A house is so much more than just a building or a shelter; it’s a home. And ‘home’ means a place where people live, grow, and make life-lasting memories. But, unless you want to create A LOT of memories about broken things and repairs, you need to do some proper maintenance and preventive measures.

This guide is intended for all those looking to avoid any surprise/unexpected fixes, plus we’ll go over what you can do to help prevent them from happening in the first place.

Let’s dive in!

Attic Insulation

Let’s start with the part of the house that’s crucial for energy efficiency. Proper insulation in the attic keeps cold air out during summer and warm air inside during wintertime. That way, it reduces energy bills. 

The attic should be inspected every 6 to 12 months. If you inspect the attic on a regular basis, you can prevent massive problems such as moisture buildup, mold, a rodent infestation, etc. Just look for any gaps, cracks, smells, visible signs of mold (black/white/green dots), any signs of pest activity (nests, excrement, etc.).

Insulation is like a blanket for a home. Insulation needs to be evenly spread and should be thick enough to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. If it’s uneven or damaged, it won’t work appropriately, causing air to escape – leading to higher energy bills. 

Simple and quick checks can save a lot of money and avoid trouble.

Window Seals

Window seals and caulk keep outside air from leaking in and inside air from staying inside. Most window seals will last longer than 10 years. Most window manufacturers give a 10-year guarantee. Even if it’s a great guarantee, it’s important to check window seals once a year, especially before winter. Regular maintenance of window seals and caulks helps prevent drafts, but also increases the windows’ durability. Over time, they can crack or even peel away. 

To stay ahead of this, inspect the windows for any signs of degradation, especially around the perimeter/edges. If you see any worn-out, detached, or cracked caulk, remove it and reseal it. Putting on new caulk can help restore insulation, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

All it takes is a quick 10-minute inspection. If everything is ok, you’re good to go until next year.

Pro tip: Once caulk cures, it’ll shrink as the solvents dissipate. So it’s best to wait a bit to see if the shrinkage affects the aesthetics. If it does, then just reapply it. Plus, if you’re using an acrylic sealant, once it cures, it’s a good idea to paint over it, so that it doesn’t yellow over time.

Garage Doors

The garage door is probably the most-used door in a household. They are used every day, and many people don’t think about checking them out. When there’s extra time to spare, it’s not bad to check the garage door and give it a proper check. 

If you notice the garage door is moving unevenly or is too sluggish when opening/closing, or even if it makes strange noises you haven’t noticed before, it’s probably time for a check-up. Look for any obvious signs such as rust, worn rollers, or any loose mechanical parts. 

Simply by looking at them once a year, it’s possible to catch minor problems before they become bigger. A good way to stay ahead of issues is with regular maintenance, but if your garage door does end up malfunctioning anyway, just get a local repairman who specializes in garage doors to sort the issue out for you. Look up ‘garage door repair near me’ online to find a contractor working in your area, so that the repair can be finished ASAP.

Dryer Vent

Inspections should be performed annually. If you have multiple kids or pets, then do it more often. If left unchecked, it can cause massive problems in the house; it can also be a potential fire hazard. The airflow can’t work if there’s lint built up inside; that way, the dryer works extra hard, and that extra strain could lead to a fire. 

But cleaning them is super straightforward, so there’s no reason not to do it. Disconnect the hose, and precisely clean out the lint that is there. Also, it’s important the vent outside isn’t blocked. That keeps things safe and helps the dryer work more efficiently. 

A clogged dryer vent hose can be determined by several signs, a burning smell, the dryer shutting off mid-cycle, or taking significantly longer than usual to dry clothes. Inspection should be at least once a year, depending on dryer usage and the size of the household.

Sump Pump

This pump is used to remove any water collected in a sump basin. It’s usually placed in the basement of a house. Typically, sump pump life expectancy is around 10 years. Even if it’s professionally installed, a sump pump should be replaced every 8-10 years to avoid failure during a critical time. 

Sump pumps should be checked at least twice a year – before fall (when it’s rainy), and also again before spring. This can be done simply by pouring a bucket of water into the basin and making sure the pump works correctly and drains the water quickly. 

If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations, that could be a sign of mechanical issues, and they need to be looked at ideally by a professional before they potentially lead to a full breakdown.

Conclusion

A well-maintained home runs more efficiently, and apart from saving you headaches, it also saves money down the road. Regular maintenance is a very simple habit that brings financial and operational benefits.

Take your time to check all the above-mentioned areas AT LEAST once or twice a year. This way, you can prevent annoying and expensive repairs and keep the home running smoothly all year long.