Homeownership is a significant milestone. From creating a space that’s uniquely yours, to building a place of stability and comfort for our families–it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say our homes are as much extensions of ourselves as they are the places we live.
June, recognized as Homeownership Month, is the perfect time to celebrate the love we have for our homes and ensure they remain a haven of comfort and safety for years to come. In that spirit, an integral part of maintaining your home involves caring for its comfort systems—those vital components that keep the indoors pleasant and livable. Here, we highlight the top five services every homeowner should have professionally performed on their comfort systems, ensuring long-term reliability and performance, as well as some DIY bonus tips that every homeowner can do themselves.
1. HVAC System Maintenance
Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is the backbone of your home’s comfort. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running efficiently, especially during peak demand. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Routine Annual Maintenance: Schedule a professional to inspect and maintain your HVAC system at least once a year. They will check for potential issues, clean components, and ensure your system is running at peak performance.
- Filter Replacements: If you have forced hot air, central AC, or a ductless system, you should replace (or clean in the case of ductless) your HVAC filters every 3-6 months, depending on usage and the type of filter. Clean filters improve air quality and system efficiency.
- Duct Cleaning: Over time, ducts can accumulate dust, allergens, and debris, which can affect air quality and system performance. Have your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years, especially if you have pets or smokers in the home.
2. Water Heater Maintenance
Hot water is essential for daily activities, from showering to washing dishes. Regular maintenance of your water heater is required by most manufacturers to maintain your warranty, and will extend its lifespan and improve efficiency.
- Annual Flushing: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment build-up, which can reduce efficiency and cause damage over time.
- Inspection of Anode Rod: The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion, which is the most common cause of tank failure. Inspect it each year and replace it every 3-5 years to extend the lifespan of your water heater.
- Temperature Check: Ensure your water heater is set no higher than the EPA recommended 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption.
3. Plumbing System Maintenance
A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for avoiding leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Regular check-ups can save you from unexpected issues:
- Plumbing Inspection: Regularly inspect faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks and corrosion. Early detection can catch small issues before they develop into larger problems.
- Water Pressure Testing: If you’re on well water, you’re responsible for managing the pressure of water coming into your home. High water pressure can damage pipes and appliances. Test your water pressure annually and adjust it if necessary.
- Drain & Sewer Line Cleaning: If you’ve had issues in the past, it’s smart to consider having your important fixture drains and sewer line cleaned every few years to prevent clogs and backups. This is especially true if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Slow draining or stagnant water.
- Gurgling sounds.
- Water backing up.
- Smelly drains.
4. Electrical Safety Inspection
Your home’s electrical system powers everything, from lights to appliances. Unfortunately, spotting potential issues can be difficult and even hazardous for someone who is unlicensed. That’s why we recommend starting with an electrical safety inspection. Hiring an expert to ensure your electrical system is in top condition is crucial for having safe and reliable power in your home. Here’s some areas to focus on:
- Electrical Panel Inspection: Have a professional inspect your electrical panel and wiring every few years to identify and fix potential issues. Major red flags include power arcing, water damage, a burning smell, or constantly tripping breakers. These are all issues that should be addressed as soon as possible.
- Outlet and Switch Check: Test all outlets and switches for functionality and safety. Have these professionally replaced if any are faulty or show signs of wear.
- Surge Protection: Have your home professionally evaluated and consider installing whole-home surge protection to safeguard your appliances and electronics from power surges.
Curious to know what Heritage covers during a whole-home safety inspection?
CLICK TO LEARN MORE5. Water Filtration System Maintenance
Ensuring your home’s water is clean and safe to drink is essential for your family’s health. Regular maintenance of your water filtration system will keep your water free of harmful contaminants like arsenic and PFOAs, year after year:
- Filter Replacements: Regularly replace the filters in your water filtration system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 3-6 months. This prevents clogging and ensures optimal filtration.
- System Sanitization: Periodically sanitize your water filtration system to prevent bacterial growth. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning procedures.
- Inspecting Connections and Valves: Check all connections, hoses, and valves for leaks or signs of wear. Tighten or replace any components as needed to maintain the system’s integrity.
- Testing Water Quality: Test your water quality at least once a year to ensure your filtration system is working effectively. Kits are available for testing for contaminants like lead, bacteria, and chlorine. We highly recommend professional testing for the most accurate and complete results.
Bonus Tips for DIY Home Maintenance
In addition to professional services, there are several small tasks homeowners can do themselves to maintain their home’s comfort systems:
1 Clean the Dryer Vent: A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard and reduce dryer efficiency. Clean it out every six months to a year.
2. Check Outdoor Spigots for Leaks: Inspect your outdoor spigots and hoses for leaks, especially in spring after the winter freeze. Repairing leaks can save water and prevent damage.
3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly by testing them monthly and replacing batteries as needed.
4. Seal Windows and Doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. This improves energy efficiency and comfort.
5. Inspect and Clean Range Hood Filters: Over time, grease and debris can build up in your range hood filters. Clean or replace them every few months to maintain proper ventilation and reduce fire risk.
By staying on top of these essential services and tasks, you can ensure your home remains safe and comfortable for years to come. In the meantime, the experts at Heritage are here to help with any questions you may have about the comfort systems in your home. Feel free to give us a call and get back to comfort today!