Abiqua Handy Service

My experience is that maintenance is key to preventing bigger problems later. A little time and money will save you in the long run. We all know that our cars need to have regular oil and air filter changes. If we ignore the basics the operations and repair bill grow. The same is true for our homes. I have put together a list of items that need monthly home maintenance that will save you money and time down the road.

Safety first. Every home should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen at a minimum. Check to be sure that it has a full charge. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should be tested to be sure that they function properly. Many homes have hardwired devices with a battery backup. Some manufactures recommend changing the battery when the device chirps or beeps. If the device is powered by battery it is recommended to change the battery every six months at the time change. Learn what type you have. Many fire departments will change batteries at no cost.

We live in the wet Willamette Valley. I have experienced that a good roof is the most important part of a building. Walk around the outside of your home and look at your roof. Make sure there are no missing shingles. Look under your roof at fascia and soffits for deterioration or damage. Once a year check the attic for any leaks during a rainstorm. Holes in the roof can go unknown for a long time damaging the insulation and walls. Moisture is needed for mold to grow creating a health hazard. Check that your vents are not blocked creating airflow issues. Blocked vents in your roof can increase heating and cooling bills. Gutters move water to downspouts. make sure the downspouts are diverting water away from the foundation of your home.

Check the HVAC filters. If you have mini splits in your home they have filters that need monthly cleaning too. Most furnace filters need to be replaced every 90 days. Home air quality is directly related to filter quality. Clean filters reduce the workload of your HVAC system keeping it running efficiently reducing operating cost and extending the life of the system.

Air conditioning units outside need free air flow. Keep plants or visual barricades at a distance from these units. Damage happens when air flow is restricted to these units forcing them to work harder.

Air filtration systems need to be cleaned and filters replaced based on the manufacture recommendations.

Garage doors are used daily for many of us. They require annual lubrication to the different moving parts. They also need to have the safety shutoff checked monthly. It’s as simple as sliding a ball or 2″ x 4″ to block the safety beam. The door should stop and reverse direction or not close at all. Please do not use your body for this inspection.

Garbage disposals need monthly cleaning. The easiest way to do this is putting some ice cubes down the drain and run the disposal. Add half a lemon for a great smell. Some kitchen sinks drain a little slow as the pipes build up soap and grease scum over time. Try half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar. After three minutes pour 8 cups of boiling hot water down too. No need to use chemicals.

Dishwashers are great for cleaning dishes and they need to be cleaned too. Filters are often in the bottom of the dishwasher. Wiping down the inside of the dishwasher especially around the door and seal is important.

Range hood filter become less effective as grease builds up. Many filters can be placed in the dishwasher once a month to keep them clean. If it has been a while since they were cleaned last and they have a lot of grease build up, place them in a sink with hot water and dishwashing soap. Adding baking soda will help too. Let them sit for ten or fifteen minutes and rinse them clean. Let them dry before replacing them.

Bathroom exhaust fans need to be vacuumed or dusted monthly.

Many newer washing machines have filters in the lower portion of the machine. These filters need to be cleaned once a month. Clogged filters can result in water overflowing into the machine and onto the floor.

Clothes dryers build up a lot of lint over time. While we clean the screen after every load it is good to look at the lint screen pocket or slot. Also check the dryer vent cover outside of the home. Be sure the louvers are in place and clear of lint. Pest can enter the home through the vent hood. If there is damage that cannot be repaired, it should be replaced.

How do I keep up on my Home Maintenance? I have a calendar for my home maintenance. It gives me the reminders for monthly, seasonal and annual maintenance.

The Recap for Monthly Home Maintenance:

Fire safety

Roof

HVAC system

Air filters

Garage doors

Garbage disposal

Dishwasher

Range hood

Bathroom exhaust fan

Washing machines

Clothes dryer