In our post on remodeling your home early, we discussed how important it is to adapt your home so it’s more appropriate for elderly adults aging in place independently. It’s far less expensive to remodel your home room-by-room and year-by-year, especially if the project is focused on modifying your house to be more safe and accessible.
The same concept holds true for general home maintenance. A room-by-room, month-by-month approach towards check-ins, cleaning, and repairs can go a long way and prevent your home from deteriorating all at once. To keep your house from becoming unlivable, here are some maintenance tasks you should schedule in your routine:
Check your smoke detectors
Statistics on smoke alarm use reveal that almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that failed to operate. Interestingly, power source issues were listed as the most common factors when these alarms failed to operate. Clearly, smoke detectors are our first line of defense when dealing with a fire. It’s crucial to take precautions and make sure these are properly functioning. Regularly test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should also look at the expiration dates on your fire extinguisher; test its pressure and check for physical damages at least once a year.
Maintain household appliances
We enjoy a lot of conveniences thanks to modern household appliances, but daily use can lead to wear-and-tear that shortens their lifespan. Make it a point to clean your appliances at least once a month. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent clogs and leaks in your dishwasher, and de-gunk your washing machine whenever signs of mold, mildew, or foul odors appear. Your refrigerator, in particular, is an expensive appliance to replace. Do change the water filters on your fridge regularly, and check for signs of leaking. If you can, push your refrigerator out of its spot to dust the dirt off the condenser coils at the back, and even sweep beneath the appliance to keep it in tip-top shape.
Clean your HVAC system
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems ensure you stay warm in the winter and cool during the summer. However, dust and debris can slow your systems down. For instance, you’ll need a power-efficient and cooling AC to survive North Carolina’s hot and muggy summers. Many people may not know how to clean an air conditioner, but it’s actually quite simple. The basic principle is to remove the air filter, then clean this carefully, along with the AC’s individual parts — which should be re-installed after everything has dried properly to prevent rust or leakage. If you’re not too sure, ask a professional to service your HVAC system for peak performance. Annual checks allow you to spot potential problems, so your system lasts you a long time.
Keep an eye out for potential water damage
Water damage is not always caused by hurricanes and flooding. A house can be easily ruined by leaks in the pipes, blocked gutters, or a non-functioning sump pump. Eventually, these small problems can rot drywall and studs, create black mold, and weaken major structural elements of your home. Preventing water damage can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run, especially as homeowner insurance deductibles and coverage limits mean you would still need to pay out-of-pocket for some repairs. Check fixtures and pipes for signs of leakage, discoloration, cracks, corrosion, and other changes. Touch up any grout or caulk used in bathroom tiles, and call a professional when you’re unsure how to address any plumbing issues.
KC’s Improvement & Construction Co. is dedicated to providing the Greensboro, NC community with quality renovation and remodeling services. Call us today for a free in-home consultation.
Written by Alejandra Christine Cameron
Exclusive for wwwkcsimprovement.com
