It’s not always that easy to stay on top of house maintenance. You need to hire a professional for the big jobs, and there are always those DIY projects that you don’t have time for. But it’s essential! Doing your best at-home maintenance will keep everything running smoothly, help you avoid problems down the road, and save money in the long run. Here are some tips from our blog to get you started with maintaining your house:
1. Replace all your light bulbs with the more energy efficient LED lights for and lower power bills:
You can find the best light bulbs for your home at any major retailer. The only difference is that they might cost a little more upfront but will save you money in the long run for the reasons of their energy efficiency and lower power bills. There are special deals to help offset this upfront expense too!
LEDs use about 25% less electricity than fluorescent lighting or halogen lamps with incandescent bulbs while lasting up to 50 times longer–a considerable investment when considering replacement costs over time (as much as $200 annually) – an average lifespan of 15 years for LEDs means savings all round.
2. Add an outdoor rug
This is a little tip, but with big consequences, having a rug out your front door will stop you from bringing dirt from outside and onto your carpet. We all know how much carpet can cost, so make sure to do this.
3. Paint your front door a bright colour to make it stand out from the rest of the house
Nothing worse than delivery can’t find your house, this might not include maintenance as such, but people need to find your house
4. Making Sure your home is sealed
Walk around your house and see any Opportunities for anything from wind to outside, hot or cold. If you find a seal around the window starting to break down, use a sealant like np1 caulk. Np1 sealant is universal and can be used outside and inside, from windows to joints in your house, so it is always worth having this in your draw.
5. Clear out rain gutters.
Do this every year. In winter, when there’s not much going on, clear out your gutters so you can enjoy the summer in peace. Stop the water from building up and running down your walls.
6. Deep clean brooms and dustpans.
It’s tempting to sweep them into a corner and forget about it, but regular deep cleanings ensure that they last longer. For example, dustpans should be washed with soap and water every few weeks, while brooms need more attention if they’re being used outdoors.
7. Clean the dryer vent.
Simple to do but really needs to be done! If you don’t already have one, install a dryer vent cover that attaches to the outside of your house. This will trap lint and block any critters from nesting in there. Then, once every few years (or more often if you’ve noticed an increase in how long it takes your clothes to dry), clean out the vent.
8. Air conditioning upkeep.
If you’re feeling hot, have a clogged nose and are sneezing all the time, your AC may not be working correctly. It’s really essential to keep it in good shape so that moisture doesn’t build up inside due to lack of use or upkeep. Run the air con at least once every week (more if it is being used for cooling), which will help release any trapped water from within and keep things running smoothly. Also, clean filters when necessary–this ensures they don’t become too dirty and cause disruptions inefficiency; get an annual HVAC service with a professional company who can come out on their schedule after hours!
9. Clean out exhaust fans to prevent mould
This is a must. A simple weekly cleaning of your bathroom exhaust fan will keep mould from forming and releasing spores into the air you’re breathing. Weekly household fans should also get cleaned to prevent dust build-up, which can cause allergies or asthma symptoms. If an exhaust fan has gotten wet, give it time to dry completely before using it again.
10. Flush out your water heater
Doing this now and then will keep it in the best shape and working most efficiently. If you have an older one that isn’t on all day long, then try this: drain 50% of the tank every other month, pour non toxic chemicals down each time before refilling with cold tap water. This keeps the sediment from building up inside, where it can corrode metal components and clog heating elements.
Use non-toxic cleaners when cleaning bathrooms or removing mildew from tiles as harsh chemicals could cause your health problems over time, such as dry skin, asthma symptoms or allergies to grow worse!
Maintaining your house is essential, but it’s tough to stay on top of everything. You need a professional for the big jobs and DIY projects you don’t have time for. The burden of maintaining a home can be daunting, but there’s no need to get overwhelmed! A professional will take care of the big jobs you don’t have time for and DIY projects on your list. Plus, they’ll show you how to do any other tasks or repairs yourself, so in-between visits (or if something goes wrong), it won’t feel like an impossible task anymore.
