As we move into spring, here are a few best practices to protect your home, improve the efficiency and health of your systems, and avoid unnecessary repairs. If you have any questions about another topic concerning your home or a home you're considering purchasing, reach out to me anytime for advice!
Gutters and Downspouts
The most important thing to me on this list is making sure your gutters and downspouts are in good working condition. Water is one of the worst things for any structure. It can be extremely costly to repair the damage it causes and can hurt the overall value of your property.
To know if your gutters need maintenance, take a walk around the property and check for signs of missing or disconnected downspouts, bent or damaged gutters, and water pouring over the sides of your gutters or the roof. You also want to make sure the downspouts are directing water away from your home or any other structure, not right up against the building. If you see any of these issues, contact a professional to have them properly taken care of. I couldn’t stress enough that one of the worst things you can allow is water building up against your foundation. Over time, this can lead to foundation damage, interior leaks, mold, and settling problems. This should be a priority for every homeowner.
A/C Maintenance
Continuing with the warmer weather theme, now is the time to make sure your air conditioning system is in good working order. Most experts recommend having your AC unit serviced once a year, so ideally, it should be done before the high demand of the summer months hits. Having the system checked helps it run more efficiently and lowers the risk of it failing when you need it most. Ever try getting an HVAC technician to your home when it’s 90+ degrees?
As for self-maintenance, every homeowner should change the air filter(s) routinely. This should be done every 30–90 days, depending on usage and factors like pets or the location of your property. No need to buy expensive filters, just be sure they are the correct size. A clean filter helps increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit, improves airflow and efficiency, and lowers your energy costs.
Something to note: if you see dirt or dust around air vents, there’s a good chance a filter is long overdue for a change. In some systems, there can be a filter in the return and another inside the unit, so be sure to check and replace both. If air pressure still feels low after replacing the filters, try removing one to see if the pressure improves.
Water Heater
When it comes to your water heater, most experts recommend replacing it every 10 to 12 years, though I’ve heard some say up to 15 years. I know a lot of people struggle with the idea of replacing something that still works, and I get it. Why fix what isn’t broken? However, the main reason to replace it is to avoid the much bigger problem of tank failure. Over time, these tanks will leak due to corrosion and most likely will empty out entirely at once. You can routinely check for water leaks yourself or have a moisture detector installed, but the risk isn’t worth the reward to me. I’ve seen water dump into someone’s living room from a tank that failed in the attic, and have seen finished basements get ruined. I personally just missed my own water tank leaking in my previous home, and was very lucky to have replaced it when I did. If that’s not convincing enough, the other benefits to replacing a water heater are the peace of mind, it’s a cleaner unit for your water, and the lower energy costs to run it.
Sump Pumps
Living in our area, most of us have at least one sump pump in the basement. And like many things in the home, we tend to forget they’re even there. While it’s true that sump pumps rarely fail, one of the biggest concerns every homeowner should keep in mind is whether the pump has a battery backup. Power outages are the number one reason sump pumps fail to do their job because, without electricity, the pump is useless (wow, thanks Joe!). Now, imagine a heavy rainstorm that lasts for hours and knocks out power in your area. What’s the most likely thing to happen? The best way to avoid being caught in this situation is by making sure your pump has a battery backup system in place. There are plenty you can find specifically for sump pumps and are easy to install. It’s a good idea to check the battery every six months to make sure it is still operational. It doesn’t hurt to have an extra pump and battery on hand if you know you have a very active sump pump.
Spring is the best time to go through all of these simple checks as an annual operational procedure and routine check for your home, then note on your calendar to do it the same time every year. Not only will this prevent many unforeseen issues in your home and give you peace of mind, but these are also great ways to maintain the value of your property and home.
- Joseph Charles | Realtor
