While you might already have a checklist of things to maintain, it’s easy to overlook certain aspects of your home. Especially the ones you don’t often see, like plumbing and electricity, these usually hidden parts can suffer major breakage and cost you thousands of dollars or even be a hazard. Here are some home maintenance tips that you might have overlooked.
Check For Exposed Wires
We live in the age of electricity. We simply cannot live without it, and this has resulted in every house having an inordinate amount of wiring. From TVs to fridges, computers to hairdryers, we have many household items that have long, dark wires, making it hard to see if they’re damaged or not. Make it a part of your general cleaning routine to check if there’s any nicks or exposed wires to lessen the chance of electrocution, or even worse, domestic fires caused by electricity.
Clean the Back of Your Fridge
When was the last time you’ve seen the back of your refrigerator? It’s not so common to have the backside of a fridge exposed, as it’s often backed against a wall. However, the coils located at the back often collect dust, hair, and other particles that can reduce its efficiency. Having the coils clogged up can result in higher electricity bills and a shorter lifespan of your fridge. Make it a habit to dust it every now and then and use a flexible brush that can fit in tight corners.
Refill Your First Aid Kit
Every household needs a first aid kit. You need an immediate remedy for minor injuries, and minor injuries often spring out of nowhere. It’s great to be near a medical office, but you still shouldn’t take a chance. Equipping your house with a proper first aid kit will help you address emergencies, decreasing any potential risk. Check the contents every so often, as you don’t want to be in a situation where you run out of iodine when you need it the most.
Lubricate Your Garage Doors
Garage doors have a reputation for being hazardous, so you need to take extra precautions if you have one. Check the springs on the roller tracks to see if there’s any rust forming. These springs eventually deteriorate due to use, causing corrosion so it’s best to use metal lubricant at least once a year to make them last longer. This is a commonly overlooked part of home maintenance, so make sure that you don’t skip this on your next cleaning session.
Look for Leaks
Don’t forget to go over your pipes and see if there are any leaks. Look under the kitchen sink, check the toilet and bathroom plumbing, and even the areas where your pipes run through. Make sure your faucets aren’t worn out and are not dripping as well. Even a minor leak can cause major damage if left broken, as water contains minerals that can corrode or damage most surfaces.
Replace Detector Batteries
Many homes come equipped with smoke alarms and CO2 detectors. These devices often use batteries, and batteries tend to leak over time. This can damage the detector itself so make sure to change the batteries at least once a year to make sure that they’re still working. If you have smart detectors, make sure you set it up and link it with your smart devices so you can receive not just alarms but also voice alerts.
Dust Your Fans
Ceiling fans are good at collecting dust. Check the backside of the propellers and dust them, as this is where dust and other particles often end up. A dusty fan can trigger allergies and asthma, and it also makes it less efficient in cooling your home. If you have desk fans, make sure to include them too.
Make Sure There Aren’t Any Pests
Our houses have many nooks and crannies that are dark and damp, making it the best place for bugs of all kinds to breed in. This is particularly dangerous as infestations can start from an ant or one cockroach. Finding their nest and using pesticides can reduce potential damage, but if you find that there’s more than you expect, it’s best to call for professional help.
Just as we get need to get checked regularly for any health issues, your house should also follow a check-up schedule. This is very important to keep your house safe for you and your family. Continuously checking on the exteriors, appliances and electronics, electrical systems, plumbing and more will help you save money by preventing major breakdowns.
