Do you have a homeowner’s maintenance checklist to help keep track of when to schedule services for your home? If you keep putting these tasks off, you’re not alone. When it comes to home maintenance, 80% of homeowners wait too long to have the necessary work performed. Here are some home maintenance services to schedule every year.
HVAC Should be on Your Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is an important component of your home. Failure to maintain it will affect the air you breathe and your energy bills. The HVAC system should be serviced at least once a year, but ideally twice, once before you start using the heat and once before you begin using the AC.
Maintenance work on your HVAC system is best left to the professionals. A professional HVAC service will:
- check for leaking fumes
- clean burner compartment
- lubricate moving parts
- check pilot flame sensor
- clean or replace the air filter
- check belts & motors
- inspect the ductwork for energy loss
- check and clean condensate drain line
Schedule Air Duct Cleaning
This service should be done by the same professional that services your HVAC system. The HVAC technician will recommend when is time for the ducts to be cleaned. Usually, it only needs to happen every 3-5 years.
If cleaning is needed, your technician will clean the following components:
- heat exchanger
- supply and return ductwork
- condensate drain pan
- supply and return registers
- fan motor
- heating and cooling coils
If mold or mildew are detected, your contractor will discuss special chemicals or technologies to remove the contaminants.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance
Call to schedule water heater maintenance annually to increase the lifespan of the appliance. If you have a tank water heater, your service provider will flush sediment buildup. If you have a tankless water heater, limescale builds up on the pipes and elements. A plumber knows how to properly descale the unit. The anode rod in your unit must be maintained and sometimes needs replacement. If you notice a rotten egg smell coming from your hot water heater, it’s a sign that you need a plumber.
Add Gutter Cleaning to Your Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist
When your homeowner’s maintenance checklist shows it’s time to get your gutters maintained, a professional will use industrial strength (often truck mounted) vacuums that come fitted with gutter-fitting attachments. Power washers are often used to get rid of heavy clogging issues. A wet/dry procedure is sometimes used that alternates between vacuuming and power washing.
Your gutter cleaning company will ensure that all debris is cleaned up and hauled away for you. As a pro cleans the outside of the gutters, they will look for signs of holes, rust, or seam separations. Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year. Some homeowners choose to take on the task themselves, but the easiest and safest way is to hire a professional.
A Home Maintenance Inspection
Scheduling a professional home maintenance inspection will help you understand areas of your home that need maintenance and repair. A home maintenance inspection is a comprehensive assessment performed for the current homeowner. An inspector examines your property section by section and provides a report about the home’s condition.
Take the time to create a homeowners maintenance checklist and hire the right professional when maintenance is needed.
American Dream Home Inspections provides home inspection services to New Jersey. Contact us to schedule your appointment.