In order for your home to stay comfortable and safe, regular maintenance is necessary. For most systems, this means an annual inspection and service. Here are some home maintenance services every homeowner should schedule.
Water Heater Service
Whether you have a tank or tankless model, the water heater needs to be serviced annually. Tank maintenance involves checking the pressure relief valve and inspecting the sacrificial anode rod, which helps protect your tank from corrosion.
The tank also needs to be flushed once a year to get rid of sediment, and more often if the unit is new. Tankless water heaters should be flushed and the air intake filter cleaned.
Power Washing
Most houses benefit from being pressure-washed every few years. Power washing removes layers of dirt and grime from the siding, but it should be done with care. Not all areas of your home are safe to be power washed, and the pressure per square inch varies based on the materials being cleaned.
You can rent a power washer and do it yourself or hire a professional power washing service to make certain the exterior of your home isn’t damaged.
Gutter Cleaning
Like HVAC maintenance, gutter maintenance is also a bi-annual task. For a one-story home, this is an easy DIY project. Scrape the debris from the gutters, toss it into a bucket or trash bag, and flush the gutters with a garden hose. For multiple story homes, it is usually best to hire a professional to clean the gutters. To keep debris from accumulating, add mesh guards to the gutters.
HVAC Home Maintenance Services
The HVAC system should be checked and serviced by a professional twice a year. The tasks typically performed with this service include lubrication, an inspection of the electrical connections, condensate drain, and fans, air filter replacement, coil cleaning, and blower maintenance. Having your HVAC serviced regularly will help it last longer and run more efficiently. HVAC home maintenance services may also include furnace servicing and duct cleaning.
Furnace Servicing
A furnace with a pilot light should be adjusted and cleaned. Check your gas-powered furnace lines for leaks The ignition system and control box also need to be inspected. Remove any debris both inside and outside of the combustion chamber. Clean the burners to prevent dirt and rust.
Air Duct Cleaning
Dirty air ducts impede the flow of air, add to the home’s energy consumption, and negatively impact indoor air quality. An HVAC professional will clean or replace the air duct filters and clean the ducts using negative pressure. This requires a special vacuum that pulls air through the ducts and helps to dislodge debris. Some HVAC professionals also add antimicrobial chemicals to the ducts to combat mold and other pathogens.
Home Maintenance Inspection
Hire a home inspector to make sure the components in your home are operating properly. This professional will complete a full assessment of the systems around the house. If you have concerns about the condition of your HVAC unit, plumbing, sprinklers, swimming pool, or electrical wiring, contact a home inspector for a home maintenance inspection.
Greentech Home Inspections offers mechanical inspections and other home inspection services to homeowners in Greater Las Vegas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.