How to Take Care of Your New Home

by Kevin Smith Author

Taking care of your new home is essential, not only to enhance its functioning now, but to give it a good outlook for the future. Negligence soon adds up to dollars when it comes to home ownership. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to keep the outside and inside of the house functioning well.

Outside

You may think that your house’s warranty will cover any roof leaks. While it may cover some leaks that occur due to improper installation, if there is a leak that is due to the gutters not being cleaned, or a tree that has damaged the roof, those are your responsibility, and can easily be avoided.

You should keep your rain gutters clear of debris so the water can flow and drain properly. Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that may be growing too close to the house and may scratch the roof or siding and cause damage. You can have a qualified roofing company or chimney sweep inspect the fireplace for any needed repairs. If you want to keep your concrete driveway or garage floor in good shape you should clean and seal it. Although sealing concrete will definitely extend its use, you should be mindful to clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining.

Inside

Inside the house, moisture is an enemy. Check your basement walls and floors for any dampness. Installing a sump pump and using a dehumidifier can help combat the moisture accumulation and inhibit the chance for mold and mildew to grow.

Keeping your house clean will help all of the systems work better. Keep furniture and other objects off of vents to allow optimal air flow, and keep the floors and countertops clean to preserve their surfaces in good condition.

Appliances

The appliances that keep your home running deserve a little TLC too. You should change or clean the filters in the heating and air conditioning systems as often as needed. If you have any issues with your air conditioning you can work with a company that provides air conditioning repair in Gainesville, GA.

Make sure your sinks do not leak, and your freezer and refrigerator doors shut tightly. You should test the carbon monoxide and fire detectors regularly, and make sure your fire extinguishers are refilled and easily accessible. You should hire qualified professionals to inspect your major HVAC appliances in the off seasons. You can work with a qualified gas company to check your furnace, and a company that provides air conditioning repair in Gainesville, GA, to check your air conditioner. The off seasons are a great time to repair and replace your HVAC appliances when there isn’t so much strain on the systems.