As a homeowner, you expect the major systems and components in your home to function correctly and continuously. To accomplish this, periodic maintenance becomes just as important as having a trusted handyman who can make major repairs.
Letting things go just invites Murphy’s Law into your home causing your a/c to wait until its very hot outside to quit working or having your water heater decide not to heat water the day your guests arrived.
If that doesn’t convince you to keep up with regular maintenance of your home, then think about paying big repair bills or replacing broken items. Regular maintenance can be less expensive. Here are some items you should stay on top of as a home owner.
- If you have burned-out, missing or dim bulbs in your fixtures, get them replaced. To save some money and time, consider using Fluorescent or the new LED bulbs.
- Although you clean your dryer lint trap with every load, the exhaust vent builds up lint too. Clean it at least once a year.
- Check the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers. They need to be replaced or recharged when they expire.
- Use your oh so smart phone and set a recurring calendar appointment to change filters in your HVAC system. Depending on your system it could be once a month or once every two months.
- Often overlooked but very important for preventing water damage is replacing damage or missing caulking. Check your sinks, bathtubs, showers, windows and other areas where water could intrude.
- Keep your gutters clean. A back up in debris can cause water back up into your roof and leaking into your home.
- An annual pest inspection unless you have a service contract.
- Before you use that chimney this fall, get it cleaned.
- Trim shrubs and trees away from your home.
- Annual pressure washing is a great way to brighten your home. Clean your vinyl, walkways, decks, patios and driveways. Check your local home improvement store for grime cutting cleaners.
- Make sure the insulation in your attic stays above the ceiling joists.
- Take a look at your appliances that use water lines. Check for leaks or worn hoses.
• ice maker • washing machine • dishwasher • others - Not something we think about is testing GFI breakers and resetting them.
- Electrical outlets can be fire hazards. Check for broken receptacles and/or loose fitting plugs.
- Schedule your HVAC system for service each fall and spring. Heater in the fall and a/c in the spring before the rush.
- Detectors in your home for smoke and carbon monoxide should be tested every six months and batteries replaced annually.
Get your maintenance done now in early fall before the cold winds of winter keep you inside for good. Need a list of Fairfax homes for sale that are in great shape? Contact me today!