When it comes to maintaining a new home, first-time homeowners often focus on the aesthetics and comfort elements such as painting the walls, furnishing the rooms, and setting up the perfect ambiance. However, amidst all this excitement, many owners tend to overlook an essential aspect of home maintenance - appliance care.
Properly maintaining your appliances not only ensures their longevity but also enhances their efficiency, helping you avoid costly emergency service calls. In this blog post, we will discuss some routine maintenance tasks that homeowners often overlook and highlight the ones that have the most dollar value.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for the proper functioning of your appliances. Here are a few tasks that should be on your cleaning and maintenance checklist:
1. Refrigerator:
- Clean the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the unit to remove dust and debris.
- Check and replace the water filter if required.
- Clean the interior shelves, drawers, and door seals regularly to prevent food contamination and maintain energy efficiency.
2. Oven and Stovetop:
- Clean the oven and stovetop after each use to avoid build-up.
- Remove and clean the oven racks and burner grates periodically.
- Check for any food spills or grease build-up in the burners, igniters, and valves.
3. Dishwasher:
- Remove food debris from the filter and clean the spray arm regularly.
- Check for leaks and ensure there are no clogs in the drainage system.
- Use dishwasher cleaner periodically to remove hard water deposits and maintain its efficiency.
4. Washing Machine:
- Clean the lint filter and remove any debris from the rubber gasket.
- Use a washing machine cleaner to remove build-up of detergent, mold, and mildew.
- Don't overload the machine to prevent excessive wear on the motor and drum.
5. Dryer:
- Clean the lint trap before or after each use to prevent fire hazards and maintain efficiency.
- Check and clean the dryer vent regularly to ensure proper airflow.
- Inspect the drum and belt for any signs of wear or damage.
Maintenance Tasks with High Dollar Value
While routine cleaning is essential, there are certain maintenance tasks that carry a higher dollar value when it comes to avoiding emergency service calls. These tasks can save you not only money but also the inconvenience of sudden breakdowns. Here are a few to prioritize:
1. HVAC System:
- Schedule annual professional maintenance for your heating and cooling systems.
- Replace air filters regularly to prevent clogging and strain on the system.
- Keep the outdoor unit clean and clear of debris.
2. Water Heater:
- Flush the water heater tank annually to remove sediment build-up and maintain efficiency.
- Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve for proper functioning.
- Check for leaks or signs of corrosion in the water heater unit.
3. Electrical Wiring and Outlets:
- Periodically inspect the electrical wiring and outlets for wear, damage, or signs of overheating.
- Replace any outdated or malfunctioning electrical components.
- Schedule regular electrical maintenance to ensure the entire system is safe and up to code.
4. Plumbing System:
- Check for leaks in faucets, pipes, and toilets.
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing during winter months.
- Periodically clean out drains to avoid clogs and backups.
By focusing on these often overlooked maintenance tasks, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your appliances, ultimately saving you money and avoiding unnecessary emergency service calls.
Remember, taking care of your appliances not only benefits you financially but also contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle by reducing energy waste and extending the lifespan of your appliances. Make appliance care a priority in your new home, and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Moatkeeper can help you organize and schedule your home maintenance tasks to save you money in the long run.
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