1. Change Your Filters
Filters play a big part in efficiency and the cost of utilities. By regularly changing your filters, you’ll save your appliances from over-working themselves. When it comes to your heating system and your dryer, changing the filters can save you from accidentally burning your house down.
2. Keep Records and Receipts
When purchasing items for your home, remember to keep records of these purchases, instructions for assembly and use, as well as receipts in case you have to return expensive items like appliances, water softeners, or even faulty garage doors! Many distributors will not be able to help you with costly home repairs if you cannot provide a proof of purchase.
3. Pay Property Taxes
Home owners pay their mortgages religiously each month. But as the end of the year approaches, have you set aside enough to pay your property taxes? Don’t let this required yearly fee sneak up on you! Talk to your mortgage broker and make sure your escrow account is set up for state tax auto payment.
4. Clean The Garbage Disposal
If you’re noticing a terrible smell in the kitchen, but you’re sure it is not the trash, the next place to look is the garbage disposal. The small dark hole in your sink seems like something that would clean its self but even with all the soap and water running down your drain each day, gunk and old food build up over time. Dump a bit of baking soda and vinegar down the sink and let it sit for a few minutes. Then poor a cup of ice and more vinegar into the drain and run the disposal. The chunks of ice will help to break up gunk and goo in your disposal.
5. Set Aside Cash
Home ownership expenses go well beyond your mortgage, insurance, and utilities payments. Owners who don’t set money aside for frequent repairs will soon find themselves in a deep hole. You can bet your appliances will fail, pipes will eventually burst, and accidents will happen. Be ready to foot the bill for a number of unexpected bumps in the road when you own a home.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Many parts of your home work together to make a comfortable and safe atmosphere. But unfortunately, we don’t notice most of these components until something breaks. And then we scramble to order parts, make repairs, and get back to our usual routine. Avoid emergency situations by having regular maintenance performed on items like:
- Water heaters
- Water softeners
- Heating and cooling systems
- Pools and hot tubs
- Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors
