There are many working parts to managing a home successfully. Sometimes, things fall through the cracks and are ignored. A household management checklist can help to keep you on track. Here are some things you should include on your household management checklist.
Check Your Septic System Regularly
A key section of your household management checklist is septic care. Your septic system is an essential component of your home. Regular septic system inspections and maintenance help ensure its longevity and efficient operation. In addition to routine check-ups, the use of septic system cleaners can aid in preserving the health of your system.
Regular septic system inspections, ideally performed annually, can identify issues before they become serious. A professional inspector can assess the tank’s structure and ensure the tank is in good condition, as well as inspect the drain field for any signs of problems. Catching these issues early can save you from costly repairs or even having to replace the entire system.
Experts recommend that you have your septic tank pumped every three years. Professional septic system cleaning companies can manage the pumping, they also will inspect your tank and leech field (drainage field) for proper operation. Make sure you put septic care on your household management checklist.
Schedule Routine Drain Cleaning
When it comes to a household management checklist, one often overlooked but essential task is scheduling routine drain cleaning. Over time, drains in your home can accumulate debris, soap scum, hair, and more that will lead to clogs and slow drains. Regular drain cleaning services can help prevent these issues and the associated headaches.
Professional drain cleaning services are valuable for several reasons. Routine drain cleaning can prevent clogs before they become a major inconvenience. Slow drains are often the first sign of a clog forming. By addressing these issues promptly, you can avoid a complete blockage, which can lead to backups and potential damage to your pipes.
Regular professional drain cleaning extends the life of your plumbing system. Over time, built-up debris can cause wear and tear on your pipes, leading to leaks and other costly problems. By enlisting the services of a professional drain cleaning company annually, you can prevent property damage to your home. Put annual drain cleaning on your household management checklist and avoid problems with your plumbing.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Clean and healthy indoor air is essential for the well-being of your home. Over time, dust, debris, allergens, and even mold can accumulate in your home’s air ducts, compromising the quality of the air you breathe. This is why scheduling regular cleaning with local air duct cleaners is essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be 1000 times more polluted than outdoor air. Keeping your air ducts free of debris with the help of a professional service can improve your indoor air quality. When your air ducts are full of debris, debris circulates through the air in your home every time your HVAC system runs. This debris can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. By cleaning your air ducts, you reduce the presence of these pollutants, creating a healthier living space.
Duct cleaning can also remove foul odor from your home. Debris buildup in your ductwork can cause a musty odor to permeate through your whole home. When you take care of your ductwork by having it professionally cleaned, the air quality and the smell of your home will improve.
Additionally, professionally cleaning your air ducts can take some of the stress off of your HVAC system. It can help your system to run more efficiently. Clean air ducts allow for better airflow, reducing the energy it takes to keep your home comfortable year-round. You will breathe easier and save money when you put duct cleaning on your household management checklist.
Assess Your HVAC System
Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is one of the most important systems in your home. To ensure your HVAC system is in top working condition, it’s essential to periodically assess its performance and consider local air conditioner repair services when needed. Annual or semi-annual HVAC system checks by a professional should be on your household management checklist.
There are several reasons why enlisting this service is important. HVAC professionals have the skill set to identify problems early on, which can mean early interventions preventing breakdowns. They can assess your system to locate any issues that can become worse with time. HVAC systems are sensitive systems with many working parts. It can be hard to identify problems unless you have the necessary training.
During your annual or semi-annual assessment, the technician can provide “tune-up” services that may help you avoid mid-season breakdowns. The technician follows a checklist to ensure every working part of your system is evaluated. Taking care of your HVAC system with the help of a professional can ensure the longevity of the system and reduce energy costs.
The HVAC professional can provide you with tips on what you can do to extend the life of your system. Of course, they will also come fully prepared to make any necessary repairs. It is always best to do the preventive maintenance that is needed to avoid costly, unexpected breakdowns. Put professional HVAC assessment on your household management checklist, save money, and have peace of mind that your system is ready for the season.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Most homeowners are unaware that regular roof inspections can reduce the risk of a major roof system failure. Your household management checklist should have roof inspections on the list. Roof inspections allow for the early detection of issues such as damaged shingles, leaks, or signs of wear and tear. Identifying problems in their early stages enables you to address them promptly, preventing them from becoming more extensive and costly to repair.
Roof problems start off as minor problems that are easily fixed. However, without regular inspections, that small problem is not detected, and it will turn into a larger problem. Roof repairs are more cost-effective when the repairs are done early on. Early interventions can prevent further damage, are affordable, and help extend your roof’s life.
A leaky roof can lead to severe water damage and impact your home’s structural elements. Water infiltration can weaken the structure, damage insulation, and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Regular inspections help to ensure that your roof is safe and secure and provide the protection it is designed to provide.
Regular roof inspections are a proactive measure that helps protect your property and your investment. Your roof should be inspected annually and whenever a severe storm occurs. Put roof inspections on your household management checklist.
Ensure That You Have Enough Propane
Propane is a versatile and efficient fuel source that can be used for heating, cooking, and powering appliances. Whether you rely on propane as the main energy source for your home or use it for your gas logs in the fireplace, it is essential that you have a well-stocked tank. Local propane service providers are pivotal in ensuring a steady supply of propane.
It is important that you keep track of your propane levels, especially during the winter months when propane is in high demand. Propane is a reliable source of energy, especially in areas where natural gas is not readily available. Running out of propane can disrupt your heating system, water heater, and other appliances, leaving you without essential services, particularly during the cold winter months.
By adding propane checks to your household management checklist, you will be sure to stay on top of deliveries and more. Working with an automatic delivery provider will also ensure you never run out of propane. Ensure you always have an ample supply of this fuel for your home.
Make Sure Your Furnace is Working Properly
Whether you have a brand new furnace or are working with a considerably older furnace, it is essential that you make checking on your furnace a priority. Your household management checklist should include reminders about furnace maintenance and assessments. Your furnace is essential in ensuring your home is safe and comfortable.
Caring for your furnace can help to extend the life of your old furnace and protect the warranty of your new furnace. You can do simple things on your own that will prevent premature wear and tear. For example, if your furnace has a filter, make sure you are changing it regularly.
If you hear a strange noise coming from your furnace shut it down and call a technician to manage the problem. Treating your furnace like an important piece of equipment will help you avoid costly, inconvenient breakdowns. Enlist the help of a professional to manage your furnace, it is an investment that will pay you back many times over.
Repair or Replace Your Washing Machine as Needed
A washing machine is a necessity for any home, especially if you live in an area where laundromats are not available. Taking care of your washing machine, getting a washer repair, and knowing when to replace the machine are all important to managing your home. Washing machines are great until they fail.
Put washing machine care on your household management checklist. Some things you can do yourself are clean the filter, wash the basket (most modern washing machines have a setting for basket cleaning) read the owner’s manual to ensure proper operation, and when you notice a problem, call an expert. Taking care of your washing machine can prevent damage caused by a faulty machine.
Like all appliances a washing machine will come with an expected life span. The closer you get to that expected life span the more problems you will experience. It’s essential that you determine when to repair and when to replace to avoid serious water damage.
Consider Replacing Your Flooring
Unfortunately, all the materials in your home will reach an end date, including your flooring. Vinyl floors are a popular solution for replacing flooring. Your household management checklist should include evaluating your flooring to determine when you should replace your flooring.
Old, worn flooring is impossible to clean. The old flooring can be stained beyond repair. It can also affect the entire aesthetic of your home. Protecting your home’s value can mean replacing the flooring. Of course, new flooring also adds great value to your lifestyle.
If your flooring shows serious wear and tear, replacement is usually the best option. Keep flooring assessment on your household management checklist to ensure that you review your flooring condition periodically. Sometimes, things can get out of control with your flooring quickly.
Hire Professionals to Clean Your Carpets
A carpet cleaning company can be your best ally in keeping your carpets looking great but that is not all you get when you hire professionals to manage carpet care. Professional cleaning can extend the life of your carpet and save you money in the process. Your household management checklist should include regular carpet cleaning.
Professional carpet cleaning companies can clean your carpets without causing damage to your carpets. Dirt and debris can wear your carpets down. The dirt and debris the vacuum can’t get can have a sandpaper effect on the carpet fibers.
Having your carpets professionally cleaned every six months will reduce the wear and tear on your carpet. It will also ensure your home is deep down clean. Proper management of your carpets will ensure you are doing what needs to be done to preserve your carpet.
A comprehensive household management checklist is a great tool for ensuring you are preserving the value of your home and lifestyle. Every homeowner should have one. A checklist makes sure nothing is falling through the cracks. Learn more about protecting your home through maintenance by contracting your local contractors today!
