7 Home Maintenance Health Check Tips

Simple Home Chores That Will Save Money

You may be surprised how a small amount of effort can save you money on your existing bills and future breakdowns. Create yourself a list from our 7 suggestions and tick them off one by one upon completion.

Dust

1. Refrigerator – That’s right dust in the refrigerator. Usually, we just vacuum around the house and under furniture to remove the dust that gathers. But have you ever thought to vacuum your refrigerator or air conditioner filter? The fridge can account for approximately 15% of your electricity bill. Simply pull the power cord and pull the fridge out. Normally you should be able to see the exposed coil. If it has gathered dust simply vacuum it away. This will ensure your refrigerator is running at its optimum. Do this 2 times per year.
2. Air Conditioner – When dust gathers on the filter it lessens the amount of air that is fed into the room. This can reduce airflow by up to 50% or more. Access the filter and if possible remove it. Get out your vacuum cleaner and suck up any dust that has gathered. In your sink add some warm water and detergent and gently wash the filter. Allow the filter to dry naturally and give it one more going over with the vacuum. This you should do every second month.
3. Vents – Vacuum any vent or cover that blows air either inside or outdoors.

Lint

1. Clothes Dryer – Lint is similar to dust but gathers from the particles of your clothing. The majority of us will regularly empty the visible lint trap and every wash. But lint also travels through the dryer’s hose or exterior vent. Unplug your dryer and remove the ventilation tube. Here you should be able using your fingers remove most of the lint. Then use your vacuum cleaner to remove the rest of the lint. If you have an outside vent repeat the process.

Smoke Alarms

1. Smoke Alarm Detectors – A smoke alarm is only a smoke alarm if it has power. Otherwise, it is just a plastic device that is attached to the ceiling. Use the test button that should be visible on the detector. If you receive a beep that all is ok. If no deep then remove the cover and clean the battery and terminal. If you still get no response then replace the batteries and test again. If you cannot get a battery but are worried try squashing the battery a tiny bit and test again. This sometimes gives the battery an extended life. Smoke alarm detectors should be tested every year.

Gutter Cleaning

1. Guttering – A lot of homes are built with perforated gutter protectors that let the water in but prohibits matter such as leaves and twigs. But even these covers can allow a small buildup on corners. However, if your gutter is exposed then you need to get a ladder and climb up and remove any obstructions in the guttering. This should be a job for 2 people with one person holding the ladder. If you let your gutters become blocked then overtime water can gather and cause rust. Also, on a heavy downpour, the water has nowhere to escape and can get into your timber frame. Repeat this chore 2 times a year.
2. Drains – Check that all your drains and downpipes are free of any substances. An easy way to do this is by running your hose into the pipe and seeing that the water flows easily to the base outlet.

Insinkerator

1. Waste Disposal Unit – Do you have a disposable waste dispensing unit in your sink? No doubt over time the unit will build with all types of food and scraps that you dispose of. Prepare a whole lot of ice cubes and grind them through the unit. Then with some hot water and baking soda flush out the unit. Do this once a month.

Wash your Home Siding

1. Cleaning your home’s siding twice a year will not only boost its curb appeal but also prolong its life. Opt to clean siding once in the spring, and again in the autumn. Experts suggest renting a power washer and taking the afternoon to get the job done. But choose your pressure washer and nozzle wisely–too much pressure can lead to damage or even crumbling on the exterior of your home.

Trim Your Trees

1. Trees – Branches growing too close to your home or power lines can wreak havoc down the road. Fallen tree branches can damage your own property and also your neighbours. Depending on the size of the trees you should trim them once a year. This will promote growth and make the tree stronger. Check which time of year you should trim your trees.