New Year’s Resolutions for Home Maintenance

February 03, 2023

After the rush and excess of the holidays, it’s time to simplify your life, protect your family, and take care of the home that worked overtime for you. These tips may cost you a little bit of time and money up front but can save you untold hassles and expenses in the long run.

• Replace smoke alarm batteries. Keep everyone in your home safe and sleep better at night, knowing you’ve made this small safety investment.
• Clear your dryer duct. This one is also easy to ignore. But it’s one of the leading causes of house fires. Appliance manufacturers recommend tackling this task once a year. Detach the duct running from the back of your dryer to the outside wall. Then use a vacuum or plumbing snake to remove the built-up lint and dust. Not only have you reduced your risk of fire, but you are also saving time and energy costs because your clothes will dry faster.
• Buy LED bulbs. Compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting, LED bulbs are safer, brighter, last longer, and save you money on your electric bill.
• Scrub your siding. Pressure washing your home’s exterior – whether it’s aluminum or vinyl siding, wood, or brick – is one of the fastest ways to improve its appearance. A one-day pressure washer rental from your local hardware store can remove the dirt, tree sap, pollen, stains and mold that made themselves at home on your home all year.
• Declutter your gutters. Clogged gutters get heavy, sag, and break. They also provide a home for pests and allow water to pool up where you don’t want it. Use gloved hands, tongs, a rake or a hose to clear leaves, pine straw, and other debris that has collected in your gutters. When clear, the gutters can do a better job of directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation.
• Banish the bugs. Termites and other pests take a toll on your home. Keep your home structurally safe and sanitary by scheduling regular inspections with your local pest control service for the new year.

Let’s get real: Almost no one accomplishes every resolution that they set. But choosing to check off even a few of these items will have an impact on the durability, safety, and curb appeal of your largest investment: your home.