5 Home Maintenance Items You Don’t Want to Overlook
If you own your home, you know there are endless tasks to complete and ongoing repairs to make in order to keep your home in tip-top shape.
When it rains, gutters route the water from the roof to where it can safely drain away from the house. By doing so, they protect siding, windows, doors, and foundations from water damage and help prevent flooding in basements.
To effectively do their job, gutters must be clear of leaves and debris. If they aren’t, drain outlets will dam up and rainwater will fill the gutters, overflow, and eventually pull gutters loose from their mountings. Without having a proper method in place to pull excess water away from your home, the water can find its way into your home-whether through the siding, through windows, or under the foundation-causing major damage and costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.
In order to prevent the possibility of major water damage, plan to clean the gutters at least twice a year-more often if the roof is directly beneath trees.
Air conditioning filters have two main purposes: they keep both the air in your home and the unit’s component parts clean. If the filter is not cleaned or replaced regularly, the effectiveness of your air conditioner can be significantly reduced.
An air conditioning unit operating below its optimal level requires more energy to perform its function. In addition, poorly maintained filters reduce the lifespan of the equipment and cause the need to replace parts prematurely. This can be very bad news for your wallet.
Furthermore, the more clogged your filters, the more energy is wasted in trying to blow air through them. This slows down the cooling process by making it harder to reach the desired temperature. This causes your electricity bill to be higher, since the AC unit runs longer, and this impacts you financially.
In order to get the most from your air conditioner, plan to replace your filters every 30 to 60 days. This maintenance will go a long way for the environment and for your wallet.
Air conditioning filters have two main purposes: they keep both the air in your home and the unit’s component parts clean. If the filter is not cleaned or replaced regularly, the effectiveness of your air conditioner can be significantly reduced.
An air conditioning unit operating below its optimal level requires more energy to perform its function. In addition, poorly maintained filters reduce the lifespan of the equipment and cause the need to replace parts prematurely. This can be very bad news for your wallet.
Furthermore, the more clogged your filters, the more energy is wasted in trying to blow air through them. This slows down the cooling process by making it harder to reach the desired temperature. This causes your electricity bill to be higher, since the AC unit runs longer, and this impacts you financially.
In order to get the most from your air conditioner, plan to replace your filters every 30 to 60 days. This maintenance will go a long way for the environment and for your wallet.
In addition to maintaining your air conditioning filters, your overall air conditioning unit should be checked regularly to ensure you are getting optimal performance. A properly serviced air conditioner will do a better job of dehumidifying your home and will save you money on electricity costs.
Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about five percent of its original efficiency for each year of operation, which means that each year, you are losing money trying to maintain the comfort of your home. One of the most important items to check is the coolant level (commonly known as Freon) in the air conditioner. A system that is only 10% low on coolant will cost about 20% more to operate.
In order to ensure proper operation of your air conditioning unit, it should be serviced at least once a year.
Most people only think about getting a termite inspection when they first purchase a home. However, termites should be an ongoing consideration, as they can infest your home at any time.
Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, and signs of termite infestation can go undiscovered until serious damage has occurred. Because homeowner insurance typically does not cover termite damage, termite detection and continued termite treatment are the best ways to help protect your property.
A termite bond is basically an agreement (contract) between you and the termite company and usually includes a yearly inspection. If during that inspection there is evidence of termites, the company will get rid of the termites and address any damage that has been caused by the termites. This contract could save you money in the long term if there are ever any signs of termites.
Most people only think about getting a termite inspection when they first purchase a home. However, termites should be an ongoing consideration, as they can infest your home at any time.
Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, and signs of termite infestation can go undiscovered until serious damage has occurred. Because homeowner insurance typically does not cover termite damage, termite detection and continued termite treatment are the best ways to help protect your property.
A termite bond is basically an agreement (contract) between you and the termite company and usually includes a yearly inspection. If during that inspection there is evidence of termites, the company will get rid of the termites and address any damage that has been caused by the termites. This contract could save you money in the long term if there are ever any signs of termites.
Cracked house siding is a sure means for water damage to your home if left unrepaired. It is important to replace cracked house siding as soon as it is observed, to prevent water from seeping in behind the house siding and causing mold, mildew, and rot to the sheathing and framing.
The same goes with repairing damaged shingles on the roof. While it may be difficult to notice damaged shingles from the ground (unless you are already experiencing leaks inside your home), you can hire a professional to inspect your roof at least annually.
You should always be on the lookout for damaged siding and shingles. It is important to repair or replace these items as soon as it is observed to prevent water damage.
All in all, preventative maintenance, with all the time and money it consumes, is far more cost effective than waiting until something breaks or is damaged, and having it repaired. Preventative maintenance can avoid repairs, extend the life expectancy of many components, and in some cases, reduce energy consumption. Completing these repairs will protect your investment in your home and not only keep it in great condition, but will keep your home efficient and more valuable when it is time for you to sell.
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