Preventative medicine is the best medicine. The same rules apply to homes. Stopping a problem from festering is always better than fixing the issue once it occurs. New homeowners have a responsibility to check over their homes on a regular basis to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. Here are five monthly maintenance tasks new homeowners should do.
Home Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors conduct an important job inside every household. One detector lets a homeowner know when there’s a fire or uncontrollable smoke. The other detector lets a homeowner know when there’s a carbon monoxide leak.
Some detectors are good at letting homeowners know when they need to change out the batteries. There will be an excessive beeping noise going off. However, even if you don’t hear the beep, be sure to check both detectors monthly to ensure they’re still doing their job.
HVAC System
Most homeowners will go months without checking their HVAC system. In fact, it’s common for them to inspect the system only once something goes wrong. When the heat or AC doesn’t turn on, that’s a clear indication that the system needs some attention.
Your HVAC system needs preventative maintenance to keep it working optimally. Check the system monthly, especially during the winter months. This is the time when malfunctions and breakdowns are likely to happen. Also, remember to replace the dirt filter to improve air quality and watch for any cracks or strange noises.
Kitchen Appliances
Even if they’re not the greatest cooks, homeowners still use this area to clean dishes and store their food. If you’ve recently moved into the home, ask for a full rundown report on the kitchen appliances.
You need to know how old the refrigerator and dishwasher are. Clean the refrigerator out once a month and defrost the freezer. Remove all old food and make sure the fridge still cools properly. Also, remember to clean the dishwasher to prevent leaks and clogs.
Plumbing System
Most homeowners aren’t licensed plumbers, so they should leave any issues that occur with the plumbing to the professionals. However, a monthly check is much less expensive than calling a plumber to fix a problem.
Keep a close eye on the bathroom and kitchen piping. Watch for mold, mildew, discoloration, cracks, and leaks. Old, worn pipes are more likely to cause floods and water damage, so keeping an eye on them is essential.
Outside Gutters
Finally, the outside gutters require some much-needed attention. Now is the perfect time to inspect and clean them. Before April showers come into full effect, you need to remove all the leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris that accumulated during the winter.
Clogged gutters can wreak havoc on a home. Proper drainage is a necessity; otherwise, heavy rainfall could lead to roof damage.
Run through these five monthly maintenance tasks to ensure that your new home stays beautiful and structurally sound.