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Home Care 101: A Home Maintenance Check List

A home is an expensive investment, so it's important to protect and care for it properly. This checklist outlines a number regular home maintenance tasks to keep in mind.

While your home may be your refuge, it's also an expensive investment. Maintaining it will not only ensure years of personal comfort, but also ensure a higher sale price should you ever decide to put it on the market. Here is a checklist of home maintenance tasks that should be performed at least once a year.

  • Air Conditioner: Check your air conditioning system for any leaks and be sure all ducts are well insulated. All dirty filters must either be cleaned or replaced.
  • Basement: Be sure all floors and walls are dry. Dampness could be a sign of a leaky foundation and can lead to mold or mildew problems.
  • Heater: Servicing your heater and replacing its filters will ensure a long, efficient life span.
  • Hot Water Heater: Drain your hot water heater twice per year to clean it and remove any mineral deposits left behind.
  • Windows and Doors: Be sure all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent energy loss.
  • Detectors: Change the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure full functionality.
  • Fireplace: Cleaning your fireplace and removing all ashes after the winter season will not only keep it in good condition, but improve air quality as well.
  • Roof and Gutters: Check and repair any roof leaks and clean your gutters.
  • Faucets: Even a small plumbing leak can lead to a big water bill and expensive home repairs. Be sure to check all faucets and accessible pipes.

Caring for your home might cost a bit of money, but it can prevent much more costly repairs down the road. It can also ensure a greater return should you ever decide to sell it down the line.

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