Owning a home is a great responsibility, and it's crucial to stay ahead of the game when it comes to maintaining it. Unfortunately, many homeowners tend to overlook certain aspects of home maintenance, which can lead to costly repairs and even health hazards. In this article, we'll discuss ten often-neglected home upkeep tasks that you should prioritize, including the importance of regular air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and more.
1. Air Duct Cleaning
Why it's important: Over time, dust, dirt, and allergens accumulate in your home's air ducts, leading to poor indoor air quality and potentially aggravating allergies and asthma. Moreover, a buildup of debris in your ductwork can restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy.
How often: Air duct cleaning should be done every five years or more frequently if you have pets or allergy sufferers in your household.
What to do: Hire a professional air duct cleaning service like Vortex Air Duct and Home Services to thoroughly clean and inspect your ductwork. They are certified and have amazing customer reviews to ensure you're hiring a reputable company.
2. Dryer Vent Cleaning
Why it's important: A clogged dryer vent can cause your dryer to run inefficiently, increasing your energy bills and the risk of a house fire. Lint buildup can also lead to excess moisture in the vent, which can cause mold growth and other issues.
How often: Dryer vent cleaning should be done at least once a year or more often if you notice your dryer taking longer to dry clothes or emitting a burning smell.
What to do: You can clean your dryer vent yourself by disconnecting it from the dryer and using a vent brush or vacuum to remove lint. However, for a thorough cleaning, it's best to hire a professional dryer vent cleaning service.
3. Winterizing Your Home
Why it's important: Properly winterizing your home can prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures, such as broken pipes and water leaks. It can also help you save on energy costs by ensuring your home is adequately insulated.
How often: Winterize your home annually before the cold weather sets in.
What to do: Some key winterizing tasks include:
- Insulating pipes and sealing gaps around windows and doors
- Cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams
- Checking your heating system and changing filters
- Draining and disconnecting outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing and bursting
4. Checking for Water Damage and Mold
Why it's important: Undetected water damage can lead to costly repairs, structural issues, and mold growth, which can cause health problems.
How often: Inspect your home for signs of water damage and mold at least once a year, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements.
What to do: Look for signs of water damage, such as discoloration, peeling paint, or warped flooring. If you suspect mold, consider hiring Vortex Air Duct and Home Services for mold remediation service to assess the situation and properly remove the mold.
5. Maintaining Appliances
Why it's important: Regular appliance maintenance can help extend the life of your appliances, improve their efficiency, and prevent costly breakdowns.
How often: The frequency of appliance maintenance varies depending on the appliance. For example, refrigerator coils should be cleaned every six months, while your water heater should be flushed annually.
What to do: Consult your appliance manuals for recommended maintenance schedules and procedures. Some common maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning refrigerator coils and replacing water and air filters
- Flushing your water heater to remove sediment buildup
- Checking seals on your dishwasher and washing machine
- Cleaning your oven and stovetop
6. Pressure Washing Your Home's Exterior
Why it's important: Pressure washing can help maintain your home's curb appeal by removing dirt, mold, and mildew from your siding, deck, and other exterior surfaces. However, improper pressure washing can cause damage to your home's masonry and paint.
How often: Pressure wash your home's exterior every one to two years, depending on the local climate and the buildup of dirt and grime.
What to do: Hire a professional pressure washing service, or if you choose to do it yourself, use a low-pressure setting and be cautious not to damage your home's surfaces. Vortex Air Duct Cleaning and Home Services works closely with and trusts Twister Pro Wash. They take pride in helping homeowners maintain their siding, windows, and walkways/driveways!
7. Checking Your Home's Water Pressure
Why it's important: High water pressure can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures, leading to leaks and wasted water. It can also cause water hammer, a loud banging noise in your pipes.
How often: Check your home's water pressure at least once a year.
What to do: Use a water pressure gauge, available at home centers, to test your home's water pressure. If it's above 80 psi, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to avoid potential damage.
8. Cleaning Window Wells and Weep Holes
Why it's important: Clogged window wells can cause water to pool and potentially leak into your basement, while blocked weep holes can prevent proper drainage in your window frames, leading to water damage.
How often: Clean window wells and weep holes annually or as needed.
What to do: Remove debris from window wells and cover them with a window well cover to prevent future clogs. To clean weep holes, use a wire hanger or compressed air to remove any blockages.
9. Checking and Replacing HVAC Filters
Why it's important: Dirty HVAC filters can reduce your system's efficiency, increase energy costs, and negatively impact your home's indoor air quality.
How often: Check your HVAC filters monthly, and replace them as needed, typically every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and your household's specific needs.
What to do: Locate your HVAC system's filter and inspect it for dirt and debris. Replace it with a new filter if necessary, following the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate filter type and size.
10. Inspecting and Maintaining Your Garage Door
Why it's important: A well-maintained garage door can improve your home's security and prevent accidents. Regularly checking the door's balance and lubricating its springs can extend its life and prevent costly repairs.
How often: Inspect and maintain your garage door at least once a year.
What to do: Test the door's balance by disengaging the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If it doesn't stay in place, the spring tension may need adjustment. Lubricate the door's springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks with a garage door lubricant. If necessary, call a professional to adjust the spring tension or perform other repairs. Vortex Air Duct Cleaning and Home Services depends on Derby Overhead Company, Garage Door & Repair. They have amazing maintenance deals and if you have a broken spring- that's their thing!
In conclusion, regular home maintenance is essential for preserving your home's value and ensuring a safe, healthy living environment. By addressing these often-neglected tasks, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top shape. Vortex Air Duct Cleaning and Home Services is here to be a one-stop shop for your home cleaning and remodeling needs!