If you become a homeowner, you understand that home care doesn’t end. There is so much interior and exterior housework necessary to maintain its beautiful appearance, but it does not always get done. Sometimes, we must prioritize our tasks based on the time we have. The problem with that is many tasks simply never get done, either because you don’t have the time, or you never even knew it was something that needs to be done!
Preventive maintenance on the equipment extends its lifespan and saves you money and time in the long run, so don’t forget these standard home maintenance tasks everyone forgets about.
1. Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
Every dryer has an exhaust vent connecting to ductwork that ultimately leads to a vent on the outside of your home. This vent and ductwork pull hot air out of the dryer, but over time lint builds up on the vent and in the ducts. This creates a hazardous situation and is among one of the leading causes of fire in residential homes. Even if it doesn’t cause fire, blocked vents lead to inefficiency, consequently prolonging drying time while increasing utility costs. The ductwork of a dryer can be extensive meaning a lot of dust and lint can build up in it. It’s important to have your vents cleaned at least once every year or two.
2. Flushing Your Water Heater
It’s hard to pay attention to your water heater until something goes wrong. The problem is that minerals and sediments from hard water will accumulate within the heater, making it less efficient and wearing down the parts quickly over time. These issues can be solved by frequent draining and flushing of appliances. Failing to flush the device for an extended time results in corrosion which damages the tank’s structural integrity. In addition, the neglected heater keeps the water flowing but slowly increases water bills, resulting in high utility costs. Eventually, the unit will fail altogether and need to be replaced.
3. Cleaning Your Refrigerator Condenser Coils
A refrigerator uses condenser coils to remove heat from the refrigerant. These coils pass through the compressors and evaporators to ensure a cooling effect in your space. Gradually, the coils will accumulate dust, leading to the unit having to work harder to cool the space. The dusty condensers will also shorten the lifespan of the expensive components of the unit, leading to costly repairs. When left unattended for a long time, you’ll have to replace the unit prematurely.
4. Changing HVAC Air Filters
Although replacing air filters seems a minor issue, it costs you money in the end if you don’t. Failure to replace a furnace filter is one of the most common causes of malfunctioning and inefficient units. This is because dirt and dust accumulate on the filters, causing them to clog and prevent proper airflow. This forces the unit to work harder to achieve the desired home temperatures. Overworking the system components leads to inefficiency and high electricity bills. Additionally, it lowers your indoor air quality and can even make you sick. Inspect and change the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions on your furnace.
5. Test and Tune-up Your Sump Pump
Flooding is every homeowner’s nightmare. It causes water issues such as mold growth and compromises your property’s structural integrity. A sump pump helps you prevent this problem by detecting elevating water pressure levels and ensuring that they do not rise too high. Excess water from heavy rain accumulates in the lower parts of your home if the pump isn’t working properly. It typically happens in the basement area leading to flooding and the subsequent effects such as biological growth and wood warping. Eventually, you incur extra costs trying to solve the problems. It’s crucial to make sure your sump pump is operating correctly and efficiently, especially if you will be away from your home while on vacation.
Prevent Unexpected Bills with a Home Protection Plan
Preventative maintenance helps stave off unexpected repairs, but nothing is guaranteed to last and continue to be in good working order forever. That’s why it pays to have a home protection plan that covers the costs of repairs and replacements on appliances and major and minor home systems. Home protection plans are affordable and cover almost anything in your home. They have low deductibles and allow you to save hundreds and even thousands of dollars on repairs and replacements of the most used home systems. You can cover everything from your refrigerator to your water heater, washer and dryer, plumbing and ductwork, and even your kitchen appliances.
Learn more about how home protection plans can save you money by calling 800-895-0842 today.
