A Little Home Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Sharing is caring!

Maintaining a home can be expensive. There are numerous repairs that crop up, sometimes at the most inopportune time. Here are some ideas to save on expenses by checking your water heater, HVAC system, and pipes to ensure that they are working properly and minor repairs can be made.

Cold Showers

There are few things worse than a cold shower. Check that your water heater is working to be sure that you don’t have to take one. The upper and lower lines need to be tight. A leak here can cause line corrosion and pose a fire and burn risk. Turn off the water and the breaker so you can check the upper and lower elements. These are what give the water heater a consistent temperature and allow a greater volume to be heated. If either element is bad, replace it. Be sure to drain the tank before cleaning out any buildup. Lime buildup can reduce the efficiency of your water heater. If your water heater is acting up, it may be time to have a new energy-efficient one installed.

Keeping Things Temperate

Image via Flickr by bay_dragon

The HVAC system is probably one of the most important elements installed in your home. By regularly servicing your system, you can maintain your comfort and your pocketbook. Check your ductwork for gaps and holes, and make repairs. Aluminum tape works well for small repairs. Larger holes may need the duct work replaced. Routinely changing your filter also helps to keep your HVAC system in working order, because a clogged filter makes the system work harder to circulate air. Cover your outside system in the winter with a board or tightly wrapped tarp. If you use a tarp, remember to wrap it tightly so that no animals make their home in your unit. Calling in a professional to inspect your system is a good idea to avoid costly breakdowns and repairs in the future. There are parts of your system that most people just do not have the knowledge to fix or repair; in these cases, a professional can save you money with their time and experience.

Water Wise

Plan ahead and save yourself a headache and some hard-earned cash by insulating any exposed exterior pipes, and pipes on exterior walls. There are foam pipe covers available at most home improvement stores. Pipe covers make insulating your pipes quick and easy. The insulation will protect your pipes in freezing temperatures, so they don’t burst. Checking your pipes for leaks, usually around joints, can also save on your water bill. A leaky pipe can also cause water damage to the structure around it. There are many reasons that water leaks are bad news: unsightly stains, high water bills, messes to clean up, potential biological growth

Sharing is caring!

Comments

  1. Great advice. After having our air conditioner go out I saw this article. Speaking about heating and cooling is’nt the most exciting topic but you made it sound interesting and helped me a lot. Thanks so much.

Speak Your Mind

*