It’s not easy to keep up with all the tasks that need to be completed around the house. There are so many things we can forget about, and those minor maintenance tasks don’t often seem important enough. However, they actually have a major impact on our home. The following tasks should always be kept in mind:
1. Clean air conditioning drip pans
You should never forget to check the air conditioner drip pans and make sure they are debris-free. This is especially important when you see your air quality decreasing, but it’s also good to do on a regular basis because any buildup or spilled water can lead to mildew growth. If there is too much debris in the pan, you could be looking at an expensive repair bill for something that costs less than $20 if caught early enough.
2. Look behind the furniture for air leaks
Not only do air ducts need air-conditioning services, sometimes the air conditioner itself has leaks that need attention. Many people forget about this possibility, so whenever you push or pull your sofa away from the wall, try to inspect the air conditioner and air ducts for possible air leaks.
3. Check the air quality of your home
You can’t always see air quality issues, but you can do a simple test at home to determine if something needs to be addressed. Using a small bowl or container, fill it with water and put ten drops of bleach inside; place the bowl in the room where you spend most of your time and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wipe down the outside and examine any residue on the sides: If the water is dirty or greasy, you might want to consider having an air duct cleaning service performed.
4. Get rid of mold from windowsills
Mold can grow just about anywhere in your home, but having it on the window sill may indicate that you need to have a window replaced. If there are any wood panels in the window or window sill, then take care of things by sanding them down and painting them with an outdoor sealer.
5. Get rid of mildew from around your doors
Doors are often left open for extended periods, allowing moisture to accumulate at the bottom. The next time you see black mold near your door, use caulk to cover all possible gaps between the molding and wall; this will prevent future occurrences of mold growth.
6. Check your smoke detectors
If something is wrong with one of your smoke detectors, you probably won’t hear it beeping. That’s why you need to take the time to test all of your smoke detectors at least twice a year and replace their batteries as needed. This is one thing that many people often forget, so it’s better to do this regularly than have an issue show up when you need something like this.
7. Take care of carpenter bees in the exterior walls
Carpenter bees are known for drilling holes in wood structures, but they can also drill into the exterior walls of your house if left unattended for too long. You can use caulk or even steel wool to plug up holes that are more than 1/8 inches in diameter; this will prevent carpenter bees from nesting inside.
8. Inspect the roof for any possible leaks
When you see water puddling on your roof, it’s time to think about having your shingles replaced by a professional contractor. If you notice that there are just small patches of black mildew around your eave areas, you can use bleach or fungicide to eliminate this problem.
9. Have an exterminator come in and spray the perimeter of your home
Most people have ants at some point in their life, but when they get out of control, you need to call an exterminator for help managing the situation. The most common type of ant seen entering homes is the Argentine ant, so be mindful when leaving food out and using caulk to seal up any cracks in your exterior walls.
10. Check your gutters for damage
Over time, debris can accumulate near the top of your gutter and cause it to wear down. If you notice that this is happening, then it might be a good idea to use a pressure washer to clean away much of the dirt buildup; if not, there’s a chance your gutters could fall off while you’re away from home or when the weather gets very windy.
There are many home maintenance tasks that you can easily do yourself, but if you notice any of the issues listed above, it might be time to call in a professional contractor. They will know how to prevent future occurrences and get rid of these issues for good.
