What are some Simple Home Maintenance Tips I can do Myself?
Q: What are some simple home maintenance tips I can do myself?
A: Depending on how ambitious you're feeling for tackling some DIY projects around your home, here are some quick tips for more simple home maintenance jobs, compliments of moneycrashers.com:
FAUCETS
The main cause of leaky faucets is worn out washers. The washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly. Replace them by turning off the main water supply, unscrewing the leaky handle that controls the flow of water to the spout, removing the old washer, and dropping in the new one.
PLUMBING IN THE KITCHEN
In order to keep water flowing freely through your pipes, keep in mind that accumulating fats and oils are the main cause for clogs, so never pour fats or other oils down your drains. This includes oils that are not solid at room temperature. If you accidentally spill oils or fats down the drain, run hot water down your drain along with a healthy serving of dishwashing liquid. The soap will emulsify the fat or oil and move it on down the pipe, preventing a clog.
PLUMBING IN THE BATHROOM
Get a hair strainer for the bathtub or shower drain because hair is the primary clog culprit in the bathroom. If you have a strainer, make sure that you remove any accumulated hair from it following each shower. This will reduce the amount of hair that finds its way through the strainer and into your plumbing.
AIR FILTERS
Change the air filter in your central heat and air unit often, especially during peak usage months. Thirty days is the absolute longest you should ever leave an air filter in place. Using cheap fiberglass filters is actually preferred as opposed to more expensive HEPA filters for two reasons:
First, replacing the more expensive filters often isn’t cost-effective.
Second, the fiberglass filters actually allow for more air to flow into your climate-controlled unit, reducing the amount of energy needed to effectively heat or cool your home.
DRAFTY WINDOWS
Drafty windows are a major culprit of high energy bills in the summer and winter months. Periodically check the condition of the caulk line that holds your windows in place. If the caulk appears to be dry, cracked, or otherwise weathered, safely remove the old caulk with a box cutter or other sharp knife and run a new bead of caulk along the seam.