Monthly Home Maintenance
Becoming a homeowner is one of the most rewarding experiences you can achieve in your life. Every time you pull up to your home, you feel this sensation of purpose, stability, and pride that you just don't get when you are renting from somebody else. With each mortgage payment, you are building equity and investing into YOUR future, rather than someone else's. Just as with any investment, you want to monitor and nurture it. One of the easiest ways of ensuring that your investment is performing to its fullest potential is to complete a few small tasks each month, quarter, season and year. This installment will focus a few items you should address every month.
1. Inspect HVAC Filters and Replace if Needed
If you opt for the more expensive filters and don't have any pets, you should be fine to replace them every two to three months so long as they aren't dirty. However, I have been told by HVAC specialists that it is better to use the cheap filters and go ahead and replace them every month. Doing so helps your unit breathe and run more efficiently which helps extend the life of your unit. Below is a comparison of a clean filter to a dirty filter.
2. Inspect Your Fire Extinguisher
This is a really simple task that can literally save your life. Make sure that your extinguisher is easily accessible and that there isn't any visual wear. You also want to make sure that there is adequate pressure (the indicator should be in the green zone).
3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
You will need four things for this chore: vinegar, an ice cube tray, a freezer, and a garbage disposal. If you haven't guessed it, you are going to be making vinegar ice cubes and dropping them into your disposal. Not only does this clean and freshen your disposal, it sharpens the blades!
4. Flush Unused Toilets and Run Faucets
This step is pointed more towards guest bathrooms or unused bathrooms because the kids move out. Not only does this help prevent sewage smell by making sure the trap is full, it also helps with grime build-up.
Now that you know what to do every month to help maintain your home, make sure you do it! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with maintenance schedules and other important information.
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