Even though going around your home fixing things isn’t the ideal way to spend your weekend, if you want to keep your property in tip-top condition, you just have to make that sacrifice. Regular maintenance will not only ensure your home is functional, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run. So, here’s a great home maintenance guide you can follow to have your home comfortable, safe and healthy.

Maintain your HVAC system

If you want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, make sure to have your furnace and AC regularly inspected. When your system is clean, it will be more efficient and waste less energy. Make sure to replace all outdated filters and test your thermostat. Also, do an inspection of your vents and remove anything that might be blocking them. If you heat your home with steam heat, you can drain the water from the boiler and remove sediment that has been collecting over the year. However, don’t forget to refill the tank before turning your heating on.

In case you get muddled up while trying to do any of these things, or simply do not want to risk it in case you break something you can’t then fix, think about reaching out to professionals who can help you out. Companies that provide AC Services in Ormond Beach, FL, or in areas near you can send in experts to take a look at your HVAC system, let you know whether anything needs to be fixed (and fix it), or perform overall maintenance to keep the system in top shape. Usually, such service people can come to your rescue even in case of emergencies.

Don’t forget about the chimney

Even if you don’t use your fireplace that much, your chimney still has to be clean and functional. If it’s not clean, it can bring dangerous gases into your indoor air. So, make sure your chimney is inspected yearly and cleaned every once in a while, depending on how much you use it.

Check your doors and windows

Once the fall comes, take a walk around the house and check your windows and doors for drafts. If you feel any air leaking in, recaulk the doors and windows and fix all gaps. This will not only help keep heat inside and cold outside (and opposite in the summer), but it can also save you a lot of money since you’re not going to be wasting any more energy.

Have regular fire alarm inspections

No matter the season, make sure to have scheduled checkups of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. Change their batteries regularly and make sure they are in working condition. If you have family members with hearing or vision loss, consider investing in fire alarms that give out visual signals, extra loud noise or even those with vibrating remotes that a person can carry with them at all times.

Clean out the gutters

If you want to prevent water damage to your home, you have to have clear and undamaged gutters. This is especially important in the fall when there are many fallen leaves, debris and a lot of rainfall. If there are any repairs that need to be done, make sure to finish them before the winter comes. If you leave this job for the winter, your leaves and debris will freeze and be much harder to remove. While you’re on the roof, you can also inspect your roof. Replace any loose or broken shingles to prevent leaks and further damage caused by heavy snow.
While you may not wish for it, sometimes you might need to change out the gutters for better efficiency. Professionals, like the ones at Northface Constructions (https://northfaceconstruction.com/gutter-installation/) can be consulted to make the necessary changes to your home’s plumbing system.

Maintain the pipes

Make sure to regularly check your pipes. As soon as you notice any leaks or clogs, try to fix them. You can do that yourself if you have experience, but it’s always better to call a professional to fix blocked drains and get them clean and sealed. If you’re preparing for winter, make sure to protect the pipes that are outdoors or near the outside of your home. Try to insulate them and turn off the water supply before the cold weather hits.

Get rid of pests

If you don’t want to share your home with any unwanted guests like termites, ants, bees and mice, you’ll need to have regular exterminations. In the summer, call professional services such as those on this website https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/local/georgia/ that will rid your home of all pests. It is important to get to the root of your pest problem to try and stop them from returning to your property. However, if you have a reoccurring problem, you might want to make a contract or opt for pest insurance. Also, make sure to seal all holes where mice, roaches and other critters might get in and inspect your attic regularly. Racoons, opossums or squirrels can occupy your attic and create a lot of damage to your home, so don’t ignore any weird sounds coming from your attic.

If you regularly do all of these easy home maintenance tasks, your home will be functional for many years to come. Plus, you’ll prevent any bigger issues that might cost you thousands of dollars.