Photo by Anete Lusina
Many people find themselves guilty when it comes to putting off their home maintenance routine.
A clogged gutter can eventually lead to costly water damage. Chipped paint can cause the wood to rot. Dirty filters can cut short the lifespan of your air conditioning unit or furnace. These minor problems only require simple fixes. However, they will eventually become complicated and require more costly repairs without immediate attention.
When it comes to home maintenance, it is just a matter of keeping an eye out for minor fixes and making sure that they do not turn into expensive repairs.
Turn your guilt into action and make a big difference with these super simple home maintenance tips!
- Check for Signs of Critters
Check the interior and exterior of your home for any signs of pests. Inspect any suspected entry points where pests can potentially break in. Critters, such as squirrels, can enter your attic through roofing problems. Contact a professional pest control company that offers services for squirrel removal in Toronto. Detecting animal or pest issues as early as possible makes it easier to address and prevent potential infestation problems.
- Clear the Drains
If you notice any slow drains in your home, be sure to address them immediately before they become clogged. Use clog remover tools or snake a clogged drain using a wire hanger to remove the blockage. Never use a drain cleaning agent as it contains harsh chemicals that can damage the drain pipe. You can also call in a licensed plumber for a drain service in New Tecumseth.
- Clean the Gutters
Gutter maintenance should be done at least every 6 months, or as the seasons change. Accumulation of debris can prevent the water from flowing free through the gutters, which can result in water damage. Experts recommend cleaning the gutters every spring and fall. Remove muck, seal any cracks, and replace damaged gutters whenever necessary.
- Change the Direction of Your Ceiling
Home maintenance experts also advise homeowners to change the rotation of their ceiling face twice a year. It helps reduce the strain on your HVAC systems. When a ceiling fan runs properly during the winter, you will save up to 10% on your heating bill. Adjusting the fan’s direction enables you to change the movement of the air.
Rotate the direction of the ceiling fan counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air down. Most fans allow you to adjust the rotation by using the directional switch on the motor. Simply reverse the switch to change into a clockwise rotation during winter.
- Clean Out the Exhaust Fan
Exhaust fans help eliminate unpleasant odours and moisture from your home. However, the buildup of dust can prevent the fan from doing its job efficiently, increasing the risk of mould growth in your home. Remove and clean your kitchen and bathroom fans once a year to ensure they run and function smoothly.
- Flush Out the Water Heater
Plumbing professionals also recommend flushing out the water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup and ensure the optimum function of the water heating appliance.
- Check the Filters
Clogged furnace and AC filters not only reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system but also spread allergens and other pollutants in your home. Be sure to check the condition of your filters. Replace dark and mucky filters ASAP.
- Spruce Up the Fireplace
Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning services annually to prevent the buildup of creosote, a flammable byproduct of wood burning. Not only it is a fire hazard, but it also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Re-Caulk Windows
Drafty doors and windows can increase your energy bill, sucking money right out of your budget. To conserve energy, inspect the weatherproofing strip and caulk around windows and doors. When dried and crumbled, reapply the caulk.
- Keep Sump Pump Running
When the snow starts to melt, it can potentially flood your basement. Before the year (or winter) ends, be sure that your sump pump runs efficiently and is up to performing its job. Contact a technician for an annual sump pump inspection and maintenance.
- Touch Up Exterior Paint
When it comes to selling your house, most potential buyers judge the book by its cover. Touching up the exterior paint of your home helps not only boost its curb appeal but also its market value. Repainting the entire exterior also provides extra protection against moisture, keeping wood rot at bay. Experts real estate agents at jamesjennrealestate.com state that touching up the exterior paint job helps increase ROI at resale.
