Owning your own home is a monumental milestone in one’s life. However, it’s a milestone that comes with a lot of responsibility.
Whether you’ve bought a new home or you’ve upgraded to a bigger one, there are a number of things you should keep in mind for home maintenance during your time as a homeowner.
For those of you who are new to the concept of home maintenance tips and what it entails, these will be a good starting point for you.
Let’s get started.
1. Inspect Your Home Regularly
Inspecting your home regularly is one of the most important pieces of home maintenance advice that every new homeowner should know.
Keeping on top of your home’s condition and making preventive maintenance a priority can help prevent costly repairs and replace broken components.
It is essential that you regularly inspect your home for issues such as water damage, cracks in walls or foundations, pipe leaks, electrical system wiring, and general wear and tear.
Take pictures of the inspections, which can be helpful when deciding what repairs need to be done. Additionally, make sure to always inspect your home before and after extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and windy days.
Be sure to look for the best foundation repair in Michigan. They offer free estimates by certified inspectors.
2. Preventative Maintenance for Appliances
Preventative maintenance for appliances is something that every new homeowner should know and adhere to.
Appliances in the home require regular care and attention, which should include changing air filters, regularly cleaning, vacuuming exhaust fans, washing out condensate lines, unclogging drains, checking hoses, and replacing washers.
This helps keep appliances free from dust and debris and helps them run more efficiently. With regular property maintenance, appliances need fewer repairs and have a longer life expectancy.
It saves money in the long run, as it is more cost-effective to maintain appliances than to replace them when they break down.
As a new homeowner, take the time to learn preventative maintenance tips for your appliances and develop a routine for your tasks to ensure that your home and its appliances are running in top condition.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Understanding the common signs of roof damage can save you costly repairs in the future. Start by checking the condition of your roof’s shingles and inspect for missing, broken, or cracked shingles.
Walk the roof periodically to check for loose nails or any buckling or spongy deckings. Ensure the condition of flashings around vents, pipe penetrations, and chimney stacks.
It’s also important to check for watermarks or minimal staining, which could indicate a leak somewhere. Most importantly, clear out debris such as leaves and limbs on the roof and in the gutters to promote water flow.
Performing regular roof inspections and maintenance can help avoid bigger problems and repair expenses.
4. HVAC Maintenance
As a new homeowner, it is important to stay on top of HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your system and prevent costly repairs.
A few simple steps you can take to keep your HVAC running efficiently include changing filters at least every three months, ensuring adequate drainage, and cleaning or replacing the unit’s evaporator coils.
A trained technician should perform regular inspections to prevent refrigerant and air duct leakage. If a problem is detected, it is important to address it immediately, as potential damages can be costly.
Other tips include regularly replacing air duct filters, checking for air leaks around doors and windows, and having the air conditioner serviced regularly.
Taking the time to maintain your HVAC system can help ensure that your home is comfortable and efficient for years to come.
5. Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean
Food particles, soap scum, and grease can easily build up at their disposal over time. These deposits can lead to unpleasant odors, clogs, and damage to the machine.
To prevent these problems, it’s important to wash out the disposal with hot water and bleach on a regular basis. Additionally, avoid putting fibrous materials like onion peels, bones, and tough vegetables in the disposal as they can cause damage.
Finally, consider investing in a garbage disposal device that can help separate food particles and prevent clogs.
6. Insulate Pipes and the Water Heater
Without proper insulation, pipes can freeze in the winter and cause pipes to burst, resulting in expensive repairs. To prevent this, it is best to insulate pipes located in any unheated areas, such as the garage, basement, and attic.
Pipe insulation can easily be purchased from local hardware stores. With regard to the water heater, it should be insulated with a pre-cut insulating blanket.
This type of insulation can be found at most home improvement stores. Finally, homeowners should also check on the insulation frequently and make sure it is not scraped away from any sharp objects.
7. Updating Your Home’s Electrical System
Every new homeowner should understand the importance of keeping their electrical system up to date. Taking some basic steps to ensure the electricity in your home is properly maintained can save you money in the long run.
Start by ensuring your electrical panel is in good condition and up to code. Have a professional inspect and update your wiring if you suspect it is outdated.
Always keep the area around your electrical panel and outlets clean and free of clutter and debris. If possible, install a surge protector to protect your appliances and electronics from power fluctuations.
Additionally, use energy-saving lightbulbs and appliances to save money on your energy bills. Lastly, avoid using extension cords. If needed, properly hard-wire additional electrical outlets to save energy.
Maintain a Clean Home Environment With These Home Maintenance Tips
Overall, being a new homeowner can be daunting. There is much to learn about upkeep, but following the important home maintenance tips can help make the transition smoother.
Nailing down the basics in the beginning can help keep problems at bay and reduce long-term repair costs. Learning and following simple regular home maintenance tips can make all the difference.
For more tips on your home life and services, keep coming back to check out our other blogs.
