We are often asked why your appliances and equipment need to be maintained and why we recommend a particular frequency of visits. The following will shed light on the value of addressing issues before they become problems and allow you to keep all parts of your home in good working condition.
- For your air conditioner, quarterly check ups, filter replacements and adding antibacterial tablets keep your unit functioning properly at all times. It should be noted that most manufacturers’ recommendations require maintenance every quarter. In addition, turning on your air conditioner at least one hour twice a week keeps the motor running smoothly and circulates the stale water built up in the coils. By following this schedule, you’ll be less likely to have any breakdowns or drip pan overflows due to an improperly functioning air conditioner.
- Depending on how often you use your clothes dryer, the frequency with which you clear the dryer vent is very important. A dryer used at least twice a week should have the vent cleared every quarter. Built-up lint in the vent could be enough to prolong the drying process, thus placing a greater burden on your machine. More importantly though, a clogged vent is a fire hazard, as the lint is highly combustible; and because your dryer will not have a way to vent the warm air, it will run at very high temperatures.
- Keeping your bathroom vent clear of accumulated dust is important, as it takes a lot of the moisture out of the bathroom air only when working properly. Dust build-up in the vent prevents the moist air from circulating out. Over time, the moisture can damage the walls of your bathroom and also lead to mold growth.
- Periodic checks of the plumbing and drains are important; leaks can be detected through visual checks on the counters as well as under the sink. A leaky faucet cartridge not only wastes water but also can damage you marble or granite counter top. Pipes also need to be checked for proper draining and to make sure the P-traps are functioning properly as an odor trap from the main sewer line.
- Using proper light bulbs with correct wattage and type is very important, as a bulb above or below the recommended wattage could short out your light fixture and necessitate a more expensive repair.
- Lubricating sliding windows and doors will keep them operating smoothly. This is very important, especially if your doors or windows are very heavy, and if you live near the ocean, where the salt air tends to corrode and freeze the rolling metal parts.
- Keeping the coils in your refrigerator free of accumulated dust allows your main energy-consuming appliance to run more efficiently, thus saving you money on your electric bill.
- Periodically the toilet flush valve assembly must be replaced to avoid having a running toilet. The rubber parts begin to deteriorate over time, causing water to seep through openings in the stopper. The deteriorating rubber also stains the porcelain bowl, leaving it with unsightly brown stains running down the side. It’s better to replace the valve assembly before these problems occur.
- Periodically checking your ground-fault circuit interrupter (“GFCI”) outlets will prevent you from getting an electrical shock.
- Checking if the smoke detectors are functioning properly and the batteries are still good is always very important, as we have seen how quickly fires can spread throughout a home as well as to neighboring residences.
We hope you’ve found this to be a useful explanation of why you need to be proactive when it comes to protecting the value of your home.
Please contact us if you would like to learn more about home maintenance.