House Maintenance Tips – Way to Keep Your House From Falling Apart

It’s a fact that regular house maintenance helps to prevent costly repairs and prolongs the life of your home. Regularly maintaining your home also preserves its value and ensures your family’s comfort and safety.

These straightforward tips to home maintenance will help you keep your house in top condition for years to come.

Essential Regular Checks

The Roof Inspection

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against harsh weather and the elements. It’s essential to ensure it remains in good condition by inspecting it at least twice a year and after major storms.

Here’s how to ensure your roof is always at its best:

1. Check for missing, damaged, or aged shingles and have them replaced if necessary.
2. Regularly clean your eavestroughs and downspouts to prevent water damage and pooling.
3. Look for signs of leaks in your attic or ceiling and have them repaired immediately.
4. Ensure the roof is free from moss, mold, and debris.

Checking Plumbing Health

Also keeping an eye on your plumbing system reduces the risks of leaks and water damage.

Regular plumbing checks should include:

1. Inspecting pipes for leaks or corrosion (especially in older homes).
2. Testing water pressure to detect potential problems.
3. Draining your water heater annually to remove sediment.
4. Checking faucets and showerheads for drips or leaks.

If you are not able to do a thorough check of your plumbing or just don’t know how to, you can hire a plumber to do an inspection. Plumbing inspections should be done every 3 to 5 years.

Electrical System Safety

Regular electrical system checks will prevent potential hazards and ensure the system operates smoothly.

Here’s a checklist to guide you through maintaining your electrical system:

1. Regularly test and replace smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Check all electrical outlets for proper operation and signs of wear, and replace any that are faulty.
3. Ensure your circuit breaker panel is properly labeled and that all circuits appear to be functioning correctly.
4. Have a professional electrician perform an inspection to identify and resolve any potential electrical issues.

As it goes with your plumbing, you should also have a professional inspector inspect your system every 3 to 5 years and by doing so, you can keep your electrical systems in excellent condition and prevent common issues that could lead to more serious problems in the future.

HVAC Health Check

Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is important too. Regular health checks ensure a comfortable home environment and also help you save on energy costs by ensuring your system runs efficiently.

Here are the key HVAC maintenance steps:

1. Inspect and if needed, clean or replace your air filters every 1-3 months.
2. Schedule professional inspections and cleanings for both your heating and cooling units.
3. Check and clean your air ducts and vents to maintain unrestricted airflow.
4. Regularly monitor your thermostat settings to make sure they are at appropriate settings.

Your HVAC system should be looked at by a professional every few years and it’s not too costly to do so. Most HVAC specialists will inspect your system for less than $200 which is money well spent because it will prolong the life of your HVAC system and improve your home’s air quality.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Preparing for Winter

Canadian winters can be harsh on your home so it’s always a good idea to get your home prepared for the winter.

To prepare, you should:

1. Insulate pipes to prevent freezing (this can be done without a plumber).
2. Have your furnace or heater serviced by a professional.
3. Clean and inspect the chimney if you have a wood-burning system.
4. Install weather stripping around doors and windows to further prevent drafts and heat loss.
5. Check the roof for any signs of damage or weakness that could be affected by heavy snow and ice.
6. Clear eavestroughs so they are free from debris.
7. Apply anti-slip coatings on outdoor stairs and walkways to increase safety in icy conditions.
8. Keep driveways and walkways clear and safe throughout the winter season.

As to having your furnace and chimney looked at, the furnace can be inspected every 2 to 3 years if there are no problems, and the chimney can be cleaned every 3 to fine years if you use it every year.

This lawn maintenance company in Brantford ON., has some really good tips for winterizing your home that will help you cover all the bases.

Getting Ready for Summer

The warm months can bring their own challenges too and if your home is not prepared you can expect fluctuating electricity bills and a lot of personal discomfort.

Get your home summer-ready by:

1. Servicing your air conditioning unit.
2. Checking seals around windows and doors for efficiency.
3. Cleaning fans and vents to maintain good function.
4. Preparing your yard and garden in the Spring.
5. Repair damaged outdoor living spaces including patios, decks, and pool areas.
6. Apply sun-protective window films to reduce heat inside your home and protect your furnishings from UV damage.
7. Schedule an irrigation system check-up to ensure efficient watering of your lawn and garden during dry periods.
8. Plant shade trees or install awnings to help keep your home remain cooler and to reduce air conditioning costs.
9. Check the exterior of your home for any pest intrusions and consider a seasonal pest control treatment to prevent infestations.

Your HVAC system, irrigation system and pest inspections don’t need to be done every year, but should be done by a professional. If your systems are in working order, you can schedule maintenance for these things at least once every 3 to five years.

Long-Term Investments For Better Upkeep

Upgrading for Long Term Efficiency

Investing in home improvements can enhance comfort and increase energy efficiency.

Consider these upgrades:

1. Replace old windows with energy-efficient models.
2. Add additional insulation to attics and basements.
3. Install smart home thermostats to better control heating and cooling.
4. Consider solar panels to reduce electricity costs.
5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, to reduce power consumption.
6. Install LED lighting throughout your home to lower electricity usage and extend bulb life.
7. Consider replacing old toilets with low-flow models to conserve water.
8. Upgrade your home’s HVAC system to a more efficient model, especially if it’s more than 15 years old.
9. Add energy-efficient doors, especially exterior ones, to improve insulation and reduce heat transfer.
10. Install a programmable or smart water heater, or add a timer to control when it heats water, optimizing energy use.

Structural Integrity

You also have to keep watch of the structural integrity of your home. Over the years, all the little problems can add up and come at you all at once.

Here are areas you should focus on:

1. Regularly inspecting the foundation for cracks or movement.
2. Checking decks, porches, and other external structures for wear and tear.
3. Check siding and exterior paint for deterioration.
4. Ensuring all staircases, railings, and balconies are secure.
5. Inspect your roof for damage.
6. Check for signs of water damage or mold in your basement and attic.
7. Regularly inspect and seal your driveway and other concrete surfaces to prevent cracks and degradation.
8. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation of your attic to help maintain an even temperature throughout your home.

When it comes to maintaining your home’s roof, this roof company has some great tips in their blog for properly maintaining your roof. Checking their advice could help you prevent some common roofing issues.

Get to Work

You can start the process of regular house maintenance right now. First go through the list above again, and start marking important tasks down on a paper pad. Then tackle each one according to your means and ability and contact professional where needed.

Maintaining your home doesn’t have to be daunting and by following these simple steps your house will remain safe, comfortable, and valuable.