Your home can mean many things: your own space to relax, a place to gather, and an investment. It plays an absolutely pivotal role in your life, which is why you shouldn’t neglect it. Of course, you want it to be as happy as you can be in your own home and taking care of your home is a big part of that.
When it comes to our homes, it’s more common to wait until something is broken before getting it fixed. However, without proper maintenance, your home can fall into disrepair, lose its value, and even become a safety hazard. Instead of risking these consequences, get into the habit of taking care of your home and go through these maintenance tasks.
- Give your house a good cleaning
Usually the first step when it comes to taking care of your house is to clean. When it comes to cleaning your home, break everything up into smaller tasks either by room or frequency. For example, it’s much easier to go through one area at a time rather than trying to get all cleaning done in one day.
Sweep your floors to keep them looking new, sanitise kitchen and bathroom sinks to freshen up, and dust your shelves and furniture for better air quality. Cleaning also involves organising and putting everything in its proper place. Whether your house is clean or not is the first thing someone will notice, so make sure to clean thoroughly and often!
- Clean filters
Speaking of cleaning, it’s important to clear out any filters in your home as well. For example, grease will build up inside the filters on the vent in your kitchen—this could lead to a fire—so place them in some soapy water to clean them.
The bathroom exhaust fan is an area of concern as well. Over time, dust gathers inside the fan. And with more use, the fan becomes less efficient in keeping humidity levels down. To clean, remove the cover and hoover the cover as well as the inside. You might also want to give the fan cover a wash and let it dry before fixing it back on.
- Take a close look at your windows
Don’t forget about cleaning your windows once in a while. A clean window significantly improves the beauty of your home, both from the outside and in—it actually lets you see outside properly! It also lets in more light, brightening up a space. You’ll be surprised how much having clean windows affects the appearance of your home.
The increased light also means better heating. And not only do windows need a good cleaning, they also need a bit more in terms of maintenance. Check the condition of the frame and sash; rot means that moisture is seeping through and a draft indicates poor insulation. Also, fog in between the panes is another sign of moisture infiltration. This means you’ll have to apply new caulk and glazing to seal off the window, or in some circumstances call for a replacement.
- Heating check
The technology that keeps you warm through the cold days is designed to be hardy and dependable. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need attention from time to time. The easiest thing you can do to check if your heating is working properly is to make sure that all rooms are being warmed. Put your hand above your radiators and feel for cold spots; if there are, you’ll need to bleed the radiator.
Additionally, you need to get your heating system checked once a year. Arrange for a certified engineer to inspect your boiler, heating pipes, and radiators to make sure everything’s running smoothly. This will keep your heating running as efficiently as possible, lowering your energy bill. It also prevents any dangerous leaks, such as carbon monoxide, making your home much safer.
- Keep everything dry
Take a good look around your home for any signs of damp and mould. Dark, wet spots on your ceiling or a wall could indicate leakage or condensation. Damp rooms have a noticeable smell of stale air, which indicates poor ventilation.
For areas with visible damp spots, look for issues in the surrounding area. For example, broken pipes, old pipe joints, or a leaky roof can be the culprit for your damp problem. Get these fixed as soon as possible to prevent any more damage. For air moisture issues, you need to reduce humidity levels. Ventilate rooms often by opening windows, use bathroom and kitchen vents regularly, and when drying clothes indoors, keep the windows open.
- Check the exterior too
When it comes to maintenance, the outside is just as important as the inside. Make sure your guttering is clear of trapped leaves, plants, and birds’ nests. With no blockages, water won’t get trapped and you prevent water damage to your home. You also lower the chance of pests, rodents, or bees making their home in your guttering.
Try to keep things such as plants away from the walls of your home. This reduces the chance of dry rot taking hold. Another thing that is often overlooked is whether your house is getting hit when you water your plants. Place sprinklers far enough so that they don’t spray your walls and not create standing water.
Remember these maintenance tasks and your home will stay in the best condition it could be. You’ll benefit immensely if you spend some time maintaining your house. Take care of your home, and your home will take care of you!