Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

While most of us are spending more time at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a good chance to take care of our homes. Just like an automobile needs regular maintenance to keep it running well and prevent major problems, a home also needs regular attention.

Monika Aptacy, Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares some DIY tasks you can do to keep expensive repair costs down and prolong the life of your home.

Clean Away Dirt From Refrigerator Coils

Most refrigerators have a series of coils that are located either near the bottom or along the back of the refrigerator. If the coils become clogged, it can cause some serious troubles and can cause the machine to stop working completely. Vacuum to clean off the coils twice a year to keep them clean and working efficiently.

Get Rid of Sediment in The Water Heater

The water that pumps through a water heater contains sediment. Over time, the sediment can build up at the bottom of the heater and can form a hot spot, causing the water heater to fail. This can be avoided by simply removing the sediment once a year. 

Clean The Dryer Vent

The accumulation of the lint can clog up the entire dryer vent and lead to a fire. To clean out the duct, simply disconnect it from the dryer and use a vacuum to remove the lint. A flapper can be easily cleaned with a paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner.

 

Check For Water Around The Base of Toilets

The presence of water in the wrong places can be a sign of major issues, like a worn toilet seal. Look for puddles of water around the base of all toilets at least once every other month.

If you spot any presence of water, ask a plumber to inspect before the issue becomes too serious.

Keep The Gutters Clean

While gutters seem to go unnoticed, they have a major responsibility to collect water and push it away from the home’s foundation. This keeps the foundation strong and allows the home to withstand the elements. Faulty gutters can lead to serious foundational problems that are extremely expensive to repair. Keep them debris free and ensure all are properly attached to the house. 

Avoid Drafts From Windows And Doors

Faulty windows and doors can allow too much air in from the outside. It can also allow too much heat from the home to escape during winter months and the cool air during hotter temperatures. Inspect the caulk around the windows once a year and reapply where needed. Apply new weatherstripping around doors to make them air-tight.

Test Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A smoke detector, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, can save your life. Make sure the equipment is ready to do its job by performing regular tests. Every month do a test on the detectors to see if they are working properly. Replace the batteries every 6 months, without fail.

 

Clean Out Sink Drains

Exposing your plumbing drains to harsh chemicals can lead to wear and tear over time. While the chemicals are good for getting rid of a clog, a better alternative is to routinely flush out the drains with natural ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar are the safe choice. Flush with hot water once it sits for a few minutes.

By setting up a schedule to handle these tasks periodically, you can maintain the function of your home and continue to enjoy your biggest asset. 

If you are looking for real estate buying or selling tips, contact Monika or any of our experienced real estate agents at ERA Justin. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

 

The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are a central, but often overlooked basic home maintenance task. Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing out your air filters. Homeowners that ignore the filters in their heating and air conditioning systems risk higher energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and diminishing indoor air quality and personal health.

So, why is changing your air filter so important? Cristina Munoz shares why changing your air filter regularly will benefit you in the long run. Cristina states, “First of all, a clogged air filter can cause extensive damage to your system. There are many particles floating in the air around us at the microscopic level such as flakes of skin, pet dander, and residue from cooking, to name just a few.” If you check your air filter’s condition regularly, you ensure the longevity of your system — saving yourself thousands in possible repair and replacement costs. Dirt and neglect are one of the leading causes of heating and cooling systems failing, yet such failure is completely avoidable.

Secondly, changing the air filter in your system ensures cleaner, fresher, healthier air. This is better for everyone in your home, particularly children and the elderly, and most especially for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma. In referring to the latter, a clean air filter means you are not constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen and the other small particles in the air. Instead, your system will be able to purify the air, leaving it clean and healthy.

Thirdly, aside from protecting the HVAC system from unnecessary damage, cleaning out or changing a clogged air filter will also save you a significant amount on operating costs. In simplest terms, a dirty air filter uses much more energy than a new, clean air filter, which means a much higher electricity bill for you.

To the above point on energy wastage, failing to clean and replace your air filter on a regular basis is failing the environment. An air filter that is clogged means a harder working HVAC system, thus it also means a lot of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases, by extension being released. Going green and running your home in an eco-friendly manner need not necessarily mean bending over backwards and giving up all forms of comfort. Something as simple as changing an air filter regularly can go a long way in making a difference.

If you want to keep the air in your home clean and avoid unnecessary repairs, consider replacing your air filters every 30 to 90 days, with the former being preferable and the latter being the absolute maximum you should allow between changes.

Cristina Munoz is a seasoned Real Estate Sales Professional with ERA Justin Realty. To reach out to Cristina or any of our real estate professionals to discuss any of your real estate needs, call us at 201.939.7500.