Home repairs and fixes are something no homeowner likes to think about, but they do happen and it is pretty normal. Wear and tear and age tend to play a big factor, but other causes are more in your control. But rather than wait for the issues to build and the repair list to grow, why not take preventative home maintenance tips that can either stop issues from happening altogether or at least ensure they are smaller?
Here are three preventative home maintenance tips to embrace in 2023 that can cut down on your list of necessary repairs significantly, which also means cost savings.
Clear the Gutters in the Roof Line Regularly
Water damage can be one of the biggest repair jobs that homeowners have to deal with. It can happen fast and it can be very extensive, affecting multiple rooms and levels of the home. While there are all different causes and places the leak can originate, the roof or roof line is often to blame. A simple step you can take to help prevent water from building and leaking is to keep the gutters clear of debris and build-up.
Clearing the gutters is a job that should be done twice yearly – in the spring and fall. Water needs to run freely through the gutters and to the downspout.
Don’t Wait Until Drains are Clogged and Unusable
Here’s a tip that many people are guilty of ignoring. Did you know that you can take preventative steps to ensure the drains in your home remain clear and in good working condition? Waiting until the drain is completely clogged and unusable is waiting far too long.
A better idea is to practice simple tips such as these:
- Don’t pour hot grease down the drain, it hardens as it cools
- Don’t wash large clumps of hair down the drain, it gets stuck and blocks the drain
What if you’ve ignored these tips or you are starting to notice your drains in the sink are slow? Maplewood Plumbing, a drain-unclogging company, emphasizes how important the warning signs are and that they shouldn’t be ignored. If you wait or ignore these signs, the problem will only get bigger.
When Was the Last Time You Replaced the Furnace Filter?
For those with an HVAC system, ask yourself when the last time you changed the furnace filter was. These filters do an excellent job of collecting pet dander, dirt, dust, and other fine particles in the air. The problem is that over time, the filter becomes so full of particles it’s no longer able to collect more. This means your furnace will need to work harder to do its job, and there is a safety factor in play.
Be sure to change your filter at least every three months, but check on it monthly just in case.
Simple Steps to Prevent Big Problems
Each of these tips is simple to follow and yet can prevent big issues and expensive repair jobs from being necessary.