I know it can be a pain in the rear end. It could also be expensive. But it could also be something you think is expensive, but it’s not once you really look at it. I’m talking regular home maintenance.
Let’s take a minute or two and look around the house. Here is a list of things you should at least look at, or have a professional look at this year.
- HVAC system. Do you have a service contract with a reputable company? If no, then do it sooner rather than later. This is something that falls under “Must do”.
For a set amount of money, sometimes monthly, sometimes yearly, generally around $250 you can have an HVAC service tech out to your house in the spring and in the fall to tune-up your heating and cooling systems.
Pros: It will increase the life of your systems, your systems will run more efficiently, your filters will be changed, and you will save money on your home energy bills. You will also get discounts on parts, if needed, and other services that your company provides (many provide plumbing and electrical service as well).
Cons: Not really any, as long as you do business with a reputable company that stands behind their work and explains what services they will perform and the cost. Don’t be fooled by what seems to be a low price, or a lease deal. They are bad news – stay away.
- Electrical system. Your electrical system will wear down over time. Get a whole house electrical inspection.
Pros: Obviously an up-to-date electrical system will make you sleep better at night and will save you with energy costs. It can also improve your electrical system by installing a new outlet over by where you have 3 extension cords plugged into each other.
You would also be smart to get things like a surge protecter, and smoke and CO alarms installed.
Cons: Hmmm – not many. You may be worried about the price a little. Know that when you have your electrical worked on a proper electrician is supposed to bring everything they work on up to current code (pun semi-intended). That could run a little more if your electrical hasn’t been worked on in a while, or if it wasn’t done correctly to begin with.
But this is an important step to do. Notice I have it right here – number 2. If it wasn’t important, it would be down at 6 or 7, but here it is. Do it.
- Garage door. What? My garage door? You bet. It’s the largest moving piece of equipment in your home and you rely on it every single day. The once over will do it a world of good, and you can get it done for under $100.
Pros: It’s a great thing to have done about every 12-18 months. Definitely more often if you hear it making noise, or if it doesn’t go up and down correctly. It doesn’t take long to tune-up; plus, good garage door companies can get there the same day.
Cons: This is one of those DIY’s that you may think you can do yourself by spraying some WD-40 on (don’t do that) and checking the spring tension (don’t do that either). A pro tune-up is the way to go.
- Septic tank. When’s the last time you had your septic tank cleaned out? While it’s not an every year job, it’s something that you need to have done every 3-4 years. Think of it this way - when your a/c goes out you are hot, when your electrical goes out it’s dark. What adjective best describes a bad septic situation? Exactly…
Pros: Keep your septic system running smooth means keeping the bad stuff out of your house.
Cons: Here is a place that can be over-run with bad business practices. Make sure you know what you are paying for in advance. I’ve heard a, well, a septic tank load full of “I was taken” and “It cost me $1,000 more” stories. You really need to pay attention to who you hire and what their practices are.
A favorite trick is to quote a price over the phone, then start in with the “well we can’t reach your drain” or “the lid to your tank is broken” or “you need a new this or that”. Know before you go. (ok – that was just a cheap pun)
- Water heater. You know the average life span of a water heater in this area is 7 years. How old is yours again? Right. Have a professional come out and check it out. Make sure they check the T&P valve and that you have an expansion tank.
While they are there have them check your home’s water pressure. High pressure is the evil villain to the inner workings of your faucets and commodes.
Pros: Water leaking from a water heater will ruin your day in a hurry, especially if it is somewhere where you don’t see it. Have yours inspected, especially if it is over 7 years old, or if your hot water seems to be running out quickly while you are in the shower.
Another reason to do this is that due to government regulations, the price of water heaters is going to go up quite a bit in the next 4-5 years. It would be a good thing to get a new one sooner rather than later especially if you are on the cusp of needing a new one.
Cons: Again, not really anything as long as you find a reputable company to do the work. Kinda sensing a theme here.
- Ducts. Your ducts work every day carrying the cool or warm air to the rooms in your house and return air and dirt back to your unit. Do yourself a favor a have them professionally cleaned.
A good, professional cleaning will have you breathing better and can possibly cut down on the amount of dusting you have to do around the house.
Extra good news - barring unforeseen circumstances you won’t have to have them cleaned for another 5-7 years.
Pros: While they are at your house cleaning your ducts, have them do the dryer vent too. Or if you don’t want to have your ducts cleaned, still have a duct cleaning company out to clean your dryer vent.
Clogged dryer vents prevent your dryer from performing up to its efficient self PLUS they are a huge fire hazard.
Cons: Again, this and the next one are filled with the most bogus people trying to swindle you out of getting the job done correctly and safely. If a duct cleaning company isn’t a member of NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) then avoid them. If someone randomly shows up at your door and said “…they are cleaning other houses in the neighborhood…” avoid them. If you are getting your carpets cleaned and the same people say “while we are here…” avoid them.
Good duct cleaners will quote you a price after an inspection and that will be it. Period. This is a great thing to have done to your house, so don’t get to this step then drop the ball by not finding a quality cleaner.
- Roof. How long has it been since you had a roofing pro inspect your roof? Most quality roofing companies offer a free roof analysis which will let you know the exact shape of your roof.
Plus, having a qualified roofer inspect your roof gives you the ability to tell the storm chaser roof guy “No thanks - I already have a personal roofing professional”.
Pros: Good roofers will do this for free. Seriously for free. They will inspect, then shake your hand and leave – no hard sales pressure, no “buy now, today only sale”. Have them look, give you a report, take a business card for later use, if necessary, then let them leave.
Once your roof is 10+ years old you need to have this done every 18-36 months.
Cons: Stop me if you’ve heard this. You must use a professional company, a company that does this kind of work for a living. A company that has been around with experience. This field has gobs of bad contractors. You know the drill. Beware.
Keeping your eye on these major components of your house will help you and you home have a healthy and happy 2025.
Good luck…