Practical Maintenance Tasks for New Owners

Property ownership comes with the responsibility of maintaining the property. Renters have landlords dealing with issues.

As an owner, you are responsible for the property. Owning a home comes with responsibilities that may include structures you may never have considered before.

Disasters can be avoided through regular maintenance. A change of ownership means that no one knows what to do.

Everything appears to be just right until something breaks, and then they get scared to death. However, maintenance is a cyclical process.

Some things should be attended to monthly, seasonally, and yearly.

Check and Replace HVAC Filters on a Monthly Basis

Dirty filters cause heating and cooling systems to work too hard, increasing energy consumption and the eventual need to replace the unit. Check the filters every month.

Change the filters when they appear dirty, which may need to be done monthly, every several months, depending on the amount of dust present, your pets, and other factors.

Filters are inexpensive. New systems are not.

This easy monthly chore will keep the most frequent reason for HVAC system failure at bay.

Clean the gutters twice every year

Clogged gutters fill, and the water spills out, saturating your foundation. Cleaning your gutters should be done in the spring, after the trees have finished dropping leaves, and again in the fall, after the leaves have fallen.

It is a dirty, tedious, but essential job. Leaks from undrained gutters cause thousands of dollars in damage. The price of this job is your time or a few hundred dollars to subcontract.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each month

Press the test button on each detector. If it doesn’t beep, change the batteries.

If it still doesn’t work, replace the unit. Smoke detectors save lives as long as they are working.

Replace the entire unit every ten years, regardless of functionality. Every unit has internal parts that deteriorate over time.

Every unit has its manufacturing date imprinted on the back of every detector.

Annual flushing of water heaters to drain sediments

Sediment inside the tanks decreases efficiency and shortens the life cycle. Once a year, hook a hose up to the drain valve and flush several gallons before the water is clear.

It takes 30 minutes. It pays off by extending the water heater’s life cycle.

Even if you have never drained your hot water tank before, if yours is a few years old, do it a little at a time to avoid complications that may occur if a heavily sedimented tank were drained all at once. Start with a couple of gallons, then increase as seasons change.

Check caulk around tubs and showers

Water dripping between tiles or around tubs leads to rot and mold. Inspect caulk every so often. If it begins to deteriorate or separate, scrape away old caulk before replacing it.

This saves you from having to rip out entire bathrooms due to water damage. Good ones last for years.

Bad ones are good for months. Invest the time in getting them right, or find someone who will.

Look for drips under sinks and near toilets

Check under every sink each month. Touch plumbing to detect wetness.

Look under toilets for mushy areas, which may indicate leaks. Catching it in time means a minor issue can be fixed before becoming a structural problem.

Leaks begin in tiny increments. The dripping water under a sink, while seemingly insignificant, can damage floors and cabinets over the years.

Cleaning dryer vents on an annual basis

This is dangerous because lint buildup in dryer vents can cause fires. The vent needs to be disconnected and cleaned at least once a year.

This is true even for the energy-conscious household that does a great deal of laundry. You will notice that the clothes dry faster after cleaning.

Efficiency alone makes the exercise worth the effort, but the importance here is fire prevention.

Inspect roof from ground level seasonally

There is no need to ascend. Just observe from the ground, using binoculars if needed. Inspect for missing or deteriorated shingles, accumulation of debris, or sagginess.

It is essential to address roof issues before damage is incurred indoors. After the storm, make a quick walkabout.

Storm damage from high winds and falling tree limbs can worsen.

Test garage door safety features monthly

Close the garage door and place an object in its path. The door should reverse when it touches the object.

Next, test the photo sensors by interrupting the beam as the garage door is closing. It will reverse.

Garage doors are heavy and can be dangerous if safety systems malfunction. It takes just 2 minutes a month to check.

Drain radiators within hot water heating systems

If you have radiators, airlocks may form, leading to inefficient operation. Drain each radiator at the start of the heating season using the key.

Turn the valve when you find you are getting water instead of air. This ensures that radiators are heated completely and uniformly.

Such rooms, with air-locked radiators, remain chilled during this operation.

Check for dampness in basement/crawl space

Once a year, inspect your basement or crawlspace by flashlight. Look for water spots, leaks, mold, or a musty odor.

These signs can indicate drainage or foundation-related issues that worsen over time. Your basement should be dry.

If it is not, it is a good idea to look into why that may be. It could be a problem as simple as clogged gutters or as serious as cracks in your foundation.

Check windows and doors for drafts

Check weatherstripping around doors and windows before winter. Keep a candle/lighter near doors/windows on a windy day.

By observing the movement of flame, you can detect leaks. Replace old weatherstripping to save heating bills.

This easy fix can significantly reduce energy costs. Systems work harder because heated air escapes while unheated air enters.

Service major appliances as per the manuals

The refrigerator coils require vacuuming. The filters in the dishwashers must also be cleaned.

The washing machines should also have maintenance cycles. Always read your manuals.

Most people rarely refer to the manuals that came with their appliances, then complain when the appliances break down. Companies put manuals in place for a reason.

Clean all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans

Remove the fan covers and clean out the dust buildup. Unclean fans will not circulate air effectively, resulting in moisture buildup and mold.

Cleaning bathroom fans will eliminate fogged mirrors and help dry moist air. Check fans by placing tissue paper in the vicinity.

Strong fans will hold the paper against the vent. A lack of suction indicates it is time to clean or repair.

Maintain records of the above activities

When servicing or repairing the vehicle, the task date and the nature of the work performed must be recorded. This is important for warranty purposes, and when the time comes to sell the vehicle.

Whether digital or physical, the filing system works. Technique is not as important as keeping the routine of documenting everything related to house maintenance.

Prevention triumphs over reaction

Maintenance work feels like something that could be postponed, particularly when everything seems to be in good condition. Yet, lack of maintenance causes equipment failure at the most inappropriate moment.

This could be when the heating goes out during the coldest days of the year or when the air conditioner fails during the heatwave. Maintenance prevents these kinds of problems, thus making ownership manageable.

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