Items to Include in Your Comprehensive Home Maintenance Plan

Your house is your single largest investment, so why not protect it by establishing a solid home maintenance plan? Come re-sale time, you'll be in a strong seller's position, as some home buyers offer less money based on a poor house inspection report. Even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon, companies such as Branded can ensure that regular maintenance boosts HVAC efficiency and saves you money on those hefty utility bills.

Check your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector

Image via Flickr by Andrew Gustar



One of the easiest home maintenance projects, and yet most life saving involves an inspection of all your home's detectors. About once a year, check that your carbon monoxide and smoke alarm detectors have fresh batteries and are working as they should. Now is a good time to ensure installation is to code and aligned with any new state regulations.

Clean Out the Gutters

When your gutters are clogged up with leaves and other debris, water doesn't get properly whisked away to a drain. Instead, it takes a detour onto the roof and through improperly sealed cracks and windows. The results can be destructive to your home's foundation, ceilings, and walls.

Seal All Cracks

Moisture in the home can eventually lead to the formation of bad bacteria and structural deterioration. Seal up any spots where water can get inside, but mainly your doors and windows. Note, south facing windows should be inspected more frequently as they take more abuse from the sun, which causes sealants to crack sooner. Inspect the roof for leaks as well.

Replace Furnace and the Air Conditioning Filter

Unfortunately filters are not self-cleaning and should be replaced with each passing season, at the very least. A congested furnace filter gets minimal air flow and has to work harder to heat your home. The same applies to your air conditioner for all your cooling needs. Boosted efficiency in both means you save more money in the long run.

Have your Vents Cleaned 

Air ducts are responsible for circulating the air that is generated from your heating and cooling systems. Hire a professional to clean out the air ducts so you and your family can enjoy a healthier living environment. Not only does this project allow the air to move around the home more efficiently, but it also reduces allergens and irritants, and gets rid of unpleasant smells.

Sticking to a routine home maintenance plan may feel like a chore sometimes, because let's face it, no one wants to clean gutters all weekend. However, performing little tasks here and there throughout the year can really prevent massive repair bills from appearing in the future. Such tasks not only contribute to the solidity of your home, but to its overall comfort as well.