Bonus<\/strong>: While you\u2019re up there, trim back any limbs that might have grown closer to your home over the past year. Next year that limb will be bigger and more difficult to take care of\u2026 if it doesn\u2019t fall on your roof between now and then!<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Winterize Outdoor Faucets<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I make sure to protect my plumbing from the cold weather by winterizing my outdoor faucets every year. It takes virtually no time or expense at all, and I don\u2019t have to worry about those pipes bursting all winter long. I also like to make sure I do this before the weather gets really cold, so I\u2019m not rushed to do it the night before the first hard freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I make sure to regularly check for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks in the windows and doors. This not only prevents moisture damage and premature wear, but it also lowers my heating and cooling bills as an extra bonus!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I test my detectors once a month and replace old ones after about 10 years, because the sensor degrades over time. I also replace the battery in them every six months, because everyone knows that the little \u201cbattery low\u201d chirp that they make almost always starts going off at 2 AM and wakes everyone in the house up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Check the Fireplace and Chimney<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of fire, check the ventilation for your fireplace every year before lighting it up for the first time. Make sure to check for creosote buildup, and that the flue is working correctly as well. If you haven\u2019t used the fireplace recently, or if you see creosote starting to build up, have it inspected by a professional before using it to ensure there\u2019s no risk of a chimney fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonus<\/strong>: Go ahead and clean out those old ashes that you\u2019ve been meaning to get to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Check the Big 4 for Leaks<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I regularly check my toilets, water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine for leaks, both to avoid a surprisingly large water bill and to protect against water damage. Checking for leaks also ensures that if water damage has happened, that I\u2019ll be able to deal with it before mold starts growing. If I had to choose between my house being damaged by mold or fire, I would choose fire every time. Mold is that <\/em>dangerous and destructive!<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve worked hard to make your home into a place to relax and feel safe! Don\u2019t let it turn into a headache by skipping regular maintenance. Doing these simple steps throughout the year will save you time and money in the long run and provide peace of mind against unexpected repairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
About the Author:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dan Holcomb has been assisting people with buying new homes and refinancing their existing mortgages since 2016. As a loan officer, he loves helping others navigate these huge financial decisions. With his years of experience, you can rely on him to guide you through the mortgage process without missing a beat! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When not working, Dan enjoys traveling. Whether it’s hiking in the Himalayas, or dirt biking in Mexico, he loves to get out and adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get in touch with Dan or to learn more about him, click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Performing regular maintenance will save you time and money in the long run.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[37],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Tips for Keeping Up with Regular Home Maintenance - Christian Financial Credit Union<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n