. Not only do you want to keep the glass clean and in good repair, but you need to make sure that the windows and the area around them are sealed tightly. Air gaps around windows will allow the outside air to get inside, and let your inside air escape. And, all of that airflow will make your furnace or air conditioner run more. Filling any air gaps with caulk or weatherstripping will help to seal them, or you could consider replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones.

#3 Protect Yourself From Water Damage Inside of Your Home

Water damage inside your home can be one of the most expensive and time-consuming home repairs. Here are some things to think about.

• Insulating pipes: If you live in a colder climate, and have any water pipes that are located along exterior walls, you’ll want to make sure that they are protected from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, and when the water is thawed, causing significant water damage.

• Reseal your shower: You can learn more about the mechanics of your home by talking to the professionals performing the inspections. Ask your plumber about the condition of the seals on your showers. They can, over time, erode, and allow water to seep into the surrounding walls. You can either tackle the job on your own or hire a pro to take care of it for you.

• Pay attention to your water usage: You will use a fairly regulated amount of water every day. You can usually check your water meter, or water softener, to see how many gallons of water you are using. If you see a spike in water usage, it could mean a hidden leak somewhere that could cause water damage. You’d want to get a plumber involved. They have camera scopes that can be fed through your pipes looking for defects.

#4 Don’t Put Off Painting

If your home’s exterior has any wood, it will need to be painted every few years. Painting not only keeps it looking great, but it also protects the wood from damage. It’s a good idea to paint your home before any chipping starts to stay ahead of the game.

#5 Take Care of Your Gutters

Your gutters protect the exterior of your home from any damage that could be caused from rainwater by corralling the water that falls onto your roof and directing its flow safely away from your home. Along with all of the rainwater will be leaves, small limbs, and other debris that will fall into the gutters. Having them cleaned at least once a year will keep any debris from collecting, possibly causing a blockage, that could cause damage to your home. Gutters that aren’t maintained can cause backups resulting in water damage. And if they are holding water instead of draining it through the downspouts, the extra weight can cause them to tear away from your home, causing damage.

#6 Consider an Appliance Maintenance Contract

Collectively, all of your major appliances are a big part of the financial investment in your home. Even with warranties, covered repairs will usually not include any labor costs, and will rarely cover the entire appliance. Having a maintenance contract on your appliances is a great way to keep them operating efficiently. And, you get the added benefit of fixing those minor issues before they blow up into bigger ones.

#7 Don’t Let Those Little Jobs Pile Up

It can happen easily. There’s only so much time in the day, right? And, it’s easy to put off those little jobs until later. Unfortunately, those small tasks can add up quickly. Before you know it, you will have a list of things that will take a considerable of time and effort to fix. Not to mention, minor issues won’t always stay that way if they aren’t taken care of. You’ll be managing your time, as well as your finances, by not letting those little jobs pile up.

It’s all about being proactive when it comes to taking care of your home. Don’t wait for things to happen. Instead, stay ahead of the game by making sure that they don’t happen. By keeping your home in tip-top condition, you are not only protecting its value, but you are also maintaining a comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Click the links below for any posts you may have missed!

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!   

Toodles,