6 FORGOTTEN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
1.Test the sump pump
If you’re a house owner, you would be aware of the regular maintenance that goes into it. But if you’re new to owning a house, you’ll probably be aware of only the basics. You’d know how to maintain your lawn, roof, woodwork and the basic appliances. You’d clean your furnace filters and gutters every season as a good homeowner. But there are some things that do not need to be done frequently and sometimes elude us. Here are some things that you must do once a year to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.
Test your sump pump regularly. This is the least of your worries because it’s under your house and buried under your list of priorities. However, if you neglect seasonal repairs on the sump pump, you may end up with a basement full of water and a hole in your pocket. The sump pump pumps out the water from under the house when the levels are high. If the pump isn’t working you could come home to a flooded basement. Check the pump a few times a year by filling the sump basin with water. Ensure that the vertical float switch is working.
2. Check Water pressure
The water pressure in your pipes can erode the pipes and unless the pressure is regulated. Normally the inlet water pressure to a house is 40 – 45 psi. It should not exceed 60 psi. Though the pressure can be adjusted anywhere between 25 to 75 psi. All houses have a pressure reducing valves which can be found near the main shutoff valve.
High water pressure not only harms pipes but also appliances and connections. Massive volumes of water are wasted because it creates a water hammer.
3. Maintain the HVAC system
The HVAC system runs throughout the year. It should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. This is apart from the seasonal maintenance that you do on the system. Brady Sanders from Beaufort Air Conditioning explains that residential heat pump units should be serviced once a year to remove the buildup of dust and debris. Cleaning the vents occasionally can ensure that the system runs smoothly and consumes less energy.
4. Clean the refrigerator coils
Refrigerator condenser coils are either at the back of the fridge or at the bottom. These coils serve to release heat from the appliance. These coils can get clogged with dust, cobwebs and pet hair. It is wise to clean these coils once a year so that the fridge can release heat effectively. When the heat is blocked, the compressor has to work harder and longer than it should. All the extra work consumes more energy and shortens the lifespan of the refrigerator.
Use a vacuum and a coil cleaning brush to clean the coils at the back. The coil cleaning brush can bend to clean the inaccessible parts of the fridge. It does a thorough and satisfactory job.
5. Clean your window wells
If you have a basement this is a word of caution for you. Don’t neglect to clean your window wells, or you could have heavy losses. How does this happen? A clogged gutter or a drain around the house can cause rainwater to seep into the window wells. If your window wells have leaves and debris accumulated, it would avoid the drainage of rainwater. Imagine how dangerous this is. The water in the window well will put pressure on the windows. Eventually, the windows will buckle under the pressure flooding your basement with all that water. Definitely clean the window wells every year thoroughly to avert such a disaster.
6. Drain sediment from the water heater
Every year, drain the water from your water heater to avoid sediments forming in the tank. As the sediment collects, it will damage the tank and shorten the lifespan of the heater. The sediments that are collected in the tank creates hot spots on the heaters that are gas powered. In electric water heaters, sediments can cause the lower heating element to fail. Remember to drain the water heater at least once so that you can extend its lifespan.
While maintenance on the house is tedious and time-consuming, it is also expensive. But this is a matter of being penny wise pound foolish because if regular maintenance is neglected it can result in the loss of hundreds of dollars. You have two options. Either take some time out from your busy schedule and keep a few dollars aside for regular maintenance or replace everything every few years! If you don’t have the time to maintain the house yourself then don’t hesitate to ask professionals for help.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
