Top Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should know about especially when first moving into a new home.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been settled in for years, there are essential maintenance tasks that can often slip under the radar. From ensuring your security to safeguarding against potential disasters, here’s a comprehensive checklist to keep your home in top shape.
- Change the Locks and Garage Door Code
While you may trust the previous owners, you don’t know who they may have given the keys to. Changing the locks and garage door code ensures that you’re the sole keyholder, preventing unauthorized access to your home and belongings.
- Check Air Filters on Your Furnace
Regularly inspecting and replacing air filters is vital for maintaining good air quality and prolonging the lifespan of your furnace. Depending on the filter type and air quality, this should be done every 1-6 months to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect Plumbing Fixtures for Leaks
Leaks in faucets, sinks, showers, and toilets can lead to significant water damage and increased utility bills. Identifying and fixing leaks early on can prevent costly repairs and conserve water.
- Test Drains for Slow Drainage
Slow-draining sinks or showers may indicate minor issues that can be addressed without professional help. Regularly checking and addressing drainage problems prevents clogs and more severe plumbing issues down the line.
- Locate Utility Shut-Offs
Knowing the whereabouts of water, gas, and electric shut-offs is crucial in emergencies such as fires or burst pipes. Quick access to shut-offs can mitigate property damage and potentially save lives.
- Inspect for Roof and Siding Leaks
Regularly inspecting walls and ceilings for signs of moisture can help identify roof or siding leaks early on. Addressing these issues promptly prevents structural damage and mold growth. (here is an article on how to identify leaks early)
- Check for daylight around your doors and windows.
Ever walk into your kitchen and the floor is freezing or that one room in your Oftentimes this is because there are large gaps around your door even when it is closed letting cold air in in the winter and hot air in in the summer causing you to lose comfort and have high energy bills. Addressing this early can make your home so much more comfortable and efficient and the good news is that you don’t always need a new door to fix this.
- Adjust Humidifier Settings
If you have a whole home humidifier, there are different settings based on temperature and season that you should know how to adjust and change.
- Familiarize Yourself with Thermostat Operation
Knowing how to operate your thermostat is essential for maintaining comfortable temperatures and managing energy usage effectively. Note that you may have more than one thermostat in your home if you have different zones, or, more commonly in Pittsburgh when you have central air conditioning and radiator heating.
- Understand Wall Composition for Hanging
Different wall materials require specific methods for hanging items securely. Knowing whether your walls are drywall, plaster, masonry, or specialty materials ensures proper installation without damage.
- Check for Mine Subsistence Insurance
Especially relevant in areas like Pittsburgh, where many homes are built over mines, it’s essential to check if your property requires mine subsistence insurance. This coverage protects against damages caused by mine subsistence, which regular homeowners’ insurance may not cover. You can look up your address here to find out if you are in an undermined area.
By staying proactive and addressing these maintenance tasks regularly, you can ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient for years to come. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with your home’s systems and potential risks can save you significant time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Feeling nervous about these items, we can help you with a home preventative maintenance and safety checkup. Our techs will also take the time to show you where critical systems to your home are and how to control them in case of emergency.