Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions and purchases a person may make. Not only does it come with the financial responsibility of paying a mortgage, but also making sure to keep up on your home maintenance. If you are a homeowner it is important to regularly get your home serviced and cleaned to keep it looking its best. For those looking to buy a home in Seattle, WA, having your gutters and roof cleaned, or your foundation inspected regularly is imperative. The same goes for those renting a home in Atlanta, GA, an apartment in Miami, FL, or in any other climates.
To help you keep track of the projects that need to be completed around your home, Redfin has reached out to a wealth of experts to create a list of home maintenance tips to keep your home looking its best.
1. Look for any signs of mold
It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of mold after moving into your new home. “Water damage and mold can escalate quickly if ignored. Check under sinks and around appliances for leaks, fixing any minor issues right away. For visible mold, clean small areas with a mold removal solution and call a professional restoration company if it becomes a bigger problem,” says Protegrity Restoration, a water damage restoration company based out of Tampa and Orlando, Florida.
2. Flush your water heater
Not many homeowners know how to take care of their water heaters. “Flushing your water heater annually clears sediment buildup, improving efficiency and extending its lifespan. This simple maintenance task can help avoid costly repairs or early replacement,” suggests Grable Plumbing & Air, a plumbing company based in Tampa, Florida.
3. Take care of your drains
One of the most important home maintenance tips is to take care of your drains now. “To keep drains flowing, use a hair catcher in bathroom drains and avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink. These simple habits reduce the risk of clogs and keep your pipes clear,” shares Denny’s Plumbing Service, a plumbing service based out of Clearwater, Florida.
4. Investigate faulty circuits
Whenever a circuit trips, it can be scary for a new homeowner. “If a circuit is not working, go to the electrical panel to check the fuses and breakers first. Then, if you feel comfortable, reset any tripped breakers or replace blown fuses. However, if they trip again, we strongly recommend the services of a licensed and certified electrician,” advises Court Electrical Service, an electrical service in Dunedin, Florida.
5. Install exterior lights
If the outside of your house is feeling dark and scary, it may be time to add some lights. “Exterior lighting enhances security, improves your property’s curb appeal, and increases safety. While simple lighting projects might be DIY-friendly, hiring a licensed electrician ensures a safe and professional installation,” says Dadz Electrical Services, an electrical services business in Lynnwood, Washington.
6. Replace your HVAC filters
HVAC repairs can be expensive, so one of the best home maintenance tips is to stop damage with preventative measures. “Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months. Clean filters improve air quality and keep the system running efficiently, reducing strain on the unit,” advises Veterans AC & Heat, an AC repair company based out of Dunedin, Florida.
7. Check airflow of your vents
When moving in all your furniture, make sure you check where you’re placing things. “Ensure furniture, curtains, or other objects aren’t blocking air vents. This helps maintain consistent airflow and prevents the system from overworking,” shares Air 24/7, an AC repair company in Tampa, Florida.
8. Implement regular inspections of indoor HVAC units
Big problems can sneak up on you. Check out your indoor unit for any signs of damage. “Regularly inspect the area around the indoor unit for standing water, which could indicate a clogged drain line. Regularly clearing the HVAC drain line with vinegar or a wet/dry vacuum prevents clogs, mold buildup, and water damage,” adds Trust Heating & Air, an AC repair service local to Loganville, Georgia.
9. Improve air quality with a high-quality vacuum
Not all vacuums are created equal. For the best air quality, use a HEPA filter. “To improve indoor air quality, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust, pet dander, and allergens in your home, and dust surfaces regularly to prevent buildup. Investing in a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter is also helpful,” suggests Guardian Home Services, an AC repair and air quality service local to Dallas, Plano, and Garland, Texas.
10. Inspect your roof for algae or moss.
If you start to see something growing on your roof, one of the best home maintenance tips is to get a cleaning scheduled. “Inspect the roof periodically for algae or moss growth, especially in shaded areas, as these can damage shingles over time. If you notice a buildup, schedule a professional soft wash to avoid shingle damage,” says Absolute Cleaning Services, a cleaning company based in Tigard, OR.
11. Clear out your gutters
No one likes getting on a ladder and clearing out gutters, but it’s important to do to keep your roof in good shape. “Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris to prevent water buildup on the roof and reduce staining or damage from overflow,” says Hydra Clean NW, a cleaning service in the Lynwood and Seattle, Washington area.
12. Clean thoroughly to avoid unwanted pests
Aside from keeping your space looking nice, cleaning can also keep away pests. “Keep your home clean by regularly vacuuming, sweeping, and wiping down surfaces to remove crumbs and spills that can attract pests. Also, be sure to clean around, behind, and under your stove and refrigerator,” advises Drive-Bye Exterminators, a pest control company in Clearwater, Florida.
13. Eliminate sources of moisture
Even if damp areas in your home aren’t bothering you now, they can cause problems down the road. “Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and any other sources of moisture around your home. Damp areas attract pests like cockroaches, ants, and silverfish,” says James River Pest Solutions, a pest control company in Glen Allen, VA.
14. Streamline garage storage
Instead of just storing things wherever you can, try to organize boxes to create a clear system for locating items when you need them. “Store items in clear, labeled bins on overhead racks to quickly locate what you need without moving multiple boxes. Use overhead storage racks, cabinets, or shelves to maximize your garage space, recommends The Smarter Garage, a garage storage service based in Tampa, Florida.
15. Clean your fridge coils
For the best fridge performance and to reduce any risk of breaking down, regular cleaning goes a long way. “Dust and dirt can accumulate on the coils behind or beneath the fridge, causing it to overheat and work harder. Clean the coils every 6-12 months for better efficiency,” suggests Atlanta Appliance, an appliance repair company in Loganville, Georgia.
16. Clear lint out of your dryer
A build-up of lint in the dryer is a serious fire hazard. “Periodically clean the vent duct to prevent lint buildup, which can cause the dryer to overheat and reduce efficiency. Also, empty the lint trap after every load to avoid fire hazards and improve airflow,” says Gulf Coast Appliances, an appliance repair company serving Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
17. Keep an eye out for early signs of pests
Don’t ignore any mysterious signs of life; if a pest has gotten inside, you need to address the situation as soon as possible. “Inspect attics, basements, and hidden spaces for droppings, tracks, or nests, and listen for scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, especially at night, as these may indicate wildlife activity in your home,” recommends World Class Wildlife Removal, a wildlife removal service for homeowners in Largo, Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
18. Seal any cracks or gaps
One of the best home maintenance tips to keep vermin out is by checking on any possible entry points. “Check around windows, doors, vents, and the foundation for cracks or gaps that could allow animals like rodents, squirrels, or bats to enter. Seal any openings with caulk, steel wool, or weatherstripping,” says Covenant Wildlife, a wildlife removal service in Sterrett and Birmingham, Alabama.
19. Prevent carpet discoloration
A consistent vacuum schedule will make a world of difference for the quality of your carpets.“Vacuum carpets at least once a week to prevent dirt and debris from settling into the fibers, which can cause wear and discoloration over time,” says Professional Carpet Systems, a home cleaning service in Dunedin, Florida.
20. Take care of your natural stone
Nobody wants to pay for costly repairs, especially when it can be easily prevented. “Clean, polish, and seal your natural stone countertops, floors, and showers every 3-5 years for hard stone like granite, and at least once a year for soft stone. Staying on top of the maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs or replacements,” shares Amarillo DryCarpet and Cleaning Services, a home and carpet cleaning service in Amarillo, Texas.
21. Make sure water is flowing away from your house
With heavy rain comes the risk of water damage, check that your gutters and downspouts will be directing the water in the direction you want. “Ensure gutters and downspouts are directed away from the home’s foundation to prevent water buildup, which can lead to costly repairs or foundation damage. Also, keep gutters clean by removing any debris you find,” advises Suncoast Specialty Structures, a construction company in Tarpoon Springs, Florida.
22. Inspect your siding
One of the more under-appreciated home maintenance tips is to check on the quality of your house’s siding. “Check your home’s siding for cracks, warping, or other damage that could lead to moisture problems. Repaint or replace damaged siding as needed,” shares Georgia Home Remodeling, a construction company based in Bethlehem, Georgia.
23. Check your drainage
The last thing you want after moving into your dream home is water damage. “Ensure proper drainage around your concrete surfaces to prevent water from pooling and causing cracks. Sloping the surface slightly away from structures can help prevent water damage,” says Concrete Ninja, a concrete services business in Monroe, GA.
24. Clear the way for your sprinklers
It’s important to check that your sprinklers have no obstructions. “Keep the area around sprinkler heads clear of tall grass, shrubs, or other obstructions that could block the water flow and prevent your lawn from receiving proper coverage,” says Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers, a sprinkler repair company serving Tampa, Largo, New Port Richey, and Sarasota, Florida.
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