All homeowners have a list of things they’d like to get done around the home. It seems like every time we take something off the list, we find 5 more things that need to get added on. It gets to the point where we start putting off certain tasks, simply because we don’t have the time or money. However, there are a few home maintenance tasks that you should do as soon as you can. If any of the tasks below are on your to-do list, you’ll be better off getting them done sooner rather than later.
Foundation Repair
Starting at the bottom of your home, one thing you won’t want to putt off is foundation repair. Your foundation is the most important part of your home, and if there are issues with it, they could get worse over time. Foundation issues can lead to flooding, a loss of energy efficiency, windows and doors sticking, and even rodent problems. Take some time to examine the foundation of your home and look for any signs of cracks. If you see any, your best bet is to bring in a foundation repair team to inspect it as soon as you can.
Roof Repairs
Moving from the bottom of your home to the top, the next thing you shouldn’t put off is roof repairs. Your roof protects your home from extreme weather and helps regulate the temperature inside. If there are any issues with your roof, you could find leaks inside or a loss of efficiency. By getting your roof repaired now, you won’t be surprised by a leak coming into your home the next time a bad thunderstorm comes through.
According to Guardian Roofing, a business that provides roof repair in Houston, “A roof is your home’s or building’s first line of defense against natural elements such as wind, rain, fire, hail, ice, snow, and extreme heat. It is also the most vulnerable part of your building.” So once you notice that your roof needs some work, get it take care of right away.
Old Outlets
If you have any outlets in your home that have seen better days, you should replace them soon. Old outlets are a fire hazard, and you run a risk every time you plug something into them. Replacing an outlet isn’t too difficult, but if you aren’t comfortable working with electricity, you’re better off leaving it to a professional. When upgrading your outlets, you can even make it more modern by installing an outlet with a USB port.
Gaps in Windows and Doors
Next, you should take a look at your windows and doors leading outside. If there are any gaps around the edges, this will make your home less energy efficient. It’s typically easy to fill in these gaps, making it the perfect task to get off your list quickly. All it takes is a few minutes to seal the edges of your windows with some caulk or install a door sweep, and suddenly your home is much more energy efficient. You’ll be glad you spent a few minutes now when you see your next energy bill.
HVAC Maintenance
To improve energy efficiency even more you should perform regular HVAC maintenance. HVAC maintenance includes things like cleaning out the system and replacing the air filters. It’s easy to replace the air filter on your own, but you’ll likely want a professional to handle the rest for you. Performing yearly HVAC maintenance will not only make your home more energy efficient, but it will help your system last longer as well. So, the sooner you get this done, the sooner you can start getting the benefits from it.
It’s important to seek emergency HVAC services right away if you encounter any of the following problems:
- Strange Sounds And Odor: If your furnace or air conditioner emits odd noises or an unusual smell, It’s indicative of a serious HVAC issue. For example, a scraping sound could be a result of damaged blower wheel. A plastic burnt odor could be a wiring or other electrical problem.
- You Don’t Feel Comfortable: If you’re not satisfied and comfortable with the temperature of your HVAC, then it could be indicative of a serious problem. Your AC might be blowing warm rather than cool air and your heater might be blowing cool air instead of hot air. It could be an issue with blocked, clogged, or an iced condenser coil.
- Stops Working: Electrical and system issues may cause your HVAC unit to stop working. You can inspect the circuit breaker if the system tripped or contact an HVAC professional immediately to assess the problem.
Does Your Home Have a Leak?
Have you noticed hot or warm spots on your floor, a sudden increase in your gas or water bill, the sound of water running when nothing is on, or water seeping up through your floor, If so you may have a slab leak? You might want to check evansleakdetection.com
Chimney Cleaning
Finally, if you have a chimney in your home, don’t put off cleaning it out any longer. A dirty chimney can not only produce a bad odor in your home, but it’s also dangerous. As you burn wood in your chimney, creosote builds up along the inside. This material is highly combustible, and if you don’t clean it out, a fire can start on the inside of your chimney. This is a danger to your home, making regular chimney maintenance a necessity.
Clean your chimney at least one a year. When you’re burning solid fuels, like coal and wood or using the fire frequently, clean your chimney at least three times a year. It will prevent a dangerous soot accumulation that can lead to fires.
Here’s how to clean a residential chimney:
- Prepare Surrounding Area: Move back all furniture items and cover them with a tarpaulin or dust sheets before sweeping the chimney.
- Remove Grate And Clean Fireplace: Wear a dust mask and a pair of gloves to avoid inhaling the creosote dust and soot. Shovel debris and ashes from your fireplace.
- Inspect The Chimney: Check the chimney using a torch. Look for birds or any animals residing in the chimney. Inspect for cracks and missing firebricks. Take remedial steps when you see damage. If the creosote is thick and hard, hire a professional to sweep the chimney using a special equipment.
- Select Chimney Brush: Choose a brush shape and size. It could be round or square, at 6 or 8 inches. Know the height of your chimney. Push the rod on the brush until the bottom end reaches the middle part of the fireplace.
- Set Dust Control: Attach the dust sheet to the fireplace using masking tape.
- Add More Rods And Start Scrubbing: Scrub the chimney using a slight clockwise movement. Don’t twist the chimney brush anti-clockwise. Use a vigorous thrust, scrubbing the flue properly with the brush. Add more rods as needed.
- Withdraw Brush And Remove Soot: Unscrew one rod at a time to withdraw the brush. Allow the brush to fall into the soot pile lying at the bottom of your fireplace.
- Vacuum And Finish: It will make cleaning a lot easier if you use a vacuum. Reassemble the grate, then shake coverings or sheets outside. For the environmentally-conscious, it’s worth noting that dried soot can be used as a fertilizer in your garden.
Get Started on Your To-Do List
There’s a lot you need to get done, but the only way it’ll happen is if you get started. Look around your own home and make a list of priorities based on the list above. Then start setting aside some time and money to make sure each one of those items gets crossed off as soon as you can. The result will be a healthier and safer home, so don’t put off these home maintenance tasks any longer.
