Home Maintenance Now That Can Save You Money Later
Home maintenance can sometimes be time consuming and expensive and as a result, may be one aspect of owning a home that you tend to avoid or procrastinate about. Good news- there are some easy and inexpensive DIY tasks that can actually save you money and time in the long run.
By spending a weekend performing some simple maintenance tasks around the house, you could reduce your bills or avoid costly contractor fees in the future….upkeep of your home is important not only now but long term. Here are a few of those tasks:
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters are an important system that protects your home. Every time it rains, gutters carry water off and away from your home. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, then the water builds up on your roof and collects around the foundation of your home as well. Over time, this can lead to leaky roofs or saggy gutters.
You can prevent this damage by cleaning your gutters of leaves and other debris at least once a year (more frequently if you have overhanging trees). All you’ll need is a few simple tools which may include a ladder, gloves and a hose. It could also pay off to check gutters after strong storms come through.
Replacing HVAC filters and A/C Maintenance
Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home and regulates the internal temperature. Unless you live in a moderate climate, your HVAC system most likely uses more energy than any other home system or appliance.
HVAC systems use air filters or screens to prevent larger dust particles from clogging up the works. When these filters become dirty, air flow is reduced and the system has to work harder. Luckily, these air filters are fairly cheap and easy to swap out. You’ll want to switch them out every few months (more frequently if you have pets or a large family).
Often, your annual maintenance visit will include some basic cleaning of your A/C unit. But you may still want to clean the unit regularly, especially in the spring before you turn it on. And remember, you can help your A/C unit stay as efficient as possible by keeping bushes and debris well away from the air conditioner condenser coils.
Maintain Smoke Detectors
Early detection of smoke or a fire could save your life. It could also save your home and your property.
Don’t wait for the telltale “beep” to service your smoke detectors when they’re low on battery life. Instead, check your smoke detectors regularly, ensuring they work properly, and replace batteries or the unit itself when needed. Keep in mind the life of the smoke detectors, most last 5-7 years. If even changing a battery doesn’t fix the problem, time for a new smoke detector.
Check Your Roof
Periodically check your roof for damage. Damaged, discolored, or gravel-less shingles should be quickly replaced to prevent the need to replace your entire roof, water-damaged trusses, or drywall when you finally discover a leak. During the inspection of your roof, pay special attention to shingles that surround skylights, vents, and chimneys, as these areas are the most leak-prone. It never hurts to call in a roofing company to take a look, especially after recent storms. Watching your roof can save you money in the long run.
If you find that your roof is damaged and a new roof is needed, be sure to ask your roofing company you are using about Class Four roof shingles. These are upgraded and may be an additional cost out of pocket, but the benefits of having hail resistant and insurance savings.