Home maintenance is one of those things that is easy to put off for another time. You tell yourself that you’re going to get around to it eventually, but if you’re not careful, serious damage can be done to your home if you don’t keep up with your duties as a homeowner.
Regular upkeep of your home can add significant value and can save you from racking up hefty repair bills. If you’re someone that is easily distracted, it would be a smart idea to follow a simple seasonal checklist for home maintenance.
So if you need a strategy to stay on top of home maintenance, here’s the simplest way to keep your home in good condition.
Check Your Filters
It takes a great deal of energy to run air through the various vents of your home. If you don’t have an efficient filter installed, it can put a great deal of strain on your central air unit. Make sure to replace your air filters on a frequent basis.
While it depends on your personal situation, it is recommended to have your air filter replaced every 90 days.
Inspect Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the hardest working units in your home, so it should be inspected thoroughly. It is recommended by most home experts that you should do a yearly check on your home’s water heater. If you notice frequently leaks, consider consulting with a plumber or water heater installation expert.
Test Smoke/Carbon Dioxide Detectors
This is a simple, but important task. Simply press the test button that is frequently found on your detectors. If the alarm sounds good, then you’re fine, if not, make sure to replace the batteries immediately and check again.
Test Your Garage Door
It is important for your safety to check the auto-reverse feature on your garage door. Test every month by placing a 2×4 below where the garage door falls. If your garage door doesn’t reverse when it hits the wood, then you need repair work done.
Other Tasks
- Inspect the water level of your steam system.
- Clean the filter on the interior of wall-mounted heat pumps.
- Clean the range-hood filter.
- Wash and rinse the clothes-dryer lint screen.
- Check air intakes for insect blockages and debris.
- Inspect, clean, and lubricate at least one major appliance per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Your home is your biggest investment – treat it as such. Make sure to follow this guide to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape.