Building equity and enjoying more freedom are the upsides of home ownership. But sometimes, the maintenance of a home can feel like a major down side. It can be difficult to remember everything you need to do, in order to keep your home running smoothly, prevent most problems, and protect your investment. So we compiled this handy, comprehensive list for you.
Every week:
- Check in the obvious places, such as under sinks and around appliances that use water, for signs of a leak.
- Monitor the humidity levels in your home, for optimal air quality. Purchase a hygrometer and keep an eye on it.
Each month:
- Check your water heater for leaks, odd sounds, or a musty smell. The thermostat should be set at a comfortably hot temperature, but not at scalding.
- Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries when needed. This simple step can save your life.
- Clean the exhaust hood over your stove, to prevent clogging, overheating, and fire risks. Note: You might need to do this more often if you cook with a lot of oils.
Every one to three months:
- Change the filters in your air conditioning unit, to keep your air clean and your unit running properly. Taking this step can also help to control your electric bills.
Every three months:
- Check and clean your gutters. When gutters are clean and functioning properly, they direct water away from your home and prevent water damage events.
- Check your outlets with the handy test button to be sure they’re running correctly.
Twice per year:
- Have your carpets professionally cleaned, to keep them looking fresh and to protect their warranty.
- Clean your windows, including the screens, to keep them looking and functioning their best.
Every two years:
- Have a plumber inspect for hidden leaks and other issues that can impact water flow. It’s easier to prevent water damage than it is to clean up from it!
And of course, give us a call if you have questions about carpet cleaning or restoration from water damage. We hope you never experience a damaging event in your home, but if you do, we’ll be there to help you.