For many people, home ownership can feel like an unending to-do list. Updating and even maintaining one’s home can get expensive. Experts suggest setting aside 1 – 3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance. That’s at least $5,000 a year if your home’s value is $500,000. This proactive approach helps prevent costly surprises and extends the life of crucial components of your home such as your roof, HVAC, and appliances.
It’s okay if you’re not sure where to start – we’ve got your back. Here are five must-do tasks for your home maintenance checklist each year:
- Change your air filters quarterly to keep your HVAC running smoothly. We recommend doing this monthly if you live near a construction zone.
- Inspect and update furnace filters to ensure your heating system is efficient.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors quarterly. Replace batteries and confirm they’re within their usable life – your family’s safety is on the line, so don’t skip this one.
- Clean your dryer vent as a way to reduce fire risk and improve dryer efficiency.
- Add salt to water softeners so you maintain your water quality, particularly if you’re noticing your skin is dryer than normal or feeling itchiness on your scalp after showering.
If doing all of this yourself is too much, lighten the load with our Yeti Services subscription to keep your home in tip-top shape.
