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Now that you are enjoying your new Pacific West Homes home, we want to help you maintain your investment so it lasts a lifetime. In a home, very few things are maintenance free. Like a vehicle, a home requires continuous maintenance over the years to preserve its long-term integrity. Preventative maintenance can avoid repairs, reduce costs, extend the life expectancy of many components and in some cases, reduce energy consumption.
To keep your home in top condition, you should follow a regular maintenance schedule. A small investment in time will help keep your home systems operating at top efficiency providing you with comfort, savings and longer life. For your convenience, we've provided a list of items and how to maintain them below which will help you protect and care for your new home.
Air Conditioner
The manufacturer recommends changing your air filter once a month. Turn your A/C system on to test that it is operating properly before the hot weather.
Examine your roof
From a ladder only, look for damaged or loose tiles; gaps in the flashing where the roofing and siding meet vents and flues; and damaged mortar around the chimney (especially at the joints, caps and washes). If you see any signs of damage, call a professional for repair. Taking care of these small items can save great expense later.
Faucets
Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s). If necessary replace the washers or tighten loose fittings.
Filters
Be sure to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Also check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans.
Fireplace
Make sure the fireplace is clean of ashes. In the fall check the chimney for any loose or missing mortar and make sure the damper closes tightly. It's also a good idea to have the chimney professionally cleaned. In the spring, leave the damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
Heating System
In the fall, it's a good idea to have heating system serviced. Turn your heating system on to test that it is operating properly before the cold weather. Be sure to change your filters.
Hot Water Heater
In the fall drain the hot water heater and remove any sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Inspect your home's exterior walls
Over time exterior caulk can decay. Replace caulk around siding, doors and windows as necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Examine exterior walls for possible weather-related damage including cracks and loose or crumbling mortar. Paint on wood trim and siding can deteriorate or become loose. Also windowsills may be become cracked, split or decayed over time.
Maintain your gutters
Make sure your guttersain free of debris so water can properly drain. Clogged gutters can cause landscaping, lawn and shrubbery, walls, foundation, basement, crawl spaces and existing gutter system damage. Gutter guards are a good investment and prevent debris from entering the gutter. They also direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Trim your trees and remove dead branches
Over time weather can cause weak trees or branches to break and damage your home, car, utility lines or hurt someone walking on your property. Look for large dead branches in trees; detached branches hanging in trees; cavities or rotten wood along trunks or major branches; mushrooms at the base of trees; cracks or splits in trunks and trees that were previously topped or heavily pruned. If you see any signs of these hazards, call a professional tree service.
Vents
Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns: Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants and can increase cold-weather illnesses.
Windows and Doors
Be sure drafty doors and windows are sealed. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. It is important to replace seals as needed. |
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