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Whether you’re a new or existing homeowner, navigating home maintenance can be overwhelming. The local pros at MB HAYNES break down precisely what you should be doing to keep your house in tip-top shape with these 20+ tips and tricks:
Cooling and heating
- Change air filters monthly.
- Get a programmable thermostat so you can set it and forget it. Bonus: It’ll help with energy savings.
- Keep shrubs, grass, and debris away from an outdoor HVAC unit. When mowing or weed-eating, be cautious or cover the outdoor unit to prevent damage to the unit.
- Inspect your condensate drain monthly during warm months to ensure it isn’t clogged.
- Keep windows and doors closed while the AC is running.
Plumbing
- Run water from all fixtures and check for leaks. Don’t forget the water heater since a small leak can become a big problem if left unattended.
- If you have a whole house water filter, change it frequently.
- Check to ensure that the toilet flapper is working properly. A small leak between the tank and bowl can add up to a lot of wasted water + money
- During cold months (especially during freezing weather), remove hoses from outdoor faucets attachments.
- To improve their efficiency, flush out water heaters annually. This also applies to tankless water heaters.
- Know the location of the main water shut-off valve. Open and close it annually to keep it moving freely.
- Have septic tanks pumped every three to five years (or when full).
- Inspect the condition of the washing machine hoses. For durability, MB HAYNES recommends braided stainless steel hoses with auto-shutoff features.
Electrical
- Test smoke detectors every six months. Replace detectors 10 years or older.
- Test GFCI breakers by tripping and resetting.
- Visually inspect GFCI breakers for discolored, loose, or broken switch/receptacle devices and covers.
- Keep the area in front of electrical panels clear and ensure it’s not used for storage.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the meter base.
- Repair or replace any lights, receptacles, switches, and other electrical devices that are not working properly.
- If you have a house standby generator, make sure it’s conducting its automatic cycling sequence.
- Visually inspect extension + small appliance cords for outer jacket or insulation damage like exposed/frayed wiring. Replace as necessary.
- Use extension cords only as a temporary measure. If needed for 30+ days, consider having a receptacle outlet installed.
Need assistance? Contact the local pros at MB HAYNES to schedule an appointment.*
