Being homeowner is an enormous task. But there's an art to keeping track of the maintenance of your home without the need for an expert contractor. The trick is to determine which tasks are essential and which tasks aren't. A lot of household maintenance jobs are easy to do and require only money or time. Here are 10 things you should start with. 1. Replace Your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors help keep your family safe from carbon monoxide and fire poisoning. Make sure they're functioning properly by replacing the batteries and placing them in areas where they're supposed be. Carbon monoxide has a pleasant odor and colorless gas that may cause headaches as well as dizziness, weakness and even death. Carbon monoxide can be produced from the burning of fuels inside vehicles such as trucks, kerosene and propane heaters, and propane and natural gas stoves and home improvement article fireplaces. 2. Change Your HVAC Filters Filters that are dirty can cause the system to stop working. Keep up with this easy maintenance task to save on costs for energy. Remove the old filter and replace it in a safe manner with a brand new one. It is important to note the direction of air flow arrows on the frame of the filter so you know how to install it. Then, restore power to the HVAC unit. Examine your home warranty to see what you can replace within your warranty. cinch Home Services is one of the services that could cover your systems that need to be upgraded. 3. Check your Gutters Gutters play a vital purpose for homes, as they divert water away from the foundation, thus reducing the chance of soil erosion, mildew and structural damage. Be sure that your gutters are clear of clogs and are in good working order. Examine for slow-moving or standing water; insufficient slope and downspout direction; loose hangers or spikes; peeling or rusting paint and staining of adjacent surfaces. Work a section at a time when it isn't raining. 4. Change Your Light Bulbs Switching out light bulbs is one of the easiest tasks to complete at home, however it's one of those tasks that is frequently ignored. It is important to always detailed article available remember to turn off the source of power before changing the bulb. Insert the new bulb into the correct position using a screw fitting and then twist. Be sure to get rid of the old bulb. 5. Clean Your Windows If you notice white spots on your windows that can be difficult to eliminate, a couple of easy steps can get them looking like a professional cleaning service. Dust the frames and sills of your windows. Clean the glass using A squeegee and towels that are free of lint. Lynsey recommends making use of Casabella Microfiber Cloths. They have a honeycomb-textured surface that removes water spots, dirt and smudges without scratching. 6. Clean Your Garage Maintain a regular schedule of cleaning your garage to prevent messes and maintain the area for a longer period of time. Make sure to mop floors frequently and clean walls using the combination of detergent and water to eliminate oil slicks, and clean out your garage each month. Make sure to clear the area behind workbenches and other items you can't relocate to the side (wear masks). Make sure to clean the crevices that exist between the walls and floors. 7. Clean Your Gutters Gutters direct the rainwater from your roof to the ground. This keeps it from flowing into the home which can cause foundation issues. However, they can become clogged with leaves and other debris. Cleaning your gutters isn't an easiest task, but not doing it can result in larger (and more costly) house repairs later. Be sure to use an efficient ladder, put on appropriate work gloves and never exceed your reach. 8. Clean Your Gutters Gutters play a significant role of the drainage system within your home. However, they can get blocked by twigs, leaves and other debris. This can cause water to splash back onto the walls and ruin the structure of your home. Cleaning your gutters may be an unpleasant task, but it's essential for protecting your property. It is important to wear gloves and use a sturdy ladder. It's also necessary to have a garden trowel, as well as something to scoop up the muck. 9. Clean your Gutters and Soffits Soffits and gutters should be cleaned on a regular basis. They guard the fascia roof and, if not ventilated properly the moisture could cause wood rot and mold. Fortunately, professionals can remove dirt and stains from these structures with ease from the ground without having to climb on the ladder. To prevent damage to the surrounding vegetation it is first necessary to apply a detergent solution with a low pressure nozzle. 10. Clean Your Gutters A clogged gutter can stop rainwater from flowing. It can cause damage to the roof and your home. They can also attract critters and pests. It's difficult and time-consuming to clear your gutters, but this is a necessity. Make sure you're wearing appropriate safety gear and utilizing the ladder that is secure. Also, you should consider purchasing the gutter-cleaning wand which can be attached to a hose to avoid getting on a ladder in the first place.
