Tip of the Month

Following a Maintenance Schedule For Your Home is a Good Way to Save Money Now and Later

Most New Year’s resolutions are of a personal nature, but resolving to do regular maintenance and check-up work on your home is something that will pay off for you this year and for many years to come. Since we’re just beginning 2012, this seems like a good time to send out a reminder to not neglect your home this year. The following 12 tips will help you avoid costly repairs while cutting costs on your utility bills by making your home more energy efficient.

Annually inspect your home’s exterior. This includes checking the foundation for cracking, making sure weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows still provide a tight seal, checking for cracks and holes in the siding and checking the paint for peeling, cracking or fading.

Trim shrubs and trees so they clear the foundation, exterior walls and roof.

Clean gutters and downspouts in the fall and spring. If leaves and debris are clogging the downspout, water won't drain properly, and along with mildew and mud you'll end up with sagging gutters. Also be sure to check the rivets on the downspout because they can come loose or fall out.

Clean leaves and mulch from under porches and decks, and pull mulch away from foundation walls.

Check annually for water or moisture in the crawl space, as well as for water leaks in the basement or in the attic.

Drain a gallon or two from your hot water heater at least twice a year to extend its life expectancy.

Clean your chimney each year before using the fireplace. Basic tools needed to accomplish the task include a chimney brush, fireplace cover, large drop cloth, tape, mirror, bucket, shovel, broom, shop vacuum, flashlight, dust mask, goggles and ladder. If you’re not a big do-it-yourselfer, hiring a professional might be the best route.

Check the filters on your heating and cooling unit once a month and change or clean on the recommended schedule. Have the unit serviced annually.

Check faucets for drips and the rest of the plumbing for leaks a few times a year.

Check your dryer vent and stove hood monthly and clean them as needed.

Inspect and repair tile grout in bathrooms and kitchen annually.

Change the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year.