Schedule maintenance and save money Most people know that engine oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. Preventive maintenance of key components in your home is just as important, but not many homeowners know what to do and when. Fortunately, HomeKeeper can help you with that. If your property has trees, have it inspected by a certified arborist, who can check for signs of disease or dead branches and detect problems before they worsen and kill a tree.
The untrained eye could miss signs of damage, and a dead or dying tree poses a safety hazard to you, your home and neighboring properties. Even if you don't use the fireplace regularly, the chimney still needs a regular check. A chimney transports hazardous gases from the chimney, wood stove, or oven out of the house, helping to keep indoor air breathable. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, your chimney should be inspected annually and cleaned periodically depending on how often you use it.
Once the leaves fall, call your gutter company to clean and inspect them. Any repairs that need to be made to gutters or downspouts must be done before winter arrives. Your workers should also inspect the roof for loose or broken shingles. Schedule work before heavy snow, which could leave leaves and debris frozen in gutters, faucets and hoses.
Before the first freeze, drain and turn off the outdoor faucets so they don't freeze. Roll up your hoses and store them for the winter. Maintain your oven and its ducts. A clean system will be more energy efficient and an inspection will alert you to problems.
Check and replace air filters, as needed. Test the thermostat to make sure it works properly. Make sure that the heating vents are open and that nothing is blocking them. If you didn't clean or inspect your chimney in spring, call a chimney sweep now and do it before you start using the chimney or oven.
Clothes dryers cause 2,900 fires a year, and many fires occur in the fall and winter, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Lint is a major culprit, so have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned annually by an HVAC specialist who specializes in dryer ducts or vents. Systems, structures and appliances wear out over time.
While regular inspections are a great way to fix problems and avoid large, unexpected bills for home repairs, “there are also preventative steps you can take to keep things running smoothly,” Collins says. Electricians advise homeowners to “exercise their circuit breakers annually” by turning them off and on again to help prevent corrosion and extend the life of the device. If you see something that causes you to pause, such as worn wires, a spark, or a circuit that goes out frequently, call an electrician. Homes require internal and external maintenance with regular cleanings and inspections to ensure everything is safe and functional.
Seasonal maintenance is adapted to climatic and usage needs, such as raking leaves and closing the pool. Appliances and utilities must be inspected and repaired throughout the life of your home. Like a regular medical checkup, a home maintenance schedule is important for the maintenance of every home. Continuing to check the exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money and keep your home looking its best.
Use this home maintenance checklist to schedule updates, repairs, cleaning, and some monthly seasonal tasks. Review the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in optimal operating condition. If any of your home repairs and maintenance go beyond your skill level or lead to more complicated projects, consider hiring a professional to help you. Home maintenance is a skill that many first-time homebuyers learn after moving for the first time, and a home maintenance checklist helps you stay up to date.
Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance program on track and will be easier to manage. When the sun rises and the warm weather is finally here to stay, the last thing you need to worry about is the maintenance of the house. These home maintenance tasks will prepare your home for moving day so you can enjoy a clean and happy home. From self-made inspections to simple preventive measures, here's a practical guide to keeping your home in perfect condition.
Follow a proper home maintenance checklist to keep your new home and appliances clean and extend the life of your new home and appliances. As unexciting as it sounds, preventive maintenance will save you a lot of frustration and headaches (and coincidentally, time and money). In many regions, fall is the perfect season for tackling general home maintenance projects because the climate is generally dry and temperatures are moderate. Although discrete, windows play an important role and therefore deserve regular preventive maintenance.
Close all outdoor valves and water sprinklers before the first frost of the season to prevent pipes from breaking and being damaged. The key to not having to shell out a lot of money to completely replace or repair parts of your home is to simply perform regular maintenance. . .
