For many homeowners both young and old, there are a few things about your house that you should have knowledge of. Much like knowing where the circuit breaker or water main is in your home, it’s important to have at least some idea of how your house works. So here are some things every homeowner should know about the home they live in.
”Home ownership is the cornerstone of a strong community.” - Rick Renzi
How to Keep The Bills Down
When addressing the heating and cooling of your home, it’s vital to make sure you’re not losing a lot of energy in the process. This means that just making sure your doors and windows are insulated can go a long way in reducing both heating and cooling costs. These are the kind of homeowner tips and tricks that can save you money!
Check around the house and make sure every window and door is locked up tight and not costing you extra. Be sure to pay attention to:
- Window frames
- Under doors
- Cracks around framework
- Sagging sills
- Plywood doors
- Doors that don’t shut all the way
- Front doors without door sweeps
How to Reset the GCFI
To avoid dead outlets, you should know how to reset the GCFI units in your home. Fortunately, the ground fault circuit interrupter is generally located on the actual outlet, and is in the form of a small button that you can press. Some older homes might not have this, and it could be part of your circuit breaker box. In either case, these are things every homeowner must know to avoid electrical issues in the future. Also, simply knowing how to reset the unit can save you a trip from an electrician!
How to Inspect Your Gutters
This one’s slightly easier to do as long as you’re good with ladders. To check your downspouts and gutters, simply climb up there and visually check for leaves, debris, or twigs that have been caught by your gutter system. If there are a little, you can scoop them out using a tool and garbage bag. If there's excessive clutter or if the system isn't working properly, it's best to just hire a pro to make sure the gutters are working as they should and avoid unnecessary headaches.
How to Care for Your Water Heater
The main point here is to be constantly checking for water leaks. Due to the way water heaters are constructed, any leaks will eventually turn into a flood. This is because there is a glass lining on most units, and if that cracks, the water will begin to rust the heater until it fails. If you notice any leaks, call for repair immediately. Condensation is okay, though.
How to Check Smoke Detectors
Fortunately most smoke detectors come with a self check button right on the front. So it’s literally as easy as pushing a button to make sure that it works. If the sound is weak or not coming out at all, replace the batteries. Other homeowner tips and tricks include checking them every year and replacing them after about ten years.
The Importance of Attic Insulation
Your attic is probably the most important room to keep properly insulated, because that’s where your home gains and loses heat the most. Much like wearing a hat during wintertime, insulating your attic doesn’t just keep the heat in during the cold months, it also can help cool your home in warmer times of the year. This is simply due to the fact that warm air rises, and an attic disperses that heat accordingly. Attic insulation is one of the most important things every homeowner should have!
How to Repair Minor Drywall Damages
Patching drywall largely comes down to how big the problematic area is. For small holes and dings, a patch kit can easily do the trick. For larger areas and water damage you may need a professional. But just having a patch kit on hand is one of the more useful homeowner maintenance tips.
It’s good to have your house inspected from time to time to avoid future problems. Get a free estimate from a professional now!
