Experts in Your Home has a very good idea about what these tasks are – mostly because we've seen the consequences of avoidance. In other words, we've seen things malfunction and break down. We've seen homeowners grapple with flooding and fires. And most often, we've watched in frustration as homeowners confront huge repair bills – all of which they could have avoided if they had only “put their dread to bed” and tackled these 10 home maintenance tasks:
Why it shouldn't be avoided: An inspection should cover ease of access (what good is an extinguisher if you can’t find it?), pressure and condition. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers a thorough checklist.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: The Experts know all about that reminder about spring and fall providing opportune times to address this home maintenance task. But when it comes to our customers’ safety, we believe that you can never be too careful.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: A clean filter keeps your HVAC system working cleanly and efficiently and extends its lifespan. A filter stuffed with dust and dirt can even shut a system down.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: Plumbing leaks never go away on their own and almost always lead to more expensive repairs. A quick spot-check of every water source in your home – sinks, faucets, tubs, showers and toilets – will help you avoid catastrophe.
Why it shouldn’t be avoided: It can be a huge fire hazard – and one that can be compounded as blockages increase.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: Your refrigerator is a big consumer of energy, accounting for perhaps as much as 15 percent of your utility bill. But keeping it running efficiently can save you at least $100 a year. Yes, you have to move that hulking appliance to clean the coils. And yes, you should buy a refrigerator brush to make the job easier. (This should set you back about $10.) But the inconvenience is worth it.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: There's no doubt about it: this is one of those messy home maintenance tasks. But it’s only a matter of time before gutters stuffed with leaves, sticks and other debris overflow – and right into your home through the roof, walls or foundation. Debris also makes prime nesting ground for birds and rodents. If you live on a tree-filled lot, you should tackle this project more than twice a year.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: Like clogged gutters, clogged window wells can cause seepage problems and flooding.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: Removing sediment will help the water heater run more efficiently, extend its lifespan and reduce the rumbling you may hear when the burner turns on.
Why it shouldn't be avoided: You may not realize how effective screens can be at blocking insects until even a small hole serves as an invitation to invade your home. Plus, damaged screens just look bad. Holes no more than 3 inches can be repaired with a patch; bigger ones usually require new screen fabric or a new screen.
If any of these tasks pose a problem for you, don't hesitate to reach out to Experts in Your Home for help. We'll put your dread to bed and leave you with only sweet dreams – not the nightmares that avoidance can bring.