No house is perfect. At some point or another, certain aspects will require maintenance or repairs for them to function better. If you’re running low on luck, there could be systems that will need a complete overhaul because they are well past their time, and you just happened upon them.
Keeping up with all the aspects of the home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it on your own. The best way to approach this part of being a homeowner is by creating a comprehensive list of aspects that may need your attention and when you need to give it.
Some aspects of the house will require more frequent upkeep, while some can last for more than a year at a time. To help you get started, here are parts of the home that you will need to check up on at least once a year to keep their efficiency in the best condition.
Boiler
The hot water that you get from your faucet and shower is all thanks to the boiler. During the cold seasons, this heating system can provide you with the warmth you need to function properly despite the harsh winds and bleak weather.
Most boilers have a big tank where the water is contained and heated. But over time, sediments can accumulate at the bottom and affect the purity of the water you receive. This can cause you serious health problems because of water contamination, and it can also damage the interior of the boiler.
That’s why you must drain and clean the system at least once a year. You can find a trusted expert to conduct your annual boiler servicing so that you can eliminate the possibility of contamination. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting dirty water or losing hot water when you most need it.
Clothes dryer
Every time that people do their laundry, they use both the washing machine and the dryer simultaneously. But they often forget that the lint from their soiled clothes accumulates in the dryer exhaust, which can affect the efficiency of the machine when left unchecked.
Most people only clean the dryer’s filters and neglect to clean the back, where lint builds up over time. This lint buildup in the dryer in itself creates a fire hazard, and it’s actually what causes an average of 2,900 house fires every year.
To avoid this from happening, you can clean the lint filter at least once or twice a year with a nylon brush. If you start noticing that the dryer takes longer than normal to dry your clothes, then you should call in a specialist to have it looked at before it becomes worse.
Garage door
The garage is an enclosed space, but the door serves as a barrier from the outside world. This means that it is constantly exposed to natural elements and subject to temperamental weather. Most garage doors are made of metal, and this particular one is exposed to heat, water, and cold all year long.
When metal is left unprotected from the natural elements, it can be vulnerable to rust or corrosion that can damage the material. Garage doors are usually finished with a sealant that strengthens their durability, but the hinges and springs are another matter.
If you don’t want to have problems with your garage door, such as being unable to open or close it because of damage, then you should keep the kinks lubricated. By applying grease to the hinges, springs, and other parts at least once a year, you’re helping it function without having to work double-time.
House foundation
Over a year, many things can happen within the foundations of your house. Of course, the materials used to build your home are made for durability and longevity, but there’s nothing wrong with being safe rather than sorry.
Besides, the damage to the foundational structure of your house can be detrimental to its overall condition, so conducting routine maintenance annually can prevent minor issues from snowballing. If you fail to notice the damage when it is minor, it will eventually spiral out of control.
Checking your entire home’s foundation shouldn’t be time-consuming mainly because you already do it every year. All you have to do is make sure that no pests or termites are eating at your foundation and that there are no cracks on the ceiling that can give out at any time.
Of course, there are many other aspects of the house that requires constant attention, some more than others. If you don’t want your house to give out on you, you should put in the effort to keep it in prime condition. This way, you can get the most bang out of your buck.
