If you’re a dedicated homeowner, then you already know the importance of proper maintenance of your home. If everything is in working order you will save thousands on repairs. However, it is impossible to think of every single thing that needs maintenance around the house. The smallest of issues you overlook will by some law of irony cause the biggest of trouble.
That is why you should write up a checklist of things that need to be taken care of on a weekly, monthly, and yearly level. In order not to skip any important items, we have compiled an exhaustive list of the topmost issues when it comes to house maintenance.
Check the Water Pressure
The plumbing in our house functions in much the same way our blood vessels do. If the blood pressure is high over a long period, then you could have a coronary. The “heart attack” in plumbing would be a pipe bursting and flooding the entire home. Expert plumbers suggest installing sump pump will move the flood water from your basement. Most bursts occur precisely because of high water pressure that hasn’t been paid attention to.
The ideal water pressure is 75 lbs. psi. Any number higher than that puts stress on the pipes and it only becomes a matter of time before they leak and eventually burst. A pressure gauge can be attached to a laundry tube facet to measure the water pressure. If it’s higher than normal, don’t hesitate to call the plumber as soon as possible because who knows for long have your pipes and valves been overpressured.
Clean the Refrigerator Coils
Since coils are located at the back of the fridge and are usually set low near the floor, you might even forget they exist. That is why dirt, cobwebs and pet hair pile up on them over the years and cause functional problems. They can no longer release heat the way they are supposed to, so your fridge uses up more energy to operate properly. Not only does this use up more energy than needed but it shortens the lifespan of the appliance as well. Remember to clean the coils using a special brush or if you don’t have one, a simple dust cloth will do for starters.
Roofing
If the coils are set too low, then the roof is set too high, both hidden from plain sight. You can’t estimate from ground level the condition your roofing is in or if the gutters are clogged. It is only after a heavy shower that you start feeling the consequences and decide to inspect it. Since working at height is dangerous, you should consider hiring a mobile tower, like a cherry picker, boom truck, or scissor lift. It is not always easy to decide which one would serve you best.
With the help of a travel tower, you can not only clean the gutters from leaves and other debris but also safely repair roof tiles or flashings. Remember, personal safety is a more important issue than proper maintenance, so don’t use old rickety ladders to reach the roof.
Make Sure You Breathe Fresh Air
There are numerous air filters in your house like AC unit, ventilation shafts, and the kitchen hood. They can get dirty quite easily and start circulating the dirt around the house instead of ventilating it. Clean the filters at least three times a year. This can be done by rinsing them with soapy water. Some filters, like paper or charcoal, have to be replaced altogether.
Getting Rid of Pests
Living organisms pose a threat to the safety of your home. If you have a pet dog, make sure to clean your carpets more often, because fleas love to nest in there. Then, mice like to make nests and dens in the most awkward of places and inside home appliances. A nest in the AC outdoor unit can cause a fire that can burn down your house. If mice or rats nestle under the hood of your car, then they can damage it so it will no longer be operational or it will need a major repair. Simply placing few a mouse or rat traps will take care of your headache.
That is why all devices and machines should be run from time to time to check if they are still operating properly and to let all the critters know that this is your home, not theirs.
The issues we listed here should be added to your maintenance checklist. Make sure you perform it regularly so you and your house will remain safe.
Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.
