10 Simple Home Maintenance Tips That Can Help Save You Money
It is always essential to maintain your home regularly. Why? Because not only will it keep your home in good condition, but it will also save you a ton of money long-term. Without regular maintenance, you could spend thousands of dollars on repairs to your home that could have been avoided. Here are some simple home maintenance tips to save cash on unnecessary repairs and upgrades in the long run.
Roof
You need a roof above your head to protect your home and family against the elements. When it comes to your top, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Inspect your shingles once every few years
- When inspecting your roof, keep an eye out for holes or places where flashing needs replacement
- Replace missing or damaged shingles ASAP
- Blow off leaves and debris from your roof, especially after storms
Plumbing
Clogs, pipe damage and other plumbing issues could cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs if no regular maintenance is done. It can also lead to high water bills if leaks are present.
- Avoid store-bought cleaners, as the harsh chemicals can damage your pipes over time. Use natural cleaners instead
- Invest in drain catchers to prevent hair, food or anything else from building up in your drains
- Use drain snakes regularly with your shower drains or bathtub
- Periodically check your bathroom and kitchen faucets for leaks and make necessary repairs
HVAC
From the smelting summer heat to the harsh cold winters, your HVAC system must always be on point.
- Change out your HVAC filter every month or two
- Use expanding foam filler on gaps in your HVAC ducts for insulation
- Regularly check HVAC ducts for holes and seal them if necessary
Water Heaters and Pipes
You need hot water for bathing, hygiene, cooking and more. By giving your water heater some much-needed TLC, you can ensure that you’ll never have to go without a hot shower or a nice spot of tea during the winter months.
- Wash and flush your water heater annually, as sediment in the water can lead to problems in the future
- Insulate your water heater and pipes, as these things can lose heat over time
Major Appliances
By keeping your appliances intact, they’ll not only operate more efficiently, but they’ll also use less energy. Yes, you will need to shell out some cash for a professional, but most of the work listed below are things you can do yourself.
- Clean fridge coils semi-annually to make heat and cold exchange more efficient
- Regularly check and maintain fridge door seals
- Clean out the lint trap on your dryer as well as the drying vent
- Invest in appliance insurance in case something goes very wrong with your appliances
Landscaping
First impressions are everything, and this concept also applies to your home.
- Search for plants against the house or foundation and trim them as they could bring in bugs and moisture
- Fix any areas of your grass that are sloping rainwater toward your home
- Ensure your gutters and downspouts are pushing water away from your house
- Upkeep your garden and lawn regularly
Flooring
Your floors are one of the most significant parts of your home that constantly needs attention. After all, it is where people (and pets) walk on with their feet that could bring in dirt, dust and more.
- It would be best if you cleaned up spills ASAP
- Put mats down near all entrances to the house
- Use natural cleaners on your floors, as harsh chemicals from store-bought cleaners could destroy them over time
- Sweep and vacuum regularly
Electrical
Let’s face it; it’s hard to operate today without electricity. How will we ever work from home or binge-watch our favorite shows or charge our phones to keep posting funny memes on social media without it?
- Look for loose wiring with your electrical outlets and cords
- Ensure that electrical devices are distant from water sources
- Keep an eye out for dimming or flickering lights, as this could be a circuit overload
- If you’re not equipped or trained to work with electrical yourself, call a professional electrician
Attic
One of the most neglected areas of your home is the attic. It’s also an area that could store tons of allergens, mold, and dust without proper care.
- Replace old insulation every 20 to 30 years
- Look out for any holes or leaks and seal them immediately
- Inspect the attic area for rodents
- Ventilate the area to ensure moisture doesn’t linger
Doors and Windows
Finally, we end with two of the most overlooked aspects of our homes, our windows and doors. They can not only leave a great impression on any visitors, but they also ensure that your home’s AC and heating systems are efficiently working.
- Regularly inspect your door and window frames for issues with seals
- Inspect the locks on your doors and windows
- Regularly clean windows and doors 1 to 2 times a month
- For any potential repairs, ensure they get fixed as soon as the problem arises.
These are tips you can use to keep your investment in tip-top shape. If you need to know something not included on this list, please get in touch with us! We’re the premier home builders in New Mexico who understand that a home has much more than four walls and a roof. It’s a place to watch your family grow, a place to gather with friends, a place to make memories, and a place to settle into after a long day. Our home-building process revolves around you and your needs.
