Being a homeowner can be a lot of work, and many people don’t realize how much effort actually goes into maintaining the safety and comfort of your home until they actually own one themselves. From weather preparedness to indoor safety, everything that goes on under your roof is your responsibility.
Whether you’re a new homeowner who wants to do some home improvement or is just considering buying a house, you might find yourself overwhelmed when researching what types of maintenance and repair you can expect to need regularly. For anyone who needs a little guidance, read on for four easy home maintenance tips.
1. Inspect window and door sealing and weatherstripping.
It’s easy to overlook window and door maintenance when making a home improvement project list but left untreated, cracks and crevices can end up costing you money on your energy bills every month, and letting unpleasant cold drafts into your home.
If you notice that you have a problem with drafts, consider that your doors and windows may be the problem. Minor imperfections can be fixed with caulk and weatherstripping, but if you notice significant damage or are unsure how to repair a problem, hire a professional to inspect the issue for you.
2. Have your HVAC system inspected.
Even if your HVAC system is in good working order, experts recommend you have it inspected at least once per year to ensure it’s operating correctly and at peak energy efficiency. It isn’t a bad idea to have it looked at or have the filters changed in preparation for intense winters or summers either. You wouldn’t want your central air conditioner failing during a heatwave. It’s reasonable that homeowners expect their central HVAC system to provide quiet economical operation, so if your current system isn’t up to par, consider talking to an expert about repair or replacement.
HVAC systems should be replaced every ten years or so, but pay attention to signs that it may not be working properly earlier than that. If you have any concerns at all, it’s best to have a technician examine your HVAC system. An ineffective HVAC won’t be effective at providing comfort within the home, and it will also unnecessarily increase your energy costs.
3. Fix grout or caulk in tubs, showers, and other bathroom fixtures.
While grout and caulk are affordable and effective fillers, they wear down over time. Recaulking and regrouting your bathrooms and other areas in your home that use these materials is an essential chore. If left alone, they can grow mold and become both unsightly and a safety concern.
If you notice any mildew, crumbling, or peeling, you should consider touching up your grout as soon as you’re able to. Bleach solution is the easiest fix for moldy grout or caulk, but eventually, you may need a full regrouting. Recaulking should be done at least every five years.
4. Clean your gutters.
This often ends up being one of those household chores we want to outsource, which can be a good idea if you’re unfamiliar with how to effectively clean your own gutters. Ignoring clogged, cracked, or leaky gutters can lead to severe water damage to the foundation of your home that can be incredibly expensive to fix, in addition to being unsafe for you and anyone else living with you.
Maintaining your gutters regularly will save you money in the long run and avoid costly repairs. The average cost of having your gutters cleaned professionally in the United States is only about $158, so it’s not a substantial investment if you’re unable to do it yourself.
There’s no denying that it takes a lot of work and a significant investment of time to maintain a safe and happy home for you and your family members. Even these tips are only just scratching the surface of what you’ll need to keep up with as a homeowner, but it’s important to start somewhere.
Home fixtures like HVAC systems require regular maintenance to remain effective and to operate with maximum energy efficiency, so don’t neglect them when making your home improvement checklist. Even though home maintenance is often extra, and unpaid, work, you won’t regret the investment in your home comfort.
