As a homeowner, it’s your job to keep your property in good condition. With regular maintenance, you’ll have a safer, more comfortable home and maintain the property value. Here is a checklist of monthly home maintenance tasks to help you stay on track with basic upkeep.
Change the HVAC Filter as Part of Your Monthly Home Maintenance
The filter in your HVAC unit traps airborne particulates and keeps them from circulating in your home’s air. These filters should be changed monthly to boost efficiency and improve indoor air quality. A clogged filter will force your heating and cooling system to work harder to move temperature-controlled air throughout the home. By keeping up with filter replacement, you’ll also extend the life expectancy of the unit.
Clean Air Vent Covers
To help improve air quality in your home, clean the vent covers monthly. Remove plastic or metal covers and wash them in the kitchen sink or bathtub using warm water and mild soap. Allow them to dry thoroughly before replacing them. If you have wooden vent covers, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. While the vent covers are drying, use your vacuum to remove dust from inside the vents.
Monthly Home Maintenance: Clean the Refrigerator
Clean and disinfect the refrigerator at least monthly. Toss out food that has been in the fridge for more than two weeks and any expired condiments. Wipe down the shelves, racks, and door. The coils located behind or under your refrigerator allow heat generated by the appliance to dissipate. When the coils become dusty, the machine will function less efficiently. Use your vacuum to remove dust and other debris from the refrigerator coils every month.
Remove Lint from Your Clothes Dryer Vent
While you remove lint from the lint trap each time you do a load of laundry, it also accumulates in the dryer’s vent. The combination of heat and lint can lead to a house fire. Use a vacuum with attachments to remove the build-up of lint, dust, fur, and other debris from the vent tube.
Dishwasher Filter
If you use your dishwasher every day, it’s important to clean the filter once each month. Your appliance’s filter traps food particles and debris. When it is neglected, your dishes may not be completely clean at the end of the wash cycle. Keeping the filter clean allows the machine to drain properly, helps it run efficiently, and extends its lifespan.
Monthly Drain Maintenance
Take a few minutes each month to pour hot water down your kitchen and bathroom drains to make sure they are draining properly. Being proactive about your plumbing is an important step in home maintenance.
Spot On Inspection serves home buyers and sellers with inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment in the Greater Houston area.