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Things Homeowners Should Do Every Year

Owning a home can be wonderful and taxing. Having your own space to express yourself and be comfortable in can make your home a safe haven from the world around you. But, of course, having a home means maintaining it. In order for your home to not to become a burden to you, KCI Homes has put together a checklist of things you should look at once a year. Routinely looking into these items can help you avoid costly and sudden damage and repairs later on down the road.

Check Pipes and Sewage Outflow

This is an important item to check because when sewer pipes get too full, they can burst and ruin your yard. And then you very literally have a crappy situation on your hands. Even though these pipes usually belong to the city or town, it is important to note that they will not pay for damages. If you make it a habit to check your sewage outflow annually, however, you may be able to detect a blockage before it explodes. In these cases, the town or city will send resources to help you resolve the problem.

Monitor Trees

Natural elements can weaken the trees in your yard over time. A fallen tree or limb can cause serious damage to your yard, house, or even your children if you have them. Keep everything and everyone safe by keeping an eye on the trees in your yard. If you notice one is leaning or positioned differently than before, it may be time to call someone out to remove the tree for you.

Drain Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater. That sediment can in turn lead to corrosion. Partially draining your water heater every year works to remove that sediment and keep your heater running better for longer.

Tighten Duct Connections

Gradually, ducts in your attic and crawlspace sag. This causes gaps between the connections. And when there are gaps, your heating and cooling escapes into those spaces rather than traveling to the main living areas. Save yourself from wasting money on utility bills by checking your duct connections and tightening them when necessary.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer is connected to a vent that leads outside. Your laundry creates a lot of lint and that lint easily finds ways to get stuck in that vent. As the vent gets clogged, your dryer has to work harder and use more energy. In addition to that waste, having lint in that vent is a big fire hazard. Avoid these potential issues by routinely removing any lint that becomes lodged in your dryer vent.

Many major issues homeowners face can actually be prevented with a careful eye when inspecting items in your home. We hope you have added these five items to your yearly home maintenance schedule so that you do not have to deal with the headache that can come along with ignoring them. For more valuable information for homeowners, read over some of our other blogs!

By KCI Homes 2-24-2020