Tips For Efficient Home Maintenance
Tips For Efficient Home Maintenance
Because your home is likely the largest and most important
investment you will ever make, it is essential to ensure it is properly
maintained. Poorly maintained home systems and appliances can result in
expensive repairs and replacements, as well as create home hazards. There are many
ways homeowners can maintain their homes themselves and with help from
professional service providers. The following are some tips on home maintenance
to help you identify problems and keep your home systems and appliances running
smoothly and efficiently.
Exterior
Home Maintenance
Replacing a roof can be an expensive project. You can help
your roof remain in excellent condition longer by taking care of roof issues.
This will also help the heating and cooling systems run more efficiently and it
will prevent leaks in the roof that cause water damage. You should also look
for signs of foundation damage. Inspect the exterior foundation for cracks.
Having cracks filled and sealed will ensure less expensive repairs in the
future.
Plumbing
System Damage Prevention
There are some key prevention methods you can employ to help
avoid both minor and major plumbing problems. First, you can make sure that it
is mostly water that goes down the drains of your toilets, showers, and sinks.
Grease and corrosive liquids should never be poured down the drain or flushed
in the toilet. There are drain screens for sinks you can acquire to block items
like food and hair. Also, only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet. If
you discover a small leak, don’t ignore it. Repairing it right away will help
prevent bigger problems in the future. When doing any minor repair on the
plumbing system, it is important to be able to close and open the shut-off
valves. This includes the water heater and washing machine.
Garbage
Disposal Maintenance: Not
every food item can go down a garbage disposal. Keep it clean and working
properly by only disposing of the appropriate food items. Because there can be
a build up of food particles, you can keep it clean by pouring ice cubes in it
while it is on. To keep the garbage disposal free of odors, put some lemon peel
strips in it.
Dishwasher
Maintenance: If you have a clogged or dirty
dishwasher filter, your dishwasher will operate less efficiently and your
dishes won’t come out as clean. They can also have a bad odor. Cleaning your
filter regularly will prevent such problems. You can remove the filter manually
to clean. The dishwasher can be cleaned by running an empty cycle with a cup of
white vinegar to remove food particles and hard water deposits.
Washing
Machine Maintenance:
Without some needed attention, washing machines can stop working properly or
even break down causing a floor flood. If your washing machine is not
self-cleaning, you can clean it by running a hot water cycle with a cup of
baking soda or vinegar. As well, there are water hoses that attach to the back
of the washer which should be inspected for kinks in the line, cracks, leaks,
and to make sure the hoses are securely attached to the drain hose. If they are
loose, tighten them. To prevent mold and mildew, you can keep the machine aired
out by leaving the washer door or lid open after use.
Water
Heater Maintenance: Flush out
your water heater once a year. Draining your water heater will get rid of
debris and mineral accumulation ensuring it runs more efficiently. You can
drain your water heater or hire a professional plumber to do the job.
HVAC
System Maintenance
To identify any air conditioning issues, you should get your ac system serviced each year and have
your HVAC system serviced twice per year. Early spring is a good time to have
the air conditioning system serviced. As well, keep branches, leaves, dirt,
etc., away from your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser. You should have your
furnace or central heating system serviced each year. It is a good idea to get
your duct system cleaned out by a professional.
When it comes to HVAC maintenance, you should change the
HVAC filters on a regular basis. It is easy to do and it helps keep your
heating and air conditioning system running efficiently. You will also prevent
contaminants such as dust particles, dirt, pet dander, as well as allergens,
from accumulating which is important particularly if you have someone in the
home who has asthma or allergies. It is recommended that homeowners replace
their HVAC filters monthly.
Clothes
Dryer Maintenance: Because
dryer lint can accumulate in the duct system which is a big cause of dryer
inefficiency and possibly a risk for fire, you should clean your dryer lint
screen after each load to remove excess lint. For debris build up on the
screen, apply warm soapy water with a brush to scrub the screen clean. As well,
it is recommended that homeowners get a professional each year to inspect and
clean the dryer vent and duct system.
Implementing a home system and appliance maintenance routine
helps to ensure everything remains running smoothly and efficiently. It also
helps reduce the chance of safety hazards developing and major damage occurring
to home systems. Home system and appliance maintenance also saves you money on
expensive repair bills as well as your utility bills.
Another excellent way of protecting your home system and appliances is to purchase a home warranty plan. Customers with an ARWHome Warranty Plan receive excellent customer service, immediate repair service for emergency issues, and ARWHome will respond to a request for service within 24-48 hours. Homeowners get quality workmanship guaranteed. ARWHome has the best reputation in the home warranty industry. Efficient home maintenance and a home warranty plan is the ideal way to protect your home appliances and systems.