Annual home maintenance can prevent breakdowns and save money. It can also help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your home.
A good rule of thumb is to budget 1-2% of your home value annually for maintenance tasks. This amount varies by property type and age. Contact your local Handyman Lexington KY for more details.
1. Inspect Your Furnace
Your home is your biggest investment and a key part of protecting that investment is regular maintenance. Keeping up with these tasks helps preserve your home’s value, minimizes utility bills and emergency repairs, and creates a comfortable living environment for your family.
Whether you’re just moving in or planning to sell your house someday, you can avoid costly repairs and a lot of stress with this preventative home maintenance checklist. From move-in tasks to monthly upkeep to seasonal checks, this checklist covers everything you need to keep your home in tip-top shape.
If you notice a problem with your furnace, such as unusual noises, rising energy bills, or inconsistent heating in different rooms, it’s time to call in the pros. These issues could signal a clogged filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or other serious problems that will not go away on their own.
When you check your furnace, look for a gas shut-off valve in the same room as the unit and ensure that it is properly installed. In addition, inspect the switch and electrical junction box for rust or other signs of corrosion. Also, make sure that the flame sensor isn’t coated in any residue, which can inhibit its ability to light the furnace.
Additionally, if your ducts are also serving as air conditioning ducts, you may need to adjust the dampers on the supply trunks to send more warm air downstairs (winter setting) or cold air upstairs (summer setting). Inspecting your furnace will not only help your system function optimally, but it will save you money in the long run by reducing your energy usage.
2. Check Your Water Heater
Whether you have a tank or a tankless water heater, a few routine tasks can save you money and extend the lifespan of this important appliance. If you have the right equipment and plumbing knowledge, you can perform most of these tasks yourself. A professional inspection every few years is also recommended.
Checking for signs of trouble — such as rusty water, visible corrosion on the water heater or pipes, or a sudden loss of hot water — will help you avoid expensive repairs later. Likewise, noticing a higher-than-normal energy bill may indicate it’s time to consider replacing your water heater with an energy-efficient model.
Before performing any water heater maintenance, shut off power to the unit (switch off the circuit breaker for electric water heaters or turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position for gas units). Taking care of this step can prevent serious accidents from occurring. Remember, your water heater contains scalding water under pressure, and an accidental leak could result in a significant burn.
You can keep your water heater running optimally with regular flushing, checking the anode rod, and insulating your tank. It’s important to remember that if you have no plumbing experience, it’s best to call in a professional to perform these tasks instead of trying to force open valves or make adjustments by hand. Using too much force can cause your water heater to break, which can lead to costly repairs or a tank explosion.
In addition to these essential winter maintenance tasks, be sure to regularly clean your dryer vent and lint trap. This is one of the easiest home maintenance tasks to perform and can significantly reduce the risk of a house fire.
3. Clean Your Gutters
When not cleaned regularly, gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, and dirt. This leads to overflowing and leaking which can damage siding, foundation, fascia, roof, shingles, and interior walls. It also causes water ponding near the house’s foundation which can lead to cracks, mold growth, and wood rot. Regular gutter maintenance is a small investment that prevents expensive repair costs.
Gutter maintenance involves clearing debris from the gutters as well as cleaning the downspouts and gutter guards. To clean your gutters, start by setting up a ladder and ensuring it is secure. Then, using gloves, scoop or sweep away the dirt, twigs and debris, capturing it in a bucket or on a tarp beside your home. You can also use a gutter cleaning kit that attaches to a leaf blower to make the job much faster and easier.
Once your gutters are clear, you can examine their slope and trough for signs of deterioration. Look for rust spots on gutter brackets, loose, pulling or missing gutters or downspouts, and a buildup of biological material such as moss or lichen which excretes corrosive acids.
It is important to understand your skill level and time commitment before deciding whether you will handle big repairs or hire a professional. For example, electrical, plumbing, structural, and roofing work should always be handled by professionals who have the necessary skills and credentials. Big repairs that are not done properly can quickly turn into major problems and even cost more to fix later. A good strategy is to budget 1-2% of your home’s value annually for maintenance. This will help ensure that your home stays functional and safe for years to come.
4. Check Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against weather and plays a vital role in the safety, comfort, and integrity of your living space. Consistent maintenance, inspections, and cleaning can help prolong your roof’s lifespan and ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
Spring is a great time to check for leaks and other damage caused by winter storms, as well as prepare your home for increased summer use. Clean gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block water flow, and inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations for damage or rust. Also, check the lower roof for ice dams (a ridge of ice that traps melting snow or rain), which can cause leaks and interior damage.
Aside from your roof, check the condition of your siding and caulking. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as spots where moisture has penetrated and warped wood or drywall. You may also want to take this opportunity to refresh your home’s paint color, if needed.
Finally, clear out your attic to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, as well as to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Also, consider reversing your ceiling fans to push air downward in the summer and upward in the winter to improve energy efficiency. Replace your furnace air filter, as well.
Preventive maintenance can help you avoid major repairs and improve your home’s value over time. Remember, however, that big repairs like electrical, plumbing, structural, or roofing work are best left to professionals with proper tools and credentials for insurance, resale, or warranty purposes. To simplify your routine, try scheduling monthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance tasks to minimize the number of times you have to handle larger repairs or renovations.
5. Test Your Smoke Detectors
Owning a home or managing rental properties is a major accomplishment in many cases, and it’s important to stay on top of preventative maintenance. It’s the best way to avoid costly service calls, ensure your property is in good condition, and keep it comfortable. A few simple checks can prevent a lot of problems, like overflowing gutters or a balky furnace that won’t draw.
Smoke detectors are a life-saving device that can help keep your family safe, but you must regularly test them to make sure they’re working correctly. You can do this by pressing the test button on each alarm and ensuring it beeps loudly. It’s also a good idea to change the batteries once a year, or more often if recommended by the manufacturer.
You should have smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and in or near sleeping areas. Mounting them high on ceilings (at least 12 inches from a corner) is ideal, and you should keep them away from drafty areas, fans, or ducts that can cause them to activate erratically. Also, keep them a few feet from cooking areas or bathroom showers to minimize false alarms caused by steam or food burns.
It’s also a good idea to trim your shrubs and hedges, clean your gutters once a year or more, and clean your dryer vent lint trap after every use (this is one of the most important yet overlooked tasks that protects against house fires). It’s crucial to stay on top of these routine maintenance items so you don’t have any unexpected problems come up during the winter. It’s also important to understand that certain maintenance issues require immediate professional attention. For example, gas odors anywhere in the home should be immediately evacuated and professional responded to, as they can indicate carbon monoxide poisoning or potential natural gas leaks that need immediate response.