Most people tend to view their homes as static fixtures that will remain around forever, and never change. But we’re willing to bet that if your home is old enough, looking at it twenty years ago would seem like a new household entirely. After all, the decorations and utilities to change and install can make a huge impact on how the house operations. Perhaps the previous owner blocked up the fireplace and chimney for utility purposes, but you invested time and effort unblocking it and installing a wood burner.
As such, households tend to shift and develop as we do. Moreover, the fixes and maintenance measures we put in place can help fight off that universal force of entropy, unfortunately a primordial rule that doesn’t really care if we have a mortgage to pay or not.
Between seasonal shifts when weather demands vary and temperatures change, implementing those maintenance efforts can be more than worth it. In this post, we’ll determine how and why to resolve those issues:
Air Conditioning Maintenance
A well-maintained air conditioning system works better and uses less energy, but it’s easy to forget to clean filters or check for impaired function. Some folks like to get a pro in once a year to give the system a proper once-over, and doing so is wise, because they can spot problems before they potentially demand the replacement of a unit. Moreover, AC Maintenance staff take into account your full system, not just solo fixtures. They can also manage your outdoor unit to ensure sensitivity readings are correct, and that they’re not blocked by leaves or plants.
Pest Control & Prevention
Keeping pests out is easier than getting rid of them once they’re in, because unfortunately, they tend to pay little attention to eviction notices. However, when the seasons change, your house looks like a lovely shelter. It’s worth taking the complement, but also preventing their entry. Sealing cracks up can help you get started, but lifestyle measures like keeping food in sealed containers and cleaning up spills quickly can help too. Some people like to use natural deterrents like peppermint oil for mice or citrus for ants – some even set traps or have areas, like crawlspaces, sprayed. If you do spot signs of pests, it’s best to deal with it quickly and have a pest control service on speed dial.
Check For Drafts & Seal Windows
There’s a great deal of worth in checking for drafts when the colder weather sets in, because it could help you save hundreds in wasted heating bills. Better yet, it’s easy to detect the most prominent problems like unsealed winows. You can use your hand to feel for cold air, or some people use a candle – the flame tends to flicker in a draft. Weather stripping can help you fill smaller gaps, but for those that are larger, you might need to use a caulk. Of course, if the window framing needs replacement, it’s best to have that done before the winter bites.
With this advice, you’re certain to make appropriate household checks between seasonal shifts
