Buying a home is the largest investment most people will make, yet most people are unsure on how to maintain a home. Your car comes with a nice little service manual that tells you every couple of thousand miles you do this type of service. Most homes do not come with this service manual. Here are some tips on how to maintain your home.
FALL/WINTER
Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator and the lower grille to remove all dust build up. If your unit has a drip pan, clean that out and make sure the drain leading to it is free of debris.
The garbage disposal has a tough, stinky job. Use 1/4 cup baking soda, pack if full of ice cubes and let her run. Once all the ice is crushed pour boiling water down the drain and the disposal should be smelling fresh.
Add/Replace weather-stripping to doors and windows. It is also a good idea to buy a tube of caulk and caulk any gaps on the outside of your home.
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters. Check your roof for leaf build up as well. Some valleys on your roof are the perfect spot for leaves to take up residence, once this happens water build up also happens. To avoid a potential leak make sure you clean them off. Trimming trees that over hang your roof is also a good idea this time of year.
Cover up those outdoor spigots with insulated foam covers. If you live in an area that is not prone to frost it is still a good idea. Mother Nature loves to switch her mind at the last moment when it comes to weather.
If you have a basement you need to check to make sure your sump pump is working properly.
Check your heating and air ducts for any leaks, if you find a leak seal with duct tape. Vacuum all heating and air grills to avoid dusty build up. Also change your filter.
As the cold weather approaches so do the rats and mice. They want to stay warm too! If you have an infestation make sure you call the exterminator or you can exterminate them yourself. You want to make sure to rid your home completely as they can chew wiring which could start a fire.
Make sure you clean your dryer vent. This is a common area that is neglected and can pose a fire hazard if not cleaned. It is a good idea to clean every 6 months.
If you have an irrigation system you need to weatherize it to avoid water freezing in the pipes. Remove garden hoses and store them inside.
SPRING/SUMMER
Check your air conditioner to make sure it is ready to cool those hot months. You also want to change your filter every month.
Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator and the lower grille to remove all dust build up. If your unit has a drip pan, clean that out and make sure the drain leading to it is free of debris.
Wash windows and clean or repair any screens.
Check your irrigation system and water hoses not stored inside, to make sure they did not freeze over the winter.
Check your home's exterior for any signs that the paint needs to be touched up, siding needs to be tacked back, or roof shingles that have come off.
Check your ceiling fan blades to make sure you have the leading edge of the blade higher than the tailing edge of the blade to circulate that cool air around your home.
Make sure you clean your dryer vent. This is a common area that is neglected and can pose a fire hazard if not cleaned. It is a good idea to clean every 6 months.
Sharpen your lawn mower blades and tune up any lawn equipment you have.
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters. Check your roof for leaf build up as well. Some valleys on your roof are the perfect spot for leaves to take up residence, once this happens water build up also happens. To avoid a potential leak make sure you clean them off. Trimming trees that over hang your roof is also a good idea this time of year.
These simple but repetitive maintenance chores can help you extend the life of your home and save you on the service calls to the handyman or repairman.
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