Owning a home is a beautiful experience and a wise decision. It’s sure fun to decorate and choose wall colors and flooring options.
When you are a new homeowner, there are certain things you need to keep up with during the first couple of years in your home. Many people think maintenance is just an afterthought, but it’s the other way around.
Let’s look at the vital home maintenance hacks every homeowner new or old, should be doing.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
1. Regularly Check the Plumbing
Checking your home’s plumbing is the best way to find and fix problems before they worsen. Make sure to check for leaks or cracks in major plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances like toilets, drains, and water heaters. If you find a clog or leak, have slab leak repairs do their job so you won’t have to worry about it.
Homeowners should watch for signs of corrosion, which can occur anywhere where water is present. Check for any signs of slow drainage or back-ups as these are sure signs that action needs to be taken.
Test your home’s water pressure to ensure it’s not too high or too low. Checking the home’s septic tank at least once a year is also recommended. This can save you time, money, and stress in the long run by preventing devastating plumbing disasters.
Additionally, having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing is an excellent idea to ensure that everything is up to code and standards.
2. Maintain the HVAC System
New homeowners need to know the basics of essential home maintenance to ensure their homes stay in great shape, especially the HVAC system. It would be best if you changed the air filters, as recommended by the manufacturer, to keep the efficiency and flow of air optimal. Failure to do so can result in dirty air, increased allergens in the air, and increased energy costs.
Have a professional inspect the HVAC system. Inspect the air conditioner’s circumference twice a year, check all seams and other details for damage, and seal any open areas. It’s also essential to inspect and clean any vents and ducts to keep them in good condition and prevent obstructions from clogging them.
Additionally, ensure to replace any rusty or old parts, check the thermostat, test any safety functions, and inspect the condensate drain line. By following these essential home HVAC maintenance tips, new homeowners can keep their HVAC systems in excellent condition for years to come.
3. Keep Gutters Clean
Gutter cleaning is one of the essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners. Clogged or dirty gutters can lead to flooding, leaky roofs, water damage to the house, and potential health risks such as mold and mildew growth.
Homeowners should clean their gutters at least twice a year, in the spring before the rainy season and in the fall right after the leaves have fallen. If the leaves, branches, and other debris accumulate in the gutters, it will create a blockage that can prevent rainwater from running off the roof and away from the house.
The trapped water can start to pool, become stagnant and even make its way into the home. Rinse them with a hose and flush the downspout with a broom or plumber’s snake.
To prevent further clogging from trees and plants, trim branches and shrubbery near the gutters, replacing damaged parts when necessary. Fix any leaks or holes found in the gutters to ensure you did the job. These simple tips will help ensure your home is safe, dry, and well-protected.
4. Inspect the Roof
One essential home maintenance tip for new homeowners is to inspect the roof. Roofs are a necessary component of protecting the home from weather and decay.
Start with a visual inspection from the ground. Look for worn or missing shingles, curled shingles, bubbled paint, and any signs of discoloration on the roof. Next, look to see if there are any leaks or clogged gutters.
You should hire a professional contractor if you want a thorough inspection. Also, check the area around the chimney and any other roof protrusions for any signs of damage.
Check the attic, where you can look for signs of water damage, such as water staining, darkened patches, and musty odors. If you notice any of these signs, especially leaks, it needs to call a professional immediately to check your roof.
5. Check Smoke Detectors
Homeowners should inspect smoke detectors every month to ensure they are working. If a smoke detector is inoperable, the property will not be adequately protected, and the danger of a fire breaking out could be catastrophic.
Homeowners should test their smoke detectors at least once a month. You can do this by pressing the testing button on the smoke detector, which will emit a sound should the sensor work. If this sound does not occur, you need to replace the batteries.
You should return the batteries to the smoke detectors twice a year. You may also need to test the smoke detector to ensure proper functionality. Installing extra detectors on each level of your home, including the basement and attic is a must.
Wipe down the detectors to keep the sensors working and remove any dust or debris. New homeowners should ensure to replace any smoke detectors on their property with a new device if they are over ten years old.
Home Maintenance Is a Must for All Homeowners
Home maintenance is essential for a safe and comfortable living environment for new homeowners. Be sure to develop a preventive maintenance program to keep your home running and help you avoid expensive and unwanted repairs.
With periodic maintenance and attention to detail, you will keep your home looking great and keep its value for years to come. Take action now and use these home maintenance tips!
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