Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your home in top condition and ensuring that it remains safe and comfortable for you and your family. These maintenance tasks can be grouped into three categories: maintenance of the mechanical systems, maintenance of the exterior, and general home upkeep. While many tasks should be done regularly throughout the year, some only need to be done once a year to keep your home in good shape. Here are seven home maintenance tasks you should do at least once every year:
1. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and walls, so it’s important to clean them out at least once a year. Cleaning gutters involves removing the old leaves and other debris that have accumulated during the year and removing any leaves that may have fallen on them during the winter months. Gutters are usually located right on your roof, but if they’re a little further away, you may also clean them with a garden hose.
2. Clean the Furnace Filter
Your furnace and air conditioning system is a very important part of your home since they are responsible for heating and cooling your home. Another important part of keeping your furnace running smoothly is cleaning the filter. Cleaning the filter involves removing all dust and debris, which will improve the efficiency of your unit. You can clean it with a vacuum or brush off dust.
3. Inspect Tub and Sink Drains for Debris
Tub and sink drains can become clogged with leaves and other debris, which can cause water to back up. Even the smallest amount of debris in your tub or sink can cause significant damage. When you notice any buildup or debris in your grates, you should clean it out as soon as possible so that your drains will work properly. This is one of the most important tasks to keep your house safe and clean.
4. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof protects your home from rain, wind, and other weather conditions, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any problems. When inspecting your roof, you should look for missing or loose shingles, large patches of missing or peeling paint, flashing that needs to be repaired or replaced, and any other damage that needs to be repaired. If you spot any problems, it’s best to have them taken care of immediately so that they don’t cause any damage to your house.
5. Tree Trimming and Pruning
While you might not be too excited about working on a tree, it’s important to have your trees cared for so that they will continue to provide shelter and beauty for years to come. Trees block harsh winter winds and create shade in the summertime. If you notice any dead or diseased branches, this is another one of those things that should be taken care of as soon as possible. However, even if trees look healthy, you should still have them trimmed each year. Seek out a tree pruning service in Portland, or wherever you live, to keep your trees in good condition.
6. Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace
The fireplaces in your home provide warmth, comfort, and even a little ambience to your living space. To maintain your fireplace so it can remain a cozy part of your home, you should clean out any ashes and soot regularly. You should also have your chimney inspected once a year to ensure that it is structurally sound and safe. A chimney sweep can take care of these things in one simple visit.
7. Declutter the Garage
Clutter makes our homes look cluttered, and while it might seem like a little thing, it can be very important. Keeping your garage clean and organized will help keep it safe and more functional. Cleaning out the clutter will also help prevent the clutter from collecting in the future. If you have a lot of old junk you don’t have any use for, consider getting rid of it.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your home in good shape, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance. These seven tasks will help you make sure that there aren’t any problems lurking in your home. You may choose to do these tasks yourself if you are a handy homeowner, or if you are not handy, consider hiring a professional to take care of the job for you.