- Regular home maintenance, including areas like the roof and foundation, can prevent severe issues and save costs.
- Kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators require routine cleaning for optimal performance and longevity.
- Maintaining safety systems, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, is essential for preventing emergencies.
- Regular care and upkeep of door locks can enhance home security and prevent lock-related issues.
Maintenance can save not only your insane amounts of dollars but also your precious time and mental peace. However, not all parts of the home need the same level of maintenance, and some tend to slip through unnoticed. Here are some often neglected home areas in maintenance and how to prioritize them.
The Roof
Your roof serves as the primary shield against the elements. Surprisingly, many homeowners tend to overlook its significance. However, disregarding proper maintenance can give rise to a multitude of issues, including leaks, mold infestations, and even structural damage.
Regular roof maintenance checks can help you spot potential problems before they get out of hand. Make sure you perform an annual inspection and repair any missing shingles, cracks, or leaks promptly.
Clogged gutters can also wreak havoc on your home. They can cause water to overflow, leading to roof leaks and damage to your home’s foundation and landscape. Regular cleaning of your gutters should be on your home’s to-do list at least twice a year. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or have trees near your home, you may need to clean them more often.
Foundation
Your home’s foundation is critical to its structural integrity. Neglecting it can result in serious issues such as uneven floors, cracked walls, and even basement flooding.
You must inspect your home’s foundation for any cracks, shifting, or bowing at least twice a year. Hire a professional to check your foundation every three to five years to detect any early warning signs of damage.
If possible, waterproofing your foundation can help prevent flooding and water damage. Also, be sure to check for signs of termites and other pests that may have made their way in.
Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are the workhorses of your home and need regular maintenance to keep running optimally. Things like refrigerator coils, dishwashers, ovens, and garbage disposals can get clogged with dirt, grime, and food debris over time. Here’s a rundown on how to clean some of these appliances:
Oven
Regular oven maintenance can extend the lifespan of this essential kitchen appliance. Over time, burnt food particles can build up and affect the oven’s performance. Regular cleaning using a mild, homemade solution of baking soda and water can help, but for a thorough job, consider hiring a professional service like reliable Eagle Eye oven cleaning. Look for those who use non-toxic, bio-degradable cleaning products that remove all traces of grease and burnt food deposits without damaging the oven’s interior.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator is another heavy-duty appliance that requires routine maintenance. Over time, dust and grime can accumulate on the refrigerator coils, which can lead to inefficiency and higher energy consumption. It’s recommended to clean these coils every six months using a coil-cleaning brush or vacuum. Additionally, keeping the refrigerator well-stocked aids in maintaining low temperatures and reduces energy use.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers can often be overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Regular cleaning can prevent the build-up of food residues and soap scum, which can clog the system and reduce its efficiency. It’s advisable to clean the dishwasher filter monthly and run an empty cycle with a dishwasher-cleaning product every few months. Checking and cleaning the spray arm for clogs is also beneficial in maintaining optimal performance.
Safety Systems
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are often taken for granted. However, they are essential items in saving your life and preventing an emergency from turning into a tragedy. Here are some tips on how to maintain your home’s safety systems:
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Proper maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is key to ensuring your home’s safety. It’s recommended to test these devices monthly by pressing the test button and replacing the batteries every six months, regardless of whether they’re still operating.
Additionally, detectors have a lifespan — smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five years. Cleaning them periodically with a vacuum or a soft brush can help prevent false alarms caused by dust and dirt.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers play a vital role in home safety. They should be kept in easily accessible locations, especially in areas where fires are most likely to start, like the kitchen and garage.
It’s important to check the pressure gauge monthly to ensure it’s at the recommended level. If the pin looks rusty or the extinguisher is damaged, it should be replaced. It is equally essential to ensure that every member of the household is familiar with its operation.
Door Locks
Door locks, being the first line of defense against unwanted intruders, need regular maintenance. Over time, dust and other particles can accumulate inside the lock mechanisms and keys, leading to jamming or sticking.
A silicone-based lubricant can be used to clean and lubricate the lock, improving its operation and extending its life. Always have a spare key in a secure yet accessible location, and consider changing the locks entirely every few years or if you lose a key for improved home security.
Neglecting maintenance in your home can cause serious problems that can be avoided with proper and regular attention. Prioritizing maintenance in often neglected areas like the roof, foundation, gutters, HVAC systems, and safety systems can be a real lifesaver. Schedule it on your calendar, present or future, to ensure that your home remains in tip-top condition and that you remain in a comfortable and safe space.
