You can avoid costly home repairs with preventative maintenance. According to U.S. News and World Report, the average homeowner will spend between 1 and 4 percent of a home’s value on maintenance and repairs every year. If you have a $200,000 home, that’s $2,000 every year — ouch.
4 Preventative Maintenance Strategies You Can Benefit From Today
Do Regular HVAC Inspections
If the HVAC system fails in the middle of the summer or winter when temperatures are most extreme, you’re going to wish you planned ahead. Peak season repairs can place a major dent in your wallet because of increased contractor demand, so do all that you can to make sure your systems work properly year-round.
Semi-annual pre-season checkups in the spring and fall for the cooling and heating systems, respectively are a good idea. Don’t forget to change the air filters once a month to prevent premature mechanical breakdowns and to boost energy efficiency.
Control Pests Now
The best form of pest control is prevention. Before having to go on the defense against pests, follow these pest control maintenance tips.
- Install yellow, pink, or orange-tinted lights at the exterior of the home to detract flying insects.
- Eliminate pest bridges by trimming back plants and mulch around the exterior of your home.
- Replace damaged window screens.
- Repair doors with gaps and cracks.
- Inspect your property for cracks in the foundation.
- Check for openings near pipes and wiring and seal openings.
- Keep the yard free of trash and place clean and tightly closed trash cans as far away from the house as possible.
- Clean sinks and floor drain in order to detract small flies.
- Seal open pantry food completely in plastic bags or containers.
Check the Plumbing
Imagine walking into the bathroom to find it flooded and that water is making its way through other parts of the house. If this occurs, there’s a good chance that there’s a plumbing issue in the form of a leak or ruptured pipe behind your walls. Rectifying the structural damage, along with fixing the actual problem, could mean big money for you. Have a trained professional come in and inspect the walls and ceilings for signs of mold and water damage annually. Have him fix any leaks and ensure the plumbing system is operating properly.
Perform Weekly Pool Maintenance
To remove both visible debris and microscopic matter, pool owners must backwash the filter weekly. Brush walls and floor to prevent algae from growing in nooks and crannies, and vacuum at least once a week if you don’t have an automatic running vacuum. Consider using a suction pool cleaner to keep the maintenance costs low and the pool in good working condition. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a pool service for deep cleaning.
To avoid the buildup of bacteria, algae, and debris, keep the pool water circulating through the filter system 24/7 — absolutely no less than 12 hours/day. Also, use a test strip to test the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine. Adjust accordingly. Keep water clear by adding chemical products that help make your swimming environment safe and sanitary.
The Preventative Maintenance Habit That Could Save Lives
Finally, don’t forget to keep your electrical system up-to-date. Otherwise, you may experience power outages. In more severe cases, faulty wiring could result in an electrical fire.
Remember, you can avoid costly home repairs later by performing much less expensive preventative maintenance today. ACRI has compiled a list of professionals that can help you. Check out the ACRI Preferred Services Providers.
