Home Maintenance Basics for New Homeowners

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with the added responsibility of maintaining your new home.

Regular maintenance will not only prevent costly repairs, but it will also keep your living space in pristine condition.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through essential home maintenance tasks, providing insights into why they’re important, how to perform them, and when to tackle them.

Cleaning Your Furnace and HVAC Filters

Regularly cleaning furnaces and HVAC filters is a crucial way to maintain healthy and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Over time, these filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles to ensure that the air in your home remains clean. Clogged filters can lead to reduced airflow and even put additional strain on your HVAC system, potentially causing breakdowns or higher energy bills.

Not replacing filters regularly can also increase dangerous allergens and pollutants in your home. Check your filters monthly and replace them every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

It’s almost important to clean the garbage from your garbage disposal. Neglecting garbage disposal maintenance can lead to foul odors, clogs, and damage to the unit.

You can clean your disposal by first turning off the power, then using tongs or pliers to remove any large debris stuck inside. Next, pour a mixture of ice cubes and rock salt or vinegar down the disposal and run it to help dislodge any build-up. Finally, flush it with cold water and add a few lemon or orange peels to eliminate lingering odors.

You should run through this cleaning routine once a month.

Cleaning Your Gutters

Cleaning gutters is actually an important safeguard against water damage to your home.

Gutters and downspouts direct rainwater, preventing basement flooding and structural issues.

Over time, leaves, twigs, and debris can clog up your gutters, which can cause the water in them to overflow and potentially damage your roof and siding.

It is important to clean the gutters at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. To do so, you should use a sturdy ladder and gloves to remove the debris manually, and then rinse the gutters with a hose to ensure smooth water flow.

Pressure Washing Your Home’s Exterior

The exterior of your home is exposed to dirt, algae, and grime because of its exposure to the elements.

Pressure washing is an effective way to revive your home’s appearance and protect its longevity.

The high-pressure water will blast away the dirt and mildew from surfaces such as siding, decks, driveways, and fences. Remember to use the appropriate pressure levels and nozzles to prevent any damage to delicate surfaces.

Most homeowners add this task to their lists annually to keep their home’s exterior looking fresh and well-maintained.

Testing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are critical for early detection of potential dangers as well as protecting your family from fires and harmful gases.

You should make a note to check these alarms by clicking the test button and ensuring the batteries work properly on a regular basis.

At least annually you should test and replace, if necessary, any that are battery-powered. About every ten years, you should consider replacing the entire unit.

Reversing Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can definitely help maintain a comfortable home environment as temperatures heat up, particularly during the summer months.

During summer, you should set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.

In the winter, you can reverse the direction to rotate clockwise. This will help distribute warm air downward and reduce heating costs.

Many fans have a switch on the motor to change the rotation direction, making it quick and easy to switch with the changing seasons.

Checking Your Windows for Leaks

Well-sealed windows are a key component of energy efficiency and the prevention of water and cold or hot air intrusion.

Over time, the caulking around windows can deteriorate, leading to drafts and potential leaks.

To combat this, you should inspect the caulking around your windows annually and look for any gaps or cracks.

If you find any issues, you can remove the old caulk and apply new caulk to ensure a proper seal. Doing so will improve your home’s insulation, help reduce your energy costs, and enhance your overall comfort.

Stay Organized by Keeping a Schedule of Tasks

Regular home maintenance is a vital aspect of homeownership that will ensure your home remains a safe, comfortable, and beautiful place to live for years to come.

We encourage you to start off your homeownership journey off right, ensuring you don’t forget any of these tasks, by creating a regular maintenance schedule. You can also set reminders for regular tasks such as cleaning HVAC and furnace filters, checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and re-caulking windows.

You can also enlist the support of an industry professional for any of the more demanding tasks.

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities but is also extremely rewarding. If you are ready to become a homeowner, the first step is to get pre-approved.

Reach out to one of our expert loan officers for a free consultation and get started today!