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You know what they say about that ounce of prevention. If you ignore the advice and overlook home maintenance, the pound of cure can set you back hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Sooner or later, a neglected roof will leak. A furnace overworked from clogged air filters will need an expensive overhaul. And that leaky window will lead to dry rot in your house’s framework and walls, necessitating a lot of expensive structural and esthetic repairs.
Most important, a well-maintained, freshly updated home is, by its very nature, safe and more comfortable. And usually more energy-efficient – which means money savings – too. Who can argue with that? Not Mrs. Clean Jeans.
GETTING STARTED: Top 10 Tips for a Well-Run Home
1 Schedule annual inspections for your home’s roof and major systems, including the furnace and air conditioner.
2 Twice each year, venture into the far corners of your attic, basement, and garage to check for signs of water leakage.
3 At the start of each season, check the outside of your home for any cracks that may have appeared.
4 Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors each month; change batteries yearly.
5 Clear walkways of leaves and any snow, ice, debris or algae that may make them slippery.
6 Assemble a kit of essential tools and store in a convenient place.
7 Learn to make minor repairs in your home.
8 Insulate older water heaters and leaky heat ducts to lower your energy bill.
9 Save energy in the kitchen by covering pots, opening the oven door sparingly, and using the microwave for reheating food.
10 Set the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in winter; 78 degrees or higher in summer.
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