Imagine a day in your house without daily appliances. Sounds like participating in a marathon with injured legs, right? Well, this is not just an imagination, but could happen in real life as well. When you do not take good care of your home’s system, this situation may arise.
In fact, about 75% of Americans reported having a home repair emergency in the past year, in which HVAC and plumbing issues were the most common ones [Source: Business Wire]. This clearly highlights that unexpected issues can occur anytime, and every homeowner should learn the importance of proactive maintenance to avoid these emergencies.
What can you actually do to extend the lifespan of your home’s system? This article has the solution for all the issues you may encounter in daily life. From checking the HVAC system to keeping your appliances in good condition, learn all the tips in this guide.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The first step to extend a home’s system involves the regular maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other systems.
- Pay attention to unusual noises, smells, or performance changes in appliances or systems. It may help address minor problems and prevent costly breakdowns.
- Don’t skip professional checkups for delicate networks such as HVAC or electrical wiring.
- Simple habits like changing air filters and cleaning gutters can significantly improve the overall system’s health.
Check Your HVAC System Regularly
Don’t forget to check your HVAC system when it is discussing extending your home’s system lifespan. An HVAC system of the house works like a heart in a human body; it works from sun to moon to keep everything running smoothly.
Commence performing small tune-ups like cleaning coils, checking refrigerators, and spotting minor issues on your own. If you feel you need professional help in inspecting your air conditioners, you can call an AC contractor in Newtown, PA.
Maintain Your Plumbing System
Similar to the arteries and veins of the human body carrying blood, the plumbing system in a house also transports water. A part of it constantly brings fresh water, and another section removes the waste. Always be mindful before putting anything down drains, because it can cause clogs in the drains. Of course, nobody wants a flooded bathroom.
Additionally, flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup, enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of the plumbing system.
Take Care of Your Electrical System
An electrical system is a critical network in a residence that works like the nervous system of our body. Pay attention to flickering lights, avoid overloading outlets with too many devices, and also sense if there is something unusual, such as a burning smell, coming from wires.
Since this network is delicate and one cannot handle it on one’s own, calling a qualified electrician, be it for minor tune-ups or a major repair task, would be the smartest decision.
Service Your Roof and Gutters
Roofs and gutters are one of the most important parts of your home that act as a primary shield against rain, snow, and ice, yet we often overlook them the most. If they are not functioning well, water will definitely find its way in. So make it a habit to check your downspouts and clean your gutters at least twice a year.
On the other hand, give your roof a visual check by looking for missing, cracked, or bent shingles. Sporting and fixing small issues early can prevent our huge, expensive headache.
Keep Your Appliances in Good Condition
As modern homes are full of appliances, taking good care should be a regular practice as well. Whether it is a basic washing machine or a high-tech air conditioner, these modern conveniences make life easier. The key to their longevity is hidden in their maintenance instruction book–yes, those manuals which you often throw away.
Mainly, you need to follow these things:
- Clean the filter to avoid food buildup in drains.
- Avoid overloading your washing machine.
- Be mindful of any unusual noises or smells coming from appliances.
Look After Your Water System
Apart from the pipeline water system, other systems are used for treating water. These components include water softeners, filters, or even well pumps. Neglecting them might lead to hard water buildup, poor taste, and even severe illness.
In case of a water softener, make sure to regularly add salt as needed and clean its brine tank. For the whole house, drinking water filters, changing the cartridges on schedule and making sure to check the purity of water before drinking.
In the end, if you really want to extend the lifespan of your home’s system, you need to participate in proactive maintenance. Take good care of all the systems running in your house, no matter if they are essential or luxury.
What’s more? These daily upkeep practices not only facilitate the long-term functionality of your home system but also ensure a healthy and happy life.
How often should I schedule professional tune-ups?
It is generally recommended to have a professional tune at least once a year.
How far should my downspouts extend from the house?
The downspout should be at least 5 to 10 feet away from your home’s foundation to direct water effectively.
Is it necessary to call an electrician for minor issues?
Not necessarily, if it is as simple as replacing a fused light bulb. However, if you observe any flickering light or other issues, which you may not be able to handle, don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician.
How often is it needed to replace washing machine hoses?
It is a good practice to replace standard rubber hoses with braided stainless steel every 5 to 7 years to prevent them from bursting.
