Home Maintenance Blog

5 Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Right Now

Posted by Andrew Balfour on Mar 18, 2020 5:05:00 AM

Take care of your home, and it will take care of you. Unfortunately, there are a lot of home maintenance tasks that are not overly difficult or time-consuming, but that many homeowners seem to put off, again and again. Failing to complete these tasks, sadly, tends to lead to bigger issues down the road. So if you have a spare afternoon or an extra weekend day, set about tackling these simple, yet important home maintenance tasks.

1. Change your air filter.

Most HVAC experts recommend changing your air filter every two to three months, or monthly if you have allergies or pets in the home. Changing your filter will keep your system running efficiently and will also reduce the amount of dust in your home. While you’re out buying a filter, buy a few extras so that next time you need to change it, you don’t have to run to the store.

2. Clean the drains.

Cleaning the drains before they get slow and clogged can prevent you from having to call a plumber. Use either boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to get rid of soap scum and grease without the risks that come with chemical drain cleaners. (Did you know they can actually weaken your pipes and cause leaks over time?)

3. Clean your washing machine.

That’s right — you can and should clean your washing machine! In top-load models, you can typically snap the middle agitator core right out, and then give it a good scrub. You’ll be surprised how much soap scum and dirt has accumulated. If you have a front-load model, then just do an empty load with a washing machine cleaner tablet added to the water. Your laundry will smell so much fresher, and your washing machine will last longer.

4. Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

This one is a matter of safety. Even if you are checking the detectors monthly, it is a good idea to change the batteries at least once a year to ensure they’re working if you ever need them. While you’re at it, look at the dates on your CO and smoke detectors. Most have an “expiration date” after which you are supposed to replace them. You should be able to buy new ones rather affordably at any hardware store.

5. Clean your gutters.

Nothing is better for your roof than clean gutters. Thankfully, cleaning your gutters is pretty easy as long as you’re comfortable on a ladder. Just scoop the gunk out, and rinse the gutters with a hose. Water will now drain from your roof much better, helping to delay shingle deterioration and prevent leaks.

Good home maintenance boils down to completing simple tasks when you have the time. If you are struggling to keep up with these and other home maintenance tasks, contact Hassle Free Home Services! We’ll do the maintenance for you, so you don’t have to worry. 

Topics: Seasonal Home Maintenance, Home Maintenance Management

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