Seven Home Maintenance Projects to Complete Every Month
Home upkeep can be overwhelming, particularly for new homeowners. So instead of waiting for severe issues to occur, it's attentive to create a monthly schedule of easy tasks to attack—many of which only require a few minutes to conclude. Our home remodeling contractor in Orlando recommends this checklist of tasks that, if conducted regularly, will help avoid more substantial problems in the future.
Testing Smoke Detectors
Confirming that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly is critical for protecting your home. Ensure that batteries are operating on both devices and modify them if required. While concentrating on fire safety, ensure that your fire extinguishers are in running order and aren't expired. It's also a wise idea to remind the other household members of where they're found in case of an emergency.
Checking Your HVAC System
A house's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system includes a filter that needs to be reviewed and likely replaced on a routine basis. Homes with pets or dusty quarters may need to be changed more often. While many filters are disposable, others can be washed and reused. Cleaning or replacing filters often will enhance the air quality in the house and improve the effectiveness of your heating system during the colder months.
Kitchen Appliance Maintenance
Scouring the dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven should be on every house's monthly maintenance checklist, but there are also some easy ways to preserve these appliances at the same time. For example, for optimal performance, clean or replace filters on your dishwasher and refrigerator if it includes a water dispenser or ice cube maker. It's also wise to go through edibles in the refrigerator and pantry to throw away expired items every month.
Checking for Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaks in a moderate American household account for around 10,000 gallons of water squandered yearly. So take a tour of your house, looking for indications of leaks around sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Even a tiny amount of water should be a reason for concern and requires further inspection.
Unclogging Slow Drains
Stop serious clogs and blockages by cleaning out bathroom and kitchen drains every month. First, use a drain cleaning tool (available on Amazon) to extract hair and debris. Then, use a commercially cultivated drain cleaning product or a homemade drain cleaner to complete the job. If the drain is already blocked, you might require a plunger or plumbing snake to clear up the issue.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
A kitchen's garbage disposal can become a breeding ground for bacteria, but fortunately, there are several easy solutions to cleanse it. First, add a combination of ice cubes and bleach into the system, which will whet the blades and eradicate any lingering bacteria. A vinegar and baking soda combination also does the job for a more natural resolution. Another famous trick is creating vinegar ice cubes by refilling a tray with a cup of white vinegar and topping it off with some water.