Many of us have busy lifestyles that make it easy to ignore essential housework. However, the longer some of these duties go unattended, the more likely they will escalate into more significant problems. Read on to learn some of the important home maintenance tasks you might miss.
Dirty Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Bathroom exhaust fans help relieve the room of unpleasant smells and moisture that can sometimes settle on surfaces and grow into mold. However, if the cover of the fan is filthy, the fan won’t work effectively. To keep your exhaust fans functioning correctly, make sure you wipe them down with soap and water at least twice a year.
Deteriorating Water Quality
In many areas of the country, water sources that flow into your home can have hard water. This water can contain minerals like calcium and magnesium, which change the water’s taste and cause other side effects. You need to be aware of signs like residue building up on dishes after cleaning them, dry skin after showers, and mineral stains left on clothing after a wash. From there, you should take the necessary steps to solve any issues you notice. For instance, you might consider hiring a water softener company to replace your water filtration systems when you see these issues.
Clogged Refrigerator Coils
You’ll find your refrigerator coils on the back or the bottom of your fridge that help cool its interior. These can’t release heat when clogged with dust and debris, though. If they become blocked up, your refrigerator must use more energy to keep things cold, which can severely shorten the lifespan of your fridge. At least twice a year, unplug your fridge, gently remove the cover, and suck away dust and debris using a vacuum hose.
Sediment-Filled Water Heater
During the heating process, your water heater will naturally generate minerals like calcium and magnesium that form into sediment that can collect on the bottom of the tank. When enough sediment accumulates, hot spots emerge on gas-powered heaters. This causes tank damage and premature failure or heating element failure on electric water heaters. If you drain the water heater at least once a year, you can extend the heater’s life and lower your energy bills.
Making sure you take the time to attend to important home maintenance tasks you might miss can help reduce the amount of repair and replacement costs you pay as a homeowner. Those savings can be an enormous benefit as you protect your home.
