by Erin LaBuda

It's usually after the first $100 service call that first-time home-buyers begin to realize there is more to owning a home than choosing new paint colors and buying that new couch.  Here are a few simple things that a homeowner can do to make sure they are optimizing the performance of their major expenses:

  • Change your furnace filters monthly.  This extends the life and efficiency of the furnace.  Plus the cost of replacing 24 filters (one each month) equals the cost of one HVAC service call.
  • Drain your water heater annually.  It can feel overwhelming at first, but by draining the sediment out with the water it will prolong its life and save you time and money.
  • Check your circuits bi-annually.  Just flip the circuit breakers off and on.  If a circuit keeps shutting off with normal use, call an electrician and get it fixed immediately.
  • Check for leaks periodically.  take a look under your sinks and toilets to make sure you are not experiencing any leaks.  Catching a small leak is an easy fix.  Letting one go will cost you a bundle.
  • Don't wait until the last minute.  It's usually fairly obvious when a major mechanical is on its last legs.  Make the calls and get the estimates before your furnace goes out in the dead of winter or your water heater explodes all over your basement.  It happened to me and it was a tough lesson learned!
  • Keep your attic and basement dry.  By adding dirt around the perimeter of your house that slopes away from the home and by making sure your downspouts are connected and gutters are draining properly, you can save yourself a lot of heartache and expense from basement issues.  Also, keep an eye on your roof.  If it starts looking a bit worse for the wear, contact a reputable roofing company (or ask your Realtor for a referral) and get it checked out.
  • Maintain your fireplace and chimney.  Cleaning and inspection of your chimney on a regular basis is a must to make sure you are operating a safe fireplace.  Also, watch the exterior for major mortar cracks and/or loss of caps.  Water intrusion in the chimney is caused by both of these things and can lead to rebuilding and/or relining a chimney or flue.