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Critical Annual Home Maintenance Tasks Easy Enough to DIY
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By Lauren Parker, AAA San Ramon
At times it can feel like there is so much around the house to keep an eye on that you don’t know where (or when) to begin. But you may be surprised to learn that the areas of your home with the biggest potential for issues can be thoroughly examined just once or twice a year, and most of the fixes are easy enough to do yourself.
Let’s start in the kitchen. Once a year (twice if you have pets who shed), you should vacuum your refrigerator coils. Clear coils are needed to effectively push out heat and keep your fridge chilly. It also helps reduce your electric bill — up to $100 a year — since it’s one of the top three energy using appliances in your home.
Inspect bathroom plumbing for leaks and signs of water damage. Look on the floor behind toilets, under sinks, and for cracked tile in the shower. If the sink faucet is shooting water in all directions or there is low water pressure, it’s likely an issue with the aerator, which is an easy fix. Be sure to repair any damaged tile grout and peeling caulking around tubs to prevent water damage.
A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard and wastes energy. For best care, clean it once a year. The filters in your heating and cooling system also need to be cleaned or changed regularly. We suggest in the spring and fall.
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. At the top of the list to inspect are your rain gutters, which should be free from debris. You’ll need to perform at least one cleaning a year, so wait until after nearby trees have lost their leaves and before the heavy rains start.
If you’re still finding your home maintenance task list a bit overwhelming, AAA House Manager can help. From changing the batteries in your smoke detectors to clearing dryer vents, our twice annual visits help you keep your home running smoothly all year long.
