Now the weather’s warmer it’s the perfect time to get stuck into doing all those little tasks you’ve put off over the winter. Routine home maintenance is also a good way to prevent problems in the future and save yourself some money.
We’ve put together a checklist of the things you can do around the house this weekend to save you trouble down the road.
Clean the Gutters
This is an easy job that you can do yourself without needing to call in a professional. Basically, you want to make sure that your gutters don’t have holes, the downspouts are attached correctly, and water is flowing smoothly. This way you can avoid leaks, protect your roof and avoid expensive repairs. Unclogging gutters of decomposing leaves and twigs is also important to ensure water flow and that you’re not creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Seal Holes Against Insects and Pests
Your home is your domain and not a place where you want insects and pests to run rampant. But if they can find a way in they will, so check for holes in window openings, cracks in the walls or the foundation, even entry points around wires and pipes. Mice especially can fit through very narrow gaps as little as 5 mm. For small jobs, you can pick up sealant and other products from your local hardware store. If mosquitoes are a problem in summer then installing flyscreens will help and eliminate all standing water around the property. If on your inspection you suspect a larger problem such as termites, give us a call.
Clean Your Air Conditioning System
Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioning system will give you big savings on power bills because it will run more efficiently. A six monthly service by a professional is recommended before seasons of high usage, i.e. summer and winter. Cleaning and/or replacing the filter is something you can easily do this weekend, and then once a month to ensure you’re not recycling dust or dirt into your house. Check the outside unit as well to make sure there’s no leaves or debris impeding air flow.
Check Smoke Detectors
This is one of those tasks we know we have to do, but it always comes bottom of the list and usually gets overlooked. Make a point to check that the smoke detectors are fully functional in your house this weekend, and replace batteries if necessary. Also, note if you need to buy more, there should be at least one detector on every level of your house in a hallway or close to bedrooms. They also need to be placed correctly on or near the ceiling or high on a wall as smoke rises. If family member tends to sleep with their door shut, then install a smoke alarm in their bedroom.
