Home maintenance is an important part of keeping your home in good condition. There are many aspects of your home to consider when doing maintenance. Some of these include checking your plumbing system, inspecting your basement, and cleaning your gutters. In addition, you will want to keep your air conditioning unit in good shape during the colder months.
Clean gutters
When it comes to home maintenance, you want to make sure that you clean your gutters on a regular basis. They are a crucial part of keeping your house in top condition. If they become clogged, they can cause damage to your roof, fascia, and siding. Not cleaning your gutters can also lead to water leaks into your home and foundation.
Cleaning your gutters should happen at least twice a year. In addition, it’s a good idea to do a thorough clean after a large storm. This will help prevent water damage.
To start, you need to get the right tools. A ladder is a must. You should also be wearing rubber gloves and a pair of work pants. Also, consider investing in a roof ladder stabilizer.
Inspect plumbing system
Having your plumbing system inspected can be a smart move. Not only is it beneficial to you, but it can also save you money.
Whether you are buying a home or just want to make sure it is in top condition, a plumbing inspection can help you avoid some costly headaches down the road. It can also help you negotiate a lower price for your home.
Performing a plumbing inspection will not only show you what needs to be fixed, but it will show you how to improve your overall plumbing efficiency. During the inspection, your plumber will check for leaks, clogs, and more.
Besides the obvious, a plumbing inspection can also give you peace of mind. You may be surprised by some of the things you find out. For example, you might learn that you need to replace your old water heater. A new, energy efficient model can save you a bundle on your water bill.
Inspect basement and attic
For a comprehensive home inspection, you should include the basement and attic. Both of these areas tend to get neglected and have major issues. Using a professional is the best way to find and fix the problems before they get out of hand.
A basement can be a damp, dank place that needs moisture control. If you notice condensation on walls, a musty odor, or rotting wood, you might have a problem. Make sure that the walls are waterproof, or add a dehumidifier. You may also want to replace the flooring.
An attic is the space between the top floor and the roof. It is used to store things and help keep a house insulated. While many houses have wiring running through the attic, a thorough inspection is needed to determine the condition.
Store firewood
If you have a lot of firewood, it’s important to store it somewhere so it stays dry. You also want to make sure it’s in a location where sunlight can reach it. Otherwise, you could end up with rotted wood.
The rule of thumb is that firewood should not be stacked more than four feet high. This can prevent the bottom rows from drying out and rotting.
Another way to keep your wood dry is to use a log carrier or tarp to cover the pile. The tarp can be draped over the wood or tied around the edges. This will protect it from wind, rain and insects.
Covering the stack can also reduce the amount of smoky fires you have. Keeping the wood dry helps it to last longer.
Prevent winter damage to your air conditioning unit
During the winter, it is important to keep your air conditioning unit protected from the harsh weather. When left unprotected, this equipment can be damaged by ice and snow, wind, and bugs. A few simple steps can help you avoid costly repairs.
Make sure your AC is covered with a tarp or a heavy-duty plastic sheet. It should be kept clean and free from debris. This helps prevent water from collecting in the condenser.
If you live in a part of the country that sees significant amounts of winter precipitation, make sure you regularly inspect and clear the icicles that form around your unit. They can damage the compressor and the condenser coils, preventing your system from functioning properly.
Keep your HVAC unit’s drain line free of ice. Ice can block the drainage and cause it to overflow. The melted ice can refreeze, causing significant damage to the inner components of the unit.
