Wondering if your home is safe and healthy? Discover simple steps to prioritize tasks.
The vast majority of homeowners are guilty of letting maintenance tasks fall to the bottom of their to-do lists. After all, between juggling your work and social life, it can be hard to make time for repairs and DIY.
However, ignoring these issues does not mean that they are not important – especially when you consider that the longer tasks go unattended to, the more issues you are likely to face.
With that in mind, here are some home maintenance tasks that you should never ignore, no matter how tempted you may be!
A Faulty HVAC System
Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is undoubtedly one the most important systems within your home. Not only does it keep your property warm in winter and cool in summer, but it also controls indoor air quality. As such, going without this system for any period of time can become problematic. When it comes to maintaining your HVAC system, keep an eye out for warning signs such as:
- Poor airflow
- Strange/loud noises
- Strange smell
- Humidity
- Improper temperature control
- Signs of mold/damp
Image Credit: RYCO, Inc. SWPA
If you notice any of the above issues, then you should reach out to a qualified, local hvac repair team right away, such as Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning. They will be able to get to the bottom of the issue right away and carry out any necessary repairs, keeping your home in good working order. They will also be able to provide you with invaluable advice if a HVAC replacement is necessary.
Damaged Piping
Damaged piping (internal or external) can lead to a wide range of issues within your home. For example, if your pipes are blocked, this could cause them to crack or splinter, leading to flooding or water damage.
Common signs of damaged home piping include:
- Changes to water flow and pressure from faucets/shower heads
- Strange smelling water/pipes
- Strange sounds coming from the pipes
- Visible cracks in pipe casing
Again, if you notice any of the above issues, then it is crucial that you reach out to a local plumber who can provide you with further assistance. It is also worth noting that the majority of pipes within our homes are hidden from view, making it difficult to diagnose or resolve issues independently without causing more damage while doing so. Conversely, a plumber will have expert tools to hand that allow them to carry out these tasks in a minimally invasive way.
However, if issues with your pipes are external, such as to your gutters, you may be able to resolve these yourself. For example, you could prevent blockages by cleaning out any debris from your gutter, such as leaves, twigs and dirt.
Missing Roof Tiles/Shingles
At first glance, a missing roof tile may not seem to be a pressing issue. After all, it’s unlikely that this will cause the entire roof to collapse in on itself. However, a hole in your roof, no matter how small, exposes your property to the elements.
For example, it could mean that you notice water damage in your attic after rainfall, which in itself can lead to a wide range of issues, from flooding and structural damage to the build-up of mold or mildew. In addition to this, a missing roof tile could provide pests and rodents with a clear entryway into your home.
If your roof is only missing one or two shingles or tiles, this could be an issue that you are able to resolve yourself. However, it is crucial that you carry out some research ahead of time so that you know how to install them properly. Great care should also be taken when working at height.
Faulty Electrical
There are a myriad of electrical faults that you could encounter within your home, from faulty appliances to burned-out light bulbs. While there are some tasks you can handle yourself, such as replacing those light bulbs, others must be handed over to the experts.
After all, the typical homeowner will not have the skill, insight or understanding required to carry out electrical work safely – putting their health and safety (and that of others) at risk. While you may be tempted to do so in the name of saving some money, it is not worth it. Get the help you need so that the issue is addressed quickly, efficiently and most importantly, SAFELY.
Simple Outdoor Maintenance Tasks
When it comes to home maintenance, it’s easy to focus on your home’s interior. However, this does not mean that outdoor tasks, such as those taking place in your garden, are not important.
For example, if your driveway is cracked, splintered or otherwise uneven, this could quickly become a health and safety hazard, especially if a member of your household has additional accessibility needs. For this reason, you should be sure to replace or repair this as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you may need to look into trimming (or even cutting down) trees if they are causing damage to your property. For example, it could be that their branches have damaged your home’s gutter or that their roots are causing the paving in your garden to lift, which could cause structural damage to your home. Either way, this is not a task you should try to carry out yourself – it requires using dangerous equipment at height – which is something no novice should attempt. Instead, be sure to call in a tree surgeon!
Final Thoughts
In short, whether you are looking to make your home a nicer place to live or want to increase its value to ensure a quick sale in the future, you simply cannot afford to neglect essential maintenance tasks any longer.
I would to take this opportunity to also say how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post.
Thank you for being a part of The City Cottage Family.
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