Home maintenance can seem like a never-ending chore, but keeping your home in good condition will not only add to its value, but can prevent problems and help keep you and your family safe. We're sharing seven annual home maintenance tasks you shouldn't ignore.
1. Check Electrical Outlets
It's important to check over all electrical outlets in your home once a year. You'll want to be on the lookout for plugs that fit loosely, frayed wires, faceplates that feel hot, and outlets that don't work, as these can all be potential fire hazards or indicate that your wiring may need to be updated. If you find any issues with your electrical outlets, call an electrician for help in repairing any damage.
2. Clean Air Ducts
Dust, dirt, smoke, and allergens can all accumulate in air ducts over time. Having your air ducts cleaned out annually will improve your indoor air quality, and even help you save on heating and cooling bills since HVAC systems don't have to work as hard to keep a home warm or cool if the air ducts are clean. Air duct cleaning can be performed by a professional, or you can do it yourself to save money.
3. Examine Appliances
Any appliances with water lines, gas lines, or attached hoses should be inspected each year. This helps you to discover leakages, tears, or other damage that may need to be repaired or parts that need to be replaced.
4. Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are vital to have in a home. Each year, make it a point to check the expiration date on any and all extinguishers in your home. If any are past their expiration dates, replace them with new ones.
5. Survey the Landscaping
Take a walk around your property once a year and look for overgrown bushes, tree limbs that need to be pruned, fences that need to be repaired, and clogged gutters. Hire a professional if you are unable to tackle these tasks.
6. Take Stock of Your Disaster Kit
Do you have a disaster kit in your home? If not, now is the time to begin building one with essential supplies such as water, nonperishable food, and a first-aid kit. If you already have a disaster kit, go through it and check the expiration dates on all of the food items, and make sure you have all the necessities you need.
7. Book an Appointment with Pest Control
A yearly pest inspection, especially to check for termites, is usually less than $100 and can save you thousands of dollars. When dealing with pests, small preventative measures like an annual pest inspection can go a long way in avoiding problems.
