If you want to make savvy homeowner money moves , you have to look ahead.
Having a regular preventative maintenance schedule and good home maintenance habits can help you avoid expensive and unexpected replacement of major appliances and housing fixtures.
So if you’re thinking about the last time you did home maintenance and wondering if perhaps you’re missing something, don’t worry.
These are the 14 regular home maintenance habits that will save you hassles, headaches, and major money in the long run.
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1. Vacuum the refrigerator coils
You may not pull your fridge out often, but, if you do, you might be surprised at how dirty the condenser coils on the back have gotten.
Once a year, pull your refrigerator out and vacuum the coils. Remove all dust and debris to keep the fridge running efficiently.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Clean your dishwasher filter
If you don’t rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher (and you shouldn’t need to!), what do you think happens to the food?
The pieces that are too big to be drained will go into the filter. This should be cleaned out monthly to keep your dishwasher in top working order.
3. Re-stain your deck
Deck stain doesn’t just make your deck look good, it also serves to protect the wood. If you let the deck go too long between staining, the wood can lose its waterproofing and begin to deteriorate. Re-stain it every two to three years.
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4. Power wash your patio
Power washing your patio will prevent algae and mildew from taking hold on the stone and discoloring your patio.
Just make sure that you don’t use too strong of a power washer or you’ll run the risk of eroding the grout.
5. Repair your driveway and sidewalk
Winter weather and summer storms can damage the integrity of your driveway and sidewalk, causing cracks and potholes.
Inspect it at least annually and address any issues that have come up before they spread into larger issues.
6. Clean your gutters regularly
You’ll know when your gutters are clogged — water will start pouring over the top of them rather than draining neatly through the spout. If that happens, you could already be facing major problems, like leaks both inside and out.
Make sure your gutters stay clean and tidy to keep water flowing.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt 7. Make sure the roof stays clean
To extend the life of your roof, make sure it doesn’t get covered in leaves, debris, mold, or algae. Also, make sure there are no branches touching the roof.
You want to keep it as clean as possible to ensure it lasts for decades or longer.
8. Flush the hot water heater
Sediment can build up in your hot water heater throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to flush it annually to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
If you don’t, you could be facing an expensive replacement down the line.
9. Get trees trimmed regularly
Not only do overgrown trees threaten the integrity of your home, but they also can prove to be a threat to your house in the event of a storm. As soon as you notice branches that look problematic, reach out to a tree service about getting them trimmed.
That’s going to be far cheaper than dealing with homeowner’s insurance if one falls on your house.
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10. Maintain your HVAC unit
Replacing an HVAC unit is pricey and, if it happens unexpectedly in the middle of summer, you’re going to be in a pickle — especially if the HVAC company is busy.
Have your unit serviced twice a year to make sure everything is functioning properly. This can also help extend the life of your unit.
11. Do a DIY tune up on your HVAC
You can also keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape with a few DIY maintenance habits. Make sure you’re changing the filters regularly and flush the drain lines at least quarterly.
12. Get your sump pump serviced
To mitigate the risk of flooding in your basement, look into getting your sump pump serviced annually by a professional.
While the sump pump is not something you think of often, you’ll want it working in the event that there is a major storm and flooding.
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13. Clean out the dryer vent
While you probably clean out the lint from the lint screen after every load you run through your dryer, have you ever cleaned the actual dryer vent? That’s the piece that leads to the outside, and it can become a fire risk if it’s clogged.
Ideally, it should be cleaned out annually.
14. Fix siding issues
If issues with the siding are allowed to linger, you could end up with leaks or siding that needs to be replaced before the end of its usual life expectancy.
Do a lap around your house annually and address any issues as soon as they arise.
Bottom line
Whether it’s for your home, yard or car, taking the time to do preventative maintenance is one of the smartest money moves for homeowners .
It’s almost always more expensive to fix or replace something later than it is to take care of it now.
Want to make sure you’re getting the most out of regular maintenance? Look into maintenance plans with service providers who may offer discounts on regular check-ups or even bigger maintenance issues.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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