Home Maintenance Tips Homeowners Must Know

Keep catastrophic damages from significantly reducing your home’s value. Knowing how to maintain your home and what warning signs to watch for will protect your home’s value and potentially save your life.

newimageroofingatlanta.com gathered the following home maintenance tips to help homeowners maintain their homes in the best possible condition while preserving their value.

Essential Home Maintenance Tips

Some repairs are inevitable as a homeowner, keeping caught up on monthly and seasonal tasks around your home can prevent major damages and save you significant money over time. Consider the following home maintenance tips:

HVAC System Maintenance – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential in maintaining indoor comfort. Consider the following HVAC requirements:

• Change air filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper air quality and system efficiency.
• Schedule annual professional HVAC inspections to clean, service, and optimize the system’s performance.

Note: A malfunctioning HVAC unit can emit foul odors, cause severe water damages, and cause a life-threatening house fire.

Roof and Gutters – Your roof shields your home from the elements. It is essential to keep it in good condition. Be observant of the following tips:

• Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles.
• Address any issues promptly to prevent leaks.
• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water buildup (causes water damage and mold growth).

Read this article to understand why roof ventilation is crucial to your roofing system’s performance and longevity.

Tip: Contact this professional residential roofer to help keep your roofing system in its best condition.

Plumbing Maintenance – Prevent plumbing mishaps and disasters by promptly addressing corrosion, pipe bursts, leaks and clogs. The following tips will help you prevent significant plumbing malfunctions:

• Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks regularly.
• Learn the location of the main water shut-off valve to halt water flow in emergency situations.
• Flush your water heater annually to prevent sediment buildup, maintaining its efficiency.
• Protect external (outside) water lines from freezing weather.

Tip: Hire a professional plumber to thoroughly inspect your home’s plumbing system annually before freezing winter weather arrives.

Exterior Home Maintenance – Caring for your home’s exterior increases its curb appeal and protects it from the elements. Consider the following tips:

• Refinish, repaint, or touch up siding and trim as needed to prevent weathering, rot, and decay.
• Regularly inspect and clean decks, patios, and walkways to prevent decay, mold, mildew, and staining.
• Maintain your trees pruned, mulched, and fertilized to keep them healthy and thriving.
• Seasonally plant and refresh your garden with flowering plants and small shrubs.

Tip: Hire a local professional landscaper and tree service to keep your trees, garden, and lawn neat, trimmed, and healthy.

Window and Door Maintenance – Well-maintained windows and doors enhance energy efficiency and provide increased home security. Observe the following:

• Inspect doors and windows for drafts, cracks, or broken seals.
• Lubricate hinges and locks to ensure they function smoothly.
• Install door, window, and motion detectors.

Read more about window care and treatments at energy.gov/energysaver/articles/spring-home-maintenance-windows-windows-windows

Tip: Select a smart security system that automatically sends alerts to your smartphone and law enforcement when an intruder is detected.

Electrical Safety – Maintaining your home’s electrical system is crucial for safety. Routinely inspect the following:

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms monthly (annually replace batteries).
• Check electrical outlets for loose panels, worn or frayed wiring, or signs of overheating.
• Hire a professional electrician for periodic electrical system inspections.

Note: Signs of overheating include burn marks, sparks, warping, cracking, bubbling, and fixture malfunctions.

Pest Prevention – Regular pest inspections and prevention measures can save you from costly infestations and the illnesses they may bring into your home. Consider the following preventive measures:

• Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s exterior to keep unwanted pests out.
• Keep your living spaces clean and clutter-free, as pests are attracted to food residue, moisture, and clutter.

Tip: Hire a professional pest control service to inspect and treat your home after each winter season.

Appliance Maintenance – Home appliances provide daily conveniences (often overlooked), so it’s essential to keep them in working efficiently. Regularly clean refrigerator coils and clean lint filters in your dryer to prevent fire hazards.

Tip: Follow manufacturer guidelines and timelines for maintaining appliances, like your dishwasher, oven, and washing machine.

Seasonal Maintenance – Different seasons bring unique maintenance challenges. Observe the following seasonal maintenance tasks:

• Fall – Clean gutters and remove fallen leaves to prevent clogs. Winterize your home by insulating pipes and sealing gaps to conserve energy.
• Spring – Check for winter damage and prepare your home for the warmer months.

Tip: Schedule maintenance visits after severe weather, tree falls, and other disruptive or unexpected events.

Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

In this article, you discovered several essential home maintenance tips to help keep your home functioning at peak performance.

Keeping your home properly maintained will enhance your comfort and foster a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

Allowing your home’s maintenance to lapse can result in catastrophic damages and costly repairs.

Sources:
fcs.uga.edu/docs/HomeMaintChecklist_update_6.21.pdf
nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/2020/11/02/8-fall-home-maintenance-tips/
extension.usu.edu/finance/faq/home-maintenance-checklist