Essential Home Maintenance Tips For New Homeowners

You have finally bought a new home. Congratulations! We all know how hard that was – it was hard physically, emotionally, and, of course, financially. But, those hardships have come to an end and now you can finally breathe out and start enjoying your new home. However, do not forget that owning a home requires a lot of maintenance! Namely, maintenance is important for two reasons. First, it will help your home retain its value (in case you decide to sell it one day). And, second, it saves you from costly repairs later on. Thus, every once in a while, thoroughly check your home and make sure it gets all the maintenance it needs. If you are new to all of this, do not worry. We are here to help you out. Thus, here are some essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners.

Take Care of the Outdoors 

Every once in a while, preferably in spring and autumn, you should take care of your yard. This may not be the most glamorous job on your maintenance list, but hey, it is something that has to be done. It has to be done not only for the beauty of your yard but also for its safety. First, make sure there are no dangerous tree branches that may fall and hurt somebody or damage something. Secondly, check for beehives. In case you notice a beehive, do not try to remove it yourself but call an exterminator immediately. Thirdly, cut the grass, trim the bushes, replant the flowers, and do all those smaller, aesthetic, maintenance steps. Moreover, if you turned your garden into an area with outdoor furniture, it is necessary to take care of that furniture too. Plastic pieces of furniture should be washed with water and soap, and wooden ones should be oiled.

Check the HVAC System Regularly 

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Almost every home in the USA has one, so, it just goes without saying that they are more than important. Just think about it – what would you do without your HVAC system on a scorching hot day or on a freezing cold one? Well, you would swear that you will never again forget to check your HVAC system! Thus, once a year, do the following:

• Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector
• Make sure your AC unit outside is on a stable and level ground
• Prevent the clogging by cleaning the AC condense drain with a mixture of water and bleach

What many people do not know, especially those that just went away from their parent’s house in order to live independently, is that the HVAC system should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected right after moving in too.

So, if you are that person, do not postpone this task. But, these things as soon as possible:

• Replace the air filter
• Clean the dirt and grass from your outdoor AC and the dust from your indoor one
• Have an expert check your AC before you turn it on

Stay on Top of Your Roof 

And, the most hated maintenance task you must do regularly is the one regarding your roof. And, why is it the most hated? Because getting up there is complicated and because even the smallest problem can end up costing a fortune. There are many roof problems that you can encounter as a homeowner, for instance – problems with installation, moisture, leaks, tiles, drainage, etc. Luckily, most of these problems can be remediated without breaking your bank as long as you remediate them instantly. Yes, that is the catch. Waiting will not fix your roof problem, it will only make it bigger. Thus, inspect the condition of your roof once or twice a year, and if you see any suspicious, call a roofing professional immediately.

Inspect the Home for Pests 

You do not need us to tell you how horrible pests can be. They cannot only ruin your home but they can also endanger you, your children, and even your pets. Of course, some pests (flies, spiders, mosquitoes, cockroaches, etc.) are more annoying than dangerous. However, others (bed bugs, wasps, termites, mice, rats, etc.) can destroy your furniture, walls and floors, upholstery and linen, foods, and you. Well, they will not destroy you, per se, but they will certainly compromise your health if they bite you.

It is also very important to mention that you should not choose a pet cat to be the savior in this situation. Yes, cats are amazing hunters, but they cannot catch all the pests in your home. Thus, if you want to keep your pet cat happy and safe, do not allow it to chase after mice, rats, wasps, or whatever pests you might have in your home. Call an exterminator instead.

Drain Your Water Heater 

Another very important thing that should be done regularly, at least once a year, is draining water heaters. Still, most people do not do this – and, that is why the life span of a water heater in the USA is between 5 and 7 years. But, that life span can be doubled if you drain your water heater regularly. By doing this, you will remove all the built-up sediment that would eventually clog the heather. Moreover, while doing this, you should also flush it. Do not use tap water for this – it is full of calculus. Instead, use distilled water. Do not worry, this water is not expensive nor difficult to find – all bigger supermarkets have it. Clogged water heaters are one of the most common plumbing issues you can have in your home. But, it is also a problem that is easy to avoid. And, no, you do not need a plumber to do this – all you need is a manual and a screwdriver.

Meta Description: Looking for some essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners? Look no more. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you out when maintaining your new home.

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