It’s no secret that taking care of a home is difficult, especially if you’re new to homeownership. There’s a lot to keep track of, and it doesn’t help that everything seems to be on different maintenance schedules. Knowing how to manage your home comes with time, but we might be able to help get you there a little faster. Here are some important home maintenance tasks you might be skipping that could cost you in the long run with further neglect.
Snaking Your Drains
Plumbing problems aren’t just annoying to deal with; they can also cost you a lot of money. Your drains—whether they’re in the shower, sinks, or toilets—can easily get clogged up over time. These clogs can wreak serious havoc on your pipes if you don’t take care of the issue. You can snake your drain yourself, but for truly deep or tough clogs, you’ll need a drain expert to help you out.
Cleaning the Refrigerator Coils
The coils near the bottom of your refrigerator are essential to the appliance properly functioning. Unfortunately, because fridges are low to the ground and tend to be jammed up close to a wall, they can pick up a lot of dust over time. Having all this dust near the coils isn’t just dangerous; it can also cause your refrigerator to break down. A quick vacuuming will make sure the fridge stays functional.
Replacing HVAC Filters
The last thing you want is for your heating or cooling system to go down on you. That’s why regularly replacing your HVAC filters is a home maintenance task you don’t want to skip over. If you use your HVAC system throughout the year, you’ll want to replace the filters every year or so. Go any longer than that and you risk your HVAC breaking down.
Maintaining the Roof and Gutters
Your roof is your house’s first line of defense against the elements, and it can sometimes take a real beating. You want to periodically check your roof for any damage, especially after big storms or days with high winds. Your gutters also play a crucial role in preventing water from leaking into your house. Cleaning them out in between seasons is a good idea to prevent them from clogging.
Sealing Gaps and Cracks
Over time, your house can settle into itself and the ground on which it sits. This can lead to the house shifting slightly, which can then cause cracks or gaps to form in key areas. If your house has a crack in its foundation, you want to call for a professional’s help right away. Furthermore, gaps in the walls and around doors and windows can allow outside air to get inside, causing you to waste money as your HVAC works harder to maintain the right temperature. You can fix these kinds of gaps with simple caulking or fillers.
