No one wants to come home to a house that’s in disarray. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous if things are left in disrepair for too long. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you’re doing regular maintenance around your home, inside and out.
But what exactly does “home maintenance” entail? And how often should you be doing it? Below, we’ve put together a list of home maintenance tips to help keep your house in tip-top shape, no matter the season.
Check Your Air Conditioning Unit
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for summer is to check your air conditioning unit. If you don’t have an AC unit, now is the time to invest in one—trust us, you’ll be glad you did when the temperatures rise. If you already have an AC unit, give it a once-over to ensure it’s in good working condition. This involves everything from changing the air filter to ensuring there aren’t any leaks in the system.
Nothing is worse than being stuck in a hot house with no AC! In this case, it would be ideal to have contact with an air conditioning emergency repair company, so you’re not left in the heat. They can come and assess the situation, troubleshoot the problem, and get your AC unit up and running again in no time.
Do a Deep Clean
As a homeowner, you know that regular maintenance is key to keeping your home in top condition. But what about those deep, end-of-season cleans? These cleanse get into all the nooks and crannies and make your home shine. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start with the fridge – pull everything out, wipe down the shelves and drawers, and wash the interior walls. Don’t forget to clean the coils and condenser at the back of the fridge (this will help your fridge run more efficiently). Next, move on to the oven. Give it a good scrub inside and out, including the door gasket (this helps to prevent heat loss). If you have a self-cleaning oven, now is an excellent time to use it.
After that, it’s time to tackle the bathroom. Start by cleaning the toilet bowl, then scrubbing the tub, tile, sink, and vanity. Don’t forget to clean the mirror – a little Windex will do the trick. Finish up by washing down the walls and mopping the floor. Finally, don’t forget those hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards. A little dusting now will help to prevent buildup later on.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof takes a beating all year long, so it’s crucial to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s in good condition. Start by looking for missing or damaged shingles and replace them as needed. Next, check for any leaks or signs of water damage—this is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow (we’re looking at you, Midwesterners!). If you find any leaks, fix them as soon as possible, as they can cause severe damage if left unaddressed.
And last but not least, look at your gutters—are they clogged with leaves or debris? If so, it’s time to give them a good cleaning! Not only will this help prevent water damage, but it will also keep your gutters from getting too heavy and potentially pulling away from your roof (yikes!).
Maintain Your Lawn
A green, healthy lawn is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and function. It looks nice, but grasses and other plants help prevent soil erosion and naturally filter rainwater. However, maintaining a healthy lawn requires more than just mowing the grass regularly. Here are some tips for keeping your property looking its best:
- Water deeply and regularly. Grassroots need access to water to stay healthy, so make sure to give your lawn a deep watering at least once a week.
- Aerate the soil. This will help to improve drainage and prevent compaction.
- Apply fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer will provide the nutrients your grass needs to stay green and healthy.
- Mow high. Don’t scalp your lawn – Grass blades should be 3-4 inches tall. Mowing too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
Following these simple tips, you can maintain a beautiful lawn that will last for years.
The bottom line
Following these simple tips ensures that your home is always in good repair—inside and out! Don’t wait until something breaks to start thinking about maintenance; a little bit of effort now can save you time (and money) down the road.
