6 Maintenance Problems You Were Unaware Of

Your home is the largest investment you will make in your life. To maintain your investment, commit to routine maintenance activities that will keep your house running smoothly for years to come.

The majority of people are already aware of this. But, even if you think you’ve mastered house maintenance, you might be startled to find that there are several things you are unaware of. 

Here are 6 maintenance tasks that demand your attention and that you may not be attending to regularly enough or that you may be ignoring entirely:

Smoke Detectors

Testing smoke alarms and replacing their batteries is an important safety maintenance task. Smoke detectors should be inspected at least twice a year. Remember that you should have at least one detector on each floor of your home, as well as one in each bedroom.

The Filter In Your Washing Machine That Needs Cleaning

You’re undoubtedly aware that your dryer contains a lint filter that has to be cleaned basically every time you dry your clothing. But did you know your washing machine may also have a filter? 

Check your owner’s handbook to verify if your washing machine includes removable drain, lint, and water supply hose filters. The filter collects lint, dirt, and even the coins from your pocket. The typical filter locations may be behind a removable front panel at the base of the machine, inside the washing drum near the top, or at the hot and cold inlet hoses.

The Chimney Crown Also Needs Cleaning & Repair

This cement cap, or crown, protects your property from water, debris, and critters by covering the top of the masonry — the brick, stone, or block walls of your chimney. It creates a collar around the flue, which is the section of the chimney that protrudes the most and serves as a fireproof path for smoke, sparks, and heat.

The crown is tilted to shed water, but the constant exposure to the outdoors stresses it out, producing cracking and chipping.

Your Ducts that Are Leaking

You’re probably aware that forced-air ductwork circulates warm or cold air throughout your home. But did you know that temperature variations cause ducts to gently expand and contract?  Ductwork joints can become loose over time.

Attics and basements are relatively simple to check. If you don’t mind crawling into crawl spaces, you may inspect the ductwork underneath the home yourself. Repair holes and open seams with metal tape rather than the common “duct tape.”

Your Water Shutoff Valves Have Become Stuck

Many of the water-supply tubes that connect to faucets and toilets around your home include shutdown valves that may be used to stop the flow of water in an emergency or when replacing an appliance or fixture. You may find them on the bathroom and kitchen sinks, behind the toilets, or in the background of the washing machine

Forgetting to Change the HVAC Filter

Have your heating system inspected, serviced, and cleaned at least once a year. Proper maintenance may extend the life of your furnace and save you money on a costly replacement. To avoid significant HVAC problems, change your air filters on a seasonal or monthly basis, depending on the demands of your household.

Performing house maintenance duties may be a hassle, but by performing routine inspection one every part of your home you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your house is that much safer. If you need professional help, call HomeSmiles right away. One call and we’ll be right at your doorstep. Schedule your home maintenance with HomeSmiles!