Taking care of a home is no small feat. Some of the basics are easy to figure out—how to replace a shingle, fix kinks in your dishwasher, and handle a leak, to name a few. That being said, there are some things that demand the presence of a professional. If you know who to call to repair your AC unit, check your vents and fix your roof, you have a better chance of a hassle-free life as a homeowner. Knowing enough about your home can also help you buy the right insurance, keep your house well-maintained and prevent unexpected damage, all of which retain the value of your property. Roof maintenance can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and give them peace of mind. Read on to see five of the most important things to care for in your home.
1. Maintain and service your AC unit
To ensure your home is cool and your air quality is good, learn how to maintain your air conditioner. From low refrigerant to a dirty condenser or evaporator coil, several things can damage your air conditioner. Fan and thermostat problems will make it hard to cool your home. However, things like leaking ducts and falling debris can make the air quality in your home toxic.
Learn how to keep your air conditioner (and heating system) in good condition and recognize signs of wear and tear. It’s crucial to maintain your air conditioner properly throughout the year. So, clean the filters regularly, clear any dirt and debris and replace all old and outdated thermostats.
Also, remember to get a regular AC inspection to keep your AC in proper working condition. The best way to ensure everything from the electric relays to the drain lines are in good working condition is to get an HVAC inspection. A professional HVAC technician will make sure your AC system functions at optimum capacity. They will also be able to tell you when you need a new one. Some things are best decided by a technician, so be sure to find a a trustworthy HVAC technician to carry out your HVAC inspection.
2. Maintain and fix your roof
Is your roof is in tip-top shape? Roof repair can be costly, but it’s better than the issues you will go through with an old, damaged roof. Old roofs can cause leaks in your attic or ceiling, damage your home and cause mold. Sometimes, all you have to do is clear out your gutters. A clogged gutter can damage your roof and walls, as well as cause leaks.
If you see mold, cracks, or debris, call a roofing contractor to help you out. A roofing company can help you with roof services like roof replacement, fixing a roof leak, assessing hail damage and installing a new roof if you need one. You could try to do all this yourself. However, for the best quality of work, hire a professional roofer. Roof repair can be dangerous work, so having the best roofers take care of your roof services for you is a great idea. Whether you need a whole new roof or just some roof repair, find a roofer who will take good care of your home.
Remember to look for a local roofer to get the best deal. If you don’t already know a roofer in your area, type in something like “roofer near me” to pick from the best roofers online. You can read reviews and get a free estimate to ensure the roofer you hire does a great job.
3. Manage your electricity
It’s an excellent idea to find out everything you can about your electricity. It can help lower your energy bills, increase your home’s energy efficiency, and keep you safe. First, find out what wattage you need for different light fixtures around the house.
Also, figure out where your breaker box is and learn how to read your electric meter. You may never need either one, but it’s essential to know about all of this just in case. If you overload the circuit, you should know how to turn the electricity in your home off. Also, remember to check which circuits power different appliances and rooms.
4. Keep your smoke detector working
It’s vital to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Also, make sure that you know how to maintain and operate your smoke alarm. Ensuring your smoke detector works is the best way to prevent a fire. Remember that smoke detectors don’t last forever, so you should know when and how to replace them.
Also, change the batteries in your carbon and smoke detectors. For carbon monoxide detectors, change the batteries at least twice a year. You can change the batteries once a year for smoke detectors. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, get one. And, if you have one, learn how to use it correctly. It’s crucial to be prepared for any eventuality.
5. Care for your water heater
Even if you like cold showers in the summer, you’re going to want to make sure your water heater works in the winter. It’s crucial to ensure your heater’s peak performance and learn how to replace your water softener. Also, learn how to unclog your sink, toilet and shower.
You should find out what to do in case of a water shortage as well. An annual inspection of everything from your water heater to your drainage pipes is the best way to ensure your home is in tip-top shape throughout the year.
