Owning a home involves more than just a monthly mortgage payment. Home ownership also includes seasonal and yearly maintenance tasks as well as the cost of home owners insurance. In the long term, insuring your home and staying current on maintenance tasks can save you money.
- Your furnace should get a check up and cleaning at least once a year. A certified HVAC service person will clean inside your furnace, check for carbon monoxide leaks and perform other tasks. In addition to yearly cleanings, the furnace filters should be cleaned or replaced according to your furnace’s instruction manual. Keeping your furnace in top shape will reduce your heating costs and extend the life of your furnace.
- Gutters should be cleaned in the fall. Gutters are designed to move rain water away from the house. Gutters filled with debris can redirect water to the foundation. Water that has collected near the foundation can cause cracking and further damage.
- Your roof should also be inspected yearly and after large wind storms. Without a visual inspection it is often difficult to assess roof damage until it is too late. Keeping your roof in good condition will help it last longer.
- When a fireplace is used, soot and creosote build up inside the chimney. This can cause a chimney fire. A yearly cleaning will keep your chimney clear.
- The batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as security alarm systems should be changed twice a year.
- Inspect your home’s foundation seasonally for cracks. A small crack can quickly cause big headaches, especially during the winter months when cold temperatures can freeze any water that has seeped into cracks.
- Installing a home security system with an affordable home automation component can significantly reduce your home insurance premiums. Today’s home security systems include video monitoring, automatic door locks and thermostat control. Some security systems even alert the police or fire department if an intruder or fire is detected.
- If you have large trees on your property, keep them properly trimmed. Immediately remove diseased or storm-damaged trees. Inspect the base of your trees after storms. After heavy wind and rain, tree roots may be exposed. This can make the tree vulnerable during the next storm.
A home is often the largest purchase someone makes in their lifetime. Protecting it through proper maintenance, a good security system and insurance is the best way to take care of it.
It’s important to make sure you do the routine home maintenance! This will save you money in the long run – read Easy Fixes to 15 Common Household Problems.
