A lot of things automatically become your responsibility when you buy a home. Routine maintenance tasks are high on that ist. They help keep the house running smoothly and can help you avoid costly repairs. Here are five things that every household should do, but that many homeowners overlook.
1. Roof Inspections
Roofs should be inspected at least once every year, no matter what materials they are made with. Be sure to include cleaning the gutters as part of your routine roof maintenance Baton Rouge. That will prevent water from backing up and causing damage.
2. Sealing Outdoor Structures
Wooden structures, such as decks, fences and furniture, needs to be sealed every couple of years to retain their appearance and functionality. There are several ways to waterproof wood, and some of them even give you the option of adding an attractive color at the same time.
3. Replacing Batteries
Chances are there are several important features of your house that rely on batteries. The smoke and CO alarms are prime examples. Make it a habit to replace their batteries about twice a year. That way, if a fire or gas leak were to happen, household members would be alerted to the danger early.
4. Changing Filters
Fitklers remove impurities and keep appliances running more efficiently. In some cases, such as with water or air purification systems, they are the focal point of an appliance. Keeping new filters in place will ensure that things run smoothly and prolong their useful lifespan. A few of the appliances that you should check for a filter include:
- HVAC systems
- Dehumidifiers
- Refrigerators
- Vacuums
5. Cleaning the Dryer Vent
Clothes dryers are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. While they aren’t inherently dangerous on their own, vent lines clogged with highly flammable lint can easily catch fire. Either clean or replace the vent pipe at least once per year. A solid, sheet metal vent is less likely to cause problems than the more common expandable type.
Performing proper maintenance including cleaning the gutters, changing batteries and sealing outdoor wooden structures will help your home look better and operate more smoothly.