Annual Home Maintenance Guide: Keys to a Problem-Free House

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping a house in great shape. If you don’t properly inspect your house at least once a year, there could be underlying problems that are steadily getting worse without your knowledge. By being diligent with home maintenance, you’ll get a home that won’t fail you no matter how many years pass.

1. Check your doors and windows

A broken door or window is a security risk and could be the source of various problems down the line. Even a small crack in your windowpane could be a source of leaks, which could then grow mould. Before it grows to an even bigger headache, resolve these concerns by hiring professional metal window refurbishment or door repair services.

2. Protect exterior wood

Exterior wood is particularly vulnerable to being a home for pests like ants and termites, so you need to ensure there are no openings they can enter through. Especially during the winter months, exterior wood needs additional protection from the elements to prevent rot and moisture damage. If you’re experienced in home improvement, you can paint, seal, and caulk exterior wood yourself. If in doubt, enlist a professional to do it. If, while you are getting ready to do this job, you do discover unwelcome visitors have indeed made their home in the wood, you may wish to contact your local Pest Control Experts and have them come and help you get rid of the creatures before you go ahead and protect the wood. 

3. Inspect HVAC systems

A poorly maintained furnace can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning and soot build-up on the area surrounding the heater. It also affects indoor air quality since soot can get blown into the vents alongside the hot air. A poorly maintained air conditioner also affects cooling efficiency. Clean your filters at least once a month, and clean your air conditioning units at least twice a year. Have a professional inspect your HVAC systems to avoid fuel and water leaks.

4. Test smoke detectors and other home safety features

Home safety relies on the functionality of safety measures like sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, etc. Test these systems at least once every month to ensure they’ll work when you need them the most. Check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and replace batteries as needed.

5. Deep clean your house at least twice a year

A clean house improves your overall health and quality of life. Clean your house regularly by wiping down most used surfaces like chairs and tables, and vacuuming and mopping floors. Replace bedsheets, pillowcases, and blankets twice a month. At least twice a year, deep clean the house by wiping, dusting, and laundering everything from upholstery and duvets to hard-to-reach areas like the insides of appliances and the tops of cabinets.

6. Check the drainage

Ensuring the drains are free from clogs will help prevent water damage to your home. Stagnant water in the drains could also become breeding grounds for insects. Clogged drains could also collect grime and sediment, which are harder to clean if you let them accumulate. Clean them regularly, especially before big storms.

The longevity of your house depends greatly on how you take care of it. Take the necessary action as early as possible to ensure that your house will last you until your twilight years.