Tips for maintaining a new home

If you’ve recently moved into a new home, you probably don’t care about maintenance the most. One of the most obvious benefits of owning a new home is that the home is in a clean condition. Ideally, you don’t need any sudden maintenance issues, upcoming repairs or pending upgrades. Whether you are living in your new home for the first few months or years, there are small but important steps you can take to keep your home in the best possible condition. Below are home maintenance tips and resources to help you think through your routine, plan easily, and maintain your home on autopilot.

Adjust humidity levels.

High humidity levels in the home can cause mold, which is a serious health hazard and often requires significant effort to eliminate. Excessive humidity can also attract rodents and insects into the home. No one wants to deal with that! Look to see if there are any frozen details in the window. This could be a sign that the house is too damp.

Keep the air clean.

Dust can also be detrimental to your health, causing allergies or asthma problems. Dust and vacuum regularly or use the services of qualified home cleaning professionals. If dust and pet hair are a problem, you can also buy an air purifier.

Find ways to have fun with house cleaning and maintenance this holiday season. If you’re isolating yourself instead of being social this year, you can throw a cleaning party for yourself and your kids instead of a holiday party for your friends. If you choose to do it yourself, even early in the season, put on your favorite Christmas music and take satisfaction in the obvious difference you make with all the clean surfaces. Think of it as a gift to yourself. In addition to these deep cleaning tips, there are some quick cleaning tips for busy families.

Check your HVAC unit.

Annual inspections by HVAC professionals can help extend the life of your unit and save thousands of dollars. Replace the air filter at the recommended interval. Usually replace it at home every three months, or more often if you’re raising a hairy pet.

Vacuum the floor regularly.

Vacuum the floor every week or at least every two weeks to remove dirt, sandpaper, and grime. Regular cleaning of carpets, laminate, hardwood or other materials can extend the life of your floor and help improve the air quality of your home.

Keep your dryer vents clean.

Clogged air ducts and dryer vents can cause a fire. It is important to clean the vents every year and replace the old accordion-shaped indoor dryer air ducts with straight metal ducts. Folding spherical vents collect lint until the buildup becomes dangerous. Cleaning the ducts also improves the efficiency of the dryers.

Clean the ceiling fan and the bathroom fan.

Having a ceiling fan can help circulate air in the room and reduce energy costs. Make sure the fan blade is clean so it doesn’t inhale the dust that accumulates in the fan. A bathroom fan reduces humidity in the bathroom, is more efficient at cleaning and looks better!

Check the exterior components.

Check the sides and paint regularly to make sure there is no major damage and everything is in good condition. They help protect your home from the elements such as rain and snow. Ask your home inspector or a reputable roofing company for feedback on the condition of your roof boards or other roofing materials. They can tell you if there is damage, if repairs are needed, and how much time is left on the roof so you can budget for replacement.

Order pest control services.

Rodents can cause more problems than you think, especially if they are in your basement or wall. Bees, wasps, mosquitoes and even spiders can be harmful to your health, so stay away from them. If a raccoon becomes a problem in your neighborhood, it can cause trouble and significant damage. Keep trash out of the reach of children.

If your home is vulnerable to termites, they can destroy window sills, trim, walls and furniture. As you can imagine, repairing damage is expensive. Consult your homeowner’s insurance agent to find out what insurance is covered and what insurance is recommended, and if you have a serious pest problem, contact a professional pest control company.

Keep the deck.

If you have a deck, make sure there are no protruding nails, debris, or loose boards that could cause safety problems. Clean or thoroughly rinse the deck to avoid dirt or buildup. Painting or staining the surface will give the deck a nice look and extend the life of the deck.

Knowing these most important areas allows you to book and maintain your home with minimal hassle. Create recurring calendar events to continue your work and ask family members for help. You don’t have to do it all at once because you can spread these things out throughout the year.

If some items require unskilled professional help, contact a local vendor, check reviews, and ask for recommendations from trusted friends or family members.

Your home should be a safe and happy place that brings a smile to your face. Proper maintenance will keep it up and running. If you’ve learned about it and enjoyed it, share it with your friends or colleagues.