Proactive maintenance is essential in preserving the value of your home. Without home maintenance services, your home will degrade in comfort, appearance, and value, warns Haas Properties.
Here are some statistics that underscore the importance of staying on top of repairs and essential maintenance.
- Water damage costs an average of $2,386 to fix, and removing standing water at an average reported cost of $2,688.
- According to Home Advisor, the national average for foundation repair is $4,436, with some homeowners paying as much as $10,000.
- According to Fixr, it costs anywhere between $50 for animal removal and $1,200 for termite eradication and repair.
- The average appliance repair cost in the US is $201, according to Home Advisor.
- The Daily Green reports that nearly 85% of US homes are equipped with air conditioning systems that cost an average of $375 in electricity annually – more than 15% of the average home’s annual energy bill.
To prevent these expensive repairs, home maintenance is a must. Here are eight maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape.
Seal Leaky Doors And Windows
Sealing leaky doors and windows helps prevent heat from seeping. To check for these leaks, look at the plastic seals around your windows and doors. Do they look withered? If so, they could be costing you money. Fix them.
Keep Your Gutters In Top Condition
Replacing gutters can be expensive. Gutters often get clogged with dirt and dried leaves. This can cause them to break or overflow. Start by cleaning the gutter near a downspout. To clean your gutters, use a towel to remove the debris. You could also use a hose to flush the gutter lengths.
Bleed Your Radiators Annually
This is a great tip that was provided by Real Property Management Services. Bleeding radiators are when you let out air that gets trapped inside. Trapped air reduces efficiency as it causes the radiators to have cold spots. To bleed a radiator, find the bleeding valve and release it. You should hear air seeping out. Tighten the valve when the sound stops.
Regularly Clean Refrigerator Coils
Cleaning refrigerator coils helps keep your electricity bill down. To clean your refrigerator coils, Unplug your refrigerator and remove the cover panel. Then, use the long, flat crevice tool on your vacuum to clean the coils and interior surfaces. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to work the grime away without forcing it.
Clean Your Chimneys Yearly
Cleaning chimneys help avoid dangers that may arise due to accumulated smoke. Also, a buildup of dirt, bird nests, or objects that end up in your chimney can easily catch fire and burn your house down.
To clean your chimney, do the following: start at the top by brushing the flue, working your way down the chimney until you don’t feel any resistance against the brush. Make sure you protect yourself by wearing goggles and a respirator throughout the process. Once the ash has settled, vacuum the fireplace.
Make Sure Your Fire Extinguisher Is Working
This doesn’t, however, doesn’t mean you need to set it off. According to Allstate, make sure:
- You are documenting your inspections.
- There’s no damage to the extinguisher.
- The pressure gauge is within normal parameters.
- The safety seals are intact.
- The fire extinguisher is accessible.
Replace The Batteries In Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace and be safe! This is a simple task to provide protection and valuable time for your family’s security. According to experts, smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every ten years.
Protect Yourself Against Termites
Everyone knows that termites can cause damage to homes and other wooden structures. Without proper caution, you may find out your entire home’s foundation has rotted away, or you could find yourself falling through your porch.
Termites love the basement, as they can’t survive sunlight. To kill them:
- Use orange oil or vinegar.
- Introduce parasitic roundworms into the termite colony
- Use a termite trap
- Expose the termite colony to sunlight
In the words of Benjamin Franklin: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Use these eight maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape and help avoid costly repairs.
