Keep your home up-to-spec with these maintenance tasks

by Rebecca Bass 07/31/2023

From your plumbing and HVAC system to home safety devices, there are several items in your home that can break down or malfunction. Doing some maintenance tasks each month can help reduce the risk of needing repairs or having to replace equipment. Plan on performing the following maintenance tasks in your home monthly:

Replace HVAC filters

Your HVAC filters end up coated in dust and debris, which can affect your HVAC system's efficiency and your air quality. Check your HVAC filters every month to see if it's time to replace them. If your filters are dirty or clogged, replacing them with new ones helps improve your air quality and causes less wear and tear on your HVAC system. Keep in mind you might only need to replace your filters every few months, but at least check them each month.

Check for leaks

Leaks can lead to serious and costly water damage. Even smaller leaks can cause problems, such as running up your water bill. Although some leaks are easy to see, others can happen in hidden areas, such as inside walls. Check for signs of leaks in your home every month, such as water spots on ceilings and walls and puddles of water near plumbing fixtures and appliances. Have leaks fixed immediately to prevent water damage from occurring.

Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors

Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are there to keep you safe, so make sure they're in good working condition. Test these home safety devices each month to ensure they work properly. If they're not working right, you might need to dust them off or replace the batteries.

Seal bathroom gaps

Cracks or openings around your tub or shower can lead to leaks inside your walls or floors. Search for gaps around bathroom fixtures every month, and seal them up with caulking to prevent leaks. Touch up the grout between bathroom floor tiles or shower tiles each month as needed, which helps reduce the risk of mildew and mold growth.

Check your home exterior

Walk around the exterior of your home once a month to search for issues that need to be addressed, such as cracks or gaps in the foundation. Also check for areas of standing water that could indicate a drainage problem on your property.

About the Author

Rebecca Bass

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR ®)

Seller Representative Specialist (SRS ®)

Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA ®)

Rebecca W. Bass has worn every hat around the real estate closing table in the course of her career. She is an attorney, has been a mortgage banker and a real estate investor, and is the Founder and Broker-in-Charge of SeaBass Properties. She is licensed to sell real estate in South Carolina and Georgia. Rebecca had an exciting career as an international business executive for companies such as GE and Motorola. She applies her vast experience as a negotiator for the benefit of her real estate clients.

Rebecca and her husband have relocated about 15 times in the course of their marriage, so she knows very well the stress involved in finding the right home, negotiating the purchase, and accomplishing the move. They have lived in Beaufort County for over 20 years, and Rebecca is well-versed in the Lowcountry lifestyle and all it has to offer.

Rebecca has earned the impressive designations of Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR ®), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS ®) and Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA ®) from the National Association of Realtors.

Her experience as an attorney, mortgage banker, real estate investor and broker-in-charge will ensure that your real estate purchase or listing for sale is accomplished with the utmost integrity and professionalism.