Busy schedules often make it difficult to tend to routine home maintenance chores. But these home checkups can help your home to operate more efficiently, keep you safe and even save you from expensive repairs and replacements. Here are five home maintenance tasks that you should have on your annual list of things-to-do.
Clean Out the Gutters
Your gutter system is an important feature in directing water away from your home. Take a close look at how your gutters are functioning. Make any small repairs that may be needed. Clean out the debris and leaves, so rain can flow freely through the system and away from your home’s foundation.
Empty Out Your Dryer Vents
If your home is like the average family’s, the washer and dryer are working for many hours during the week. During these hours, lint is building up and will eventually block your system, leading to a fire and damage to your home. If you clean your dryer vent system, both inside and the outside vent, you will lower risk of dangerous dryer fires.
Check Your Alarm Systems
You should also do an annual check of your fire and carbon dioxide alarm systems. These systems can ensure that you are alerted to sudden problems that can arise and can even save your life. Change the batteries in your fire alarm. Make sure your carbon dioxide alarm clean and free of dust. If you suspect a problem, replace the unit, so you are fully protected.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected and Repaired
Families depend on their HVAC system to keep them comfortable during cold months and warmer weather. You can extend the life of your heating and air-conditioning system by calling a qualified professional in to do a thorough inspection and take care of any A/C repairs the system might need. This action can help to avoid those inconvenient breakdowns that sometimes occur.
Check Your Windows
Do a thorough inspection of your windows. Check for gaps and poor fitting that can let hot air inside your home in the summer and cold air in during the winter months. Replacing your windows can often be a worthwhile investment, improving your home’s value and saving your money. But even caulking older windows can help to save on energy, all year long.
These simple actions can save you time, money and trouble throughout the year. Your annual home maintenance checks will ensure that you are ready for the changes of seasons and all your family’s indoor activities. Take a few moments to tend to these chores, and you can spend the rest of the time, enjoying your home.