Homeownership comes with the responsibility of keeping your investment well-maintained and in good repair. Cleaning out the gutters or unblocking the kitchen sink might not sound like the ideal way to spend your Sunday, but it pays to fix small issues around the house before they turn into bigger problems.
Home maintenance may sound daunting, especially if you are new to such matters and don’t know your spirit level from your screwdriver. Thankfully, with the guidance in this article, you will soon know how to keep your property in good shape and working order throughout the year.
Plumbing
It’s important to regularly inspect your pipework for any leaks. Check beneath your sinks for dripping water and up at your ceilings for any signs of staining or sagging. Check your home for faucets that need tightening and any leaky radiator valves or toilets.
The main reason for a leaky toilet is due to a faulty rubber flapper. This component is responsible for closing off the flush valve and draining water from the tank. Over time this can stop sealing properly, allowing water to continually pass from the tank into the bowl, indicating that the flapper needs replacing.
Freezing temperatures in the winter can lead the water within your pipes to turn to ice. As the ice expands it exerts pressure onto the pipes causing them to crack. As the ice begins to melt and the built-up pressure escapes it can burst out of your pipes causing water to flood into your house. To prevent this from happening, insulate your pipes where possible and shut off your outside water valve as winter approaches.
HVAC System
Change the filters in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system every 30 to 60 days to prevent pollutants such as dust, pollen and pet dander from spreading through your house. This will improve the air quality within your home and also ensure your HVAC system is working optimally and using the least amount of energy.
Remove any clutter that may block your HVAC system and cause dust to circulate within it, lowering the air quality in your home. Keep it free of debris such as fallen leaves, grass and twigs and make sure there is a clearance of at least two feet from the HVAC unit and heating vents to maintain optimum airflow.
It’s advisable to have your HVAC system serviced by professionals such as Williams Comfort Air Avon, once a year. They can check the ductwork, clean the furnace, coils and air conditioning compressor as well as inspect all the connections and thermostat functions.
Radiators
Bleed your radiators each year, especially before turning them on for the winter. This will let any air that is trapped inside them to be released. allowing the hot water to circulate properly from inside.
Some signs that your radiators need to be bled is if they are cold at the top but warm towards the bottom. Sounds such as gulping, banging or gurgling can also indicate there is air trapped inside.
Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors each month by pushing the test button on your device for a few seconds. A chirping sound indicates it is time to change batteries which should be replaced at least once a year.
Follow this home maintenance checklist to keep your home running like a well-oiled machine for years to come.