Many homeowners these days are considering major investments; remodeling the kitchen, updating the bathroom, or adding office space or a sunroom. But there are less sexy, day-to-day maintenance tasks that every home requires. Home maintenance pros suggest a few minor investments that can save you money over the long haul.
- Change Your Filters – The filters in your furnace, A/C units and even the kitchen exhaust fan keep the air in your house clean and free of allergy-inducing particulates. Dirty filters restrict the airflow through the HVAC system and cause a serious strain on the furnace, making it less efficient and shortening its lifespan. Have the HVAC system serviced annually and ask the pro to show you how to change filters and how often. Typically, filters should be checked monthly and replaced when they look dirty.
- Drain the Hot Water Tank – Over time, mineral deposits and sediment buildup in the tank eat away at the heating element, which can seriously shorten the life of your water heater. Worse, if your tank becomes corroded, it can leak and flood your basement. You can prevent damage and extend the life of your hot water tank by draining it at least once a year to get rid of sediment buildup.
- Vacuum Fridge Coils – The magic behind keeping your food cold in the refrigerator actually happens behind it. The condenser coils take the heat out of the fridge’s interior in order to keep things cool. But they work best when they’re clean and not covered in dust bunnies. To boost efficiency and extend the appliance’s lifespan, vacuum the coils once or twice a year, even if you need to use some muscle to move it away from the wall.
- Clean Your Gutters – Cleaning the leaves and gunk out of the gutters is nobody’s idea of fun. But clogged gutters lead to rain water spilling over and puddling around your foundation, which can cause foundation leaks, and, in frigid areas, the water stuck in your gutters can form ice dams that damage the roof and let water seep into the attic. Gutters should be cleaned out every spring and fall.
