Home maintenance isn’t restricted to repairs. In fact, certain tasks, when performed regularly, may actually prevent things from breaking in the first place. But when things do go wrong (and it’s inevitable that they do), we have some backup plans that you can try before you grab the phone to call for pro. Appliances and plumbing are the most frequent offenders, but they also often can be the simplest to care for. From the gutters to the living room carpet, there’s a reliable method for keeping every part of your home clean, safe, and well maintained.
Must-Do Maintenance:
The quickest fix is to not have the problem in the first place. Here’s a checklist of items every homeowner should get to regularly.
1. Test your garage door opener monthly to ensure that it reverses when it hits an obstruction or when its sensor beam is interrupted.
2. Vacuum the clothes dryer’s exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it’s a fire hazard). Rigid sheet-metal ducting is best.
3. Clean leaves and debris from the condenser of a central air conditioner seasonally.
4. Once a year, vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath/behind the appliance.
5. Have the fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
6. Inspect window and door caulking and weather stripping yearly.
Excerpted from the Popular Mechanics book When Duct Tape Just Isn’t Enough, published by Hearst Books/Sterling Publishing.