Homeownership is a rewarding experience. It’s a place to make memories, entertain friends and family, and relax after a long day. But along with the many perks of owning a home comes responsibility. Namely, the responsibility to keep your home in good condition. This can seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into manageable pieces, it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. This article will explore different home maintenance projects you can tackle to keep your home in tip-top shape and save money.
1. Routine Cleaning and Upkeep
Routine cleaning and upkeep are the bread and butter of home maintenance. This includes vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and taking out the trash. These tasks might not seem like much, but they’re important for keeping your home clean and comfortable.
In addition to routine cleaning, you should also be on the lookout for any potential problems around your home. This could include things like leaks, cracks in walls or ceilings, or loose tiles. If you catch these problems early, you can often fix them before they become bigger and more expensive repairs.
2. Service Your HVAC Unit
Did you know HVAC systems that are regularly maintained last 40% longer? Unfortunately, only about 42% of homeowners hire a professional to maintain their air conditioner. If you don’t have your unit serviced, it could lead to a total system breakdown, costing you hundreds – even thousands – of dollars in repairs.
During the maintenance visit, your technician will:
- Change the filters
- Check the Freon level and recharge if necessary
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check the electrical components and wiring
- Inspect the unit for leaks
- Clean the evaporator coils
- Inspect the blower motor
- Test the thermostat
While you may be tempted to skip this expense, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance will save you money in the long run.
However, your HVAC system will eventually need to be replaced even with proper maintenance. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, the average AC unit lasts up to 20 years, so if yours is getting up there, it may be time to start shopping for a new one.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters play an important role in keeping your home in tip-top shape. Not only do they help to keep water away from your foundation, but they also protect your roof and siding from damage.
Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis is a crucial part of home maintenance, but it’s one that many homeowners neglect. If you let your gutters get too full, they can start to pull away from your home, leading to serious damage.
If you’re not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean your gutters, you can hire a professional to do it for you. Just be sure to get an estimate before having any work done.
4. Roof Repair and Maintenance
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Having a professional inspect your roof regularly is the best way to catch any problems early.
If you do have some damage to your roof, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring a roof problem can lead to more serious issues, like water damage to your home’s interior.
If the damage is too extensive, you should consider replacing your roof. In any case, roof replacement is already becoming increasingly essential as structures built 25 to 50 years ago start to lose their structural integrity. Ensure you reach out to a local roofer to get an estimate for any repair or replacement work that you may need.
5. Inspect Your Home’s Foundation
Your home’s foundation is one of the most important parts of your house, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Inspecting your foundation regularly can help you catch any problems early.
If you do find any cracks or damage to your foundation, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring foundation problems can lead to serious issues, like water damage and structural problems.
Following these home maintenance tips will help you keep your home in good condition and save money in the long run. Be sure to stay on top of these tasks, and you’ll be able to enjoy your home for years to come.
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