There’s a lot that goes into a home, which can stack up price-wise. Whether you are a potential home buyer considering investing in your first property, or a current homeowner considering maintenance and repairs, there is always work to be done with a house. As the years go back, certain aspects of your home begin to deteriorate, just like with any major asset. Wear and tear are inevitable in any warm, lived-in home.
Studies indicate that over 31% of homeowners surveyed have been putting home their home repairs and do not have the money to address them. Meanwhile, those who can afford have spent an estimated combined $449.5 billion on home repairs over the past two years.
Which side of the spectrum do you fall on? Whether you’re a money spender or money saver, there are some home repairs that eventually become inevitable. The more time you choose to disregard maintenance to your home, the bigger the problem may become. This could eventually equate to an even more costly repair!
With that being said, here are # home maintenance tips every homeowner should know.
1. Maintain Your Roof
Would you rather maintain a roof or replace it? That’s the question you should be asking yourself at least twice per year when you’re debating whether or not you should get to work.
“There are many benefits associated with roof maintenance, including helping the heating and cooling systems of your home operate more efficiently,” says Piedmont Roofing, a company that specializes in emergency roof repairs. “You can also prevent leaks inside your home when it rains, which can cause water damage and a slew of other issues.”
A damaged roof can also allow certain critters to crawl in. Your shingles should be cleaned of mold and roof algae. It’s recommended that you conduct a roof inspection by hiring a professional at least two times a year. Contact a professional and get started.
2. Clean Out Exhaust Fans and Your HVAC
Believe it or not, the fans in your home collect moisture! Exhaust fans located in your kitchen and bathroom are meant to eliminate water droplets emanating from your steamy shower or bubbling pot of pasta. If these exhaust fans are left uncleaned over time, they run the risk of collecting mold. At least once a year, you should take the time to clean the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom. This will ensure the fans run smoothly, successfully eliminating moisture from your home.
3. Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans
At least twice a year, it’s recommended that you switch the direction of the rotation of your ceiling fans. This is a tip that not many homeowners know or follow, but it can help you save big on energy costs. How? Switching your ceiling fans helps increase energy efficiency by putting less strain on your cooling and heating systems.
This ties to the seasonal weather patterns. When you switch a fan one way, it changes the way the air in the room moves, thus cooling or heating the room depending on the way it is rotating. In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise, pushing the air cool down. Meanwhile, when your fan rotates clockwise it pushes warm air down, perfect for winter months.
Switching the direction of your ceiling fan is as simple as flipping a switch. It should be located on your fan.
4. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Did you know that your refrigerator has coils that need cleaning? In order to keep your refrigerator running cold and at optimal energy efficiency, it’s integral you conduct a cleaning of its coils at least once per year.
The coils are located at the bottom of the refrigerator. Once located, you remove the cover and run a vacuum over any dust or debris.
5. Touch Up Interior and Exterior Paint
The exterior of your home is subject to years of weather conditions such as rain, sunshine, and wind, which erode the paint on its face. Therefore, it’s recommended you touch up or repaint the exterior of your home about every 5 years.
Your interior paint may last a little longer — about 7-10 years. Still, dirt, scratches, and other accidents may chip at the paint.
A fresh coat of paint brings new life to a house and makes it feel good as new!
