Home Maintenance Service You May Need Once You Buy A Home

If you've bought a home or are considering it, you have heard that it's the purchase of a lifetime. While most buyers are aware of the significance of such an investment, fewer know how to care for it. There are many ways new owners can keep their homes at their best, and we'll go over some of the most critical maintenance tasks below.

Change the Locks

Most homeowners and real estate agents don't give it a second thought, but the first thing a buyer should do is secure the property by changing the locks. During previous occupancies and showings, hundreds of people may enter and exit a home—and there's no way to know how many have keys. Consider changing the locks, or at the very least, rekeying them.

Check and Change HVAC Filters

Your HVAC system's filters ensure proper function by preventing debris, dirt, and contaminants from finding their way in. With regular filter changes and periodic system inspections, homebuyers will prolong their systems' lifespans and save money in the long term.

Caulk and Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

Although it's still warm in many areas, fall and winter are just around the corner. Minimize air leaks and keep your home warm by adding a bead of caulk around doors and windows. For wider gaps that caulk can't fill, high-quality weatherstripping will also help keep heating and cooling costs under control.

Get Into the Crawl Space

An often-overlooked part of a modern home, a crawl space can harbor moisture, mildew, mold, and pests. After signing the purchase contract and before moving in, ask someone to inspect the crawl space for leaks, water damage, and signs of infestation. While it may seem unnecessary and time-consuming, a crawl space inspection may prevent serious structural damage down the line.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

House paint does more than improve curb appeal and boost resale value; it also keeps moisture from getting in. If your new home's exterior paint is chipping or peeling, prompt pressure washing and repainting will prevent severe structural damage.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

Even the most modern refrigerators still use coils, which are located behind or underneath the unit. Although these coils are out of sight, they often become covered with dust and dirt, which causes an appliance to work much harder. Save power and prolong your refrigerator's life by vacuuming the coils upon move-in and at least once per month afterward.

Perform Regular Heating and Cooling Maintenance

While heating and cooling systems are built to offer years of hassle-free function, they still need regular maintenance to perform at their peak. When moving in, and at least twice annually thereafter, homebuyers should schedule seasonal tune-ups and general HVAC maintenance.

Check the Thermostat

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, homeowners should keep their thermostats set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and 78 degrees during the summer. During the day, when everyone's away at work or school, raising the temperature by seven to ten degrees may cut cooling and heating costs by up to 10%. If you're moving into an older home, upgrading to a smart thermostat will make indoor temperature management (and energy conservation) much more manageable.

Find the Breaker Box

When moving into a new home, one of the first things an owner should do is to become acquainted with the circuit breaker panel, which typically comes in the form of a metal box found outside or inside the home. Learn which breakers are connected to various appliances and label switches that aren't yet labeled. 

Some breaker boxes have main shutoff levers, which cut the flow of current as it comes in from the street. If there is no lever, keep in mind that the box is still electrified even if all the breakers within are switched off. If there are problems with the home's breaker box, don't try to solve them yourself; call an electrician.

Clean the Dryer Vent

On the roof, you'll find a small, round chimney that vents the dryer to the outside of the home. The dryer vent should be cleaned twice per year, while it's a good idea to clean the lint trap after each use.

To clean the dryer vent, unplug the unit and, if it's powered by natural gas, turn the supply valve off. Pull the unit out from the wall and disconnect the vent duct before removing the outside vent cover. From outside the home, vacuum the dryer duct and vent to remove all lint and debris. If the duct is too long for a vacuum hose to reach, consider investing in a dryer vent cleaning tool. Once the duct and vent are clean, reattach the hose and reconnect the dryer to its power supply.

Drain the Water Heater

New homeowners should drain their water heaters when moving in and at least once per year afterward. Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of the unit's hot water tank; the heavier the buildup, the less efficiently the system will run. It's easy to drain the water heater, but many owners elect to hire a plumber for the job.

Find the Home's Utility Shutoffs

While most people don't buy homes with the expectation that things will go wrong, it's essential to be prepared. If an emergency arises, homeowners should know how to turn off the electric, gas, and water supplies. After buying a home, locate all utility shutoffs and learn how to use them.

Be a Responsible Homeowner

Home maintenance requirements can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Thankfully, most of the items on this list can safely be done only once a year. By following this checklist and noting the frequency with which these services are performed, homebuyers can protect their investments.

As your local home maintenance specialists, we're proud to provide high-quality service to area homeowners. If you're moving in and need home repair in Cullman, call, click, or email us to schedule an appointment.