Owning a home comes with great pride and responsibility. While the enjoyment of having your own space is wonderful, maintaining that space can feel like a full-time job. From cleaning gutters to inspecting the roof and everything in between, homeowners have their work cut out for them when it comes to home maintenance.
Especially in areas like Chicago, home maintenance is crucial due to extreme weather conditions. Chicago experiences frigid winters with heavy snowfall and hot, humid summers. According to AccuWeather, Chicago is expected to experience 20 to 30 inches of snow this year, whereas, the city faced more than 13 days of 90 degrees this summer. This extreme freeze/thaw cycle puts a lot of strain on Chicago homes, and neglecting minor repairs or postponing seasonal maintenance can lead to more significant issues and higher costs down the road.
No matter where you live, staying on top of home maintenance ensures your house continues to function smoothly for years to come.
Inspect the Water Heater
On average, water heaters last 8-12 years. However, if you live in Chicago, your heating system may face extra pressure due to extreme climate fluctuations. The freeze/thaw climate accelerates mineral deposit buildup and corrosion inside water heaters. Hard water leaves heavy lime and calcium accumulation in the tank. Additionally, the expansion and contraction of pipes during Chicago’s extreme seasonal temperature swings strain connections, causing leaks to develop faster.
Getting your Chicago water heater serviced yearly helps combat these issues. Local plumbers thoroughly flush sediment out and inspect anodes and connections for deterioration. They can assess whether tank or pipe modifications are needed for your Chicago home. To find top-rated plumbers, look up Chicago plumber near me online and maximize the lifespan of your heating system. Catching maintenance issues now prevents major leaks or even water heater failure down the road.
– Drain sediment: Hard water can leave mineral deposits inside the tank. Once a year, shut off power to the heater, close the water valve, and attach a hose to the drain valve to flush sediment out.
– Check pressure relief valve: This important safety valve releases excess pressure buildup. Test the lever manually once a year to ensure it’s working properly.
– Inspect anodes: Inside the tank are metal rods called anodes, which attract corrosion instead of the tank. They deteriorate over time and should be inspected annually.
– Check for leaks: Scan pipes and connections for drips or leaks. Catching a minor leak now prevents major disasters down the road. Pay special attention to areas prone to condensation, like pipes above the water heater.
– Replace if necessary: If your water heater is getting up there in years, replacement may be necessary. Newer energy-efficient models can offer substantial savings on electric or gas bills too.
Inspect and Repair the Roof
Your roof endures a lot over the years. From intense heat and UV rays to wind, rain, hail, and snow, it takes a beating. Inspecting for damage and making repairs helps prevent leaks and more costly issues.
– When to inspect: Ideally, inspect your roof twice a year – in spring and fall. Spring offers the chance to spot damage after winter, and fall allows you to prepare for upcoming inclement weather.
– What to look for: Curled, cracked, loose, or missing shingles are problematic. Pay special attention to areas around vents, skylights, and chimneys. Flashing around these roof penetrations can crack over time. Also, check places where the roof connects to walls.
– Making repairs: Catching minor damage early is key. Re-attach any loose shingles and seal small cracks with roof sealant. For more significant repairs, don’t DIY it. Hire a professional roofer to avoid causing further damage or injury.
– Roof replacement: The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is about 20 years. If your roof is getting up there in age, keep an even closer watch for issues. Several factors impact lifespan, like roof slope, climate/weather, and more. When it’s time to replace, go with licensed local roofing contractors that provide detailed estimates.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can cause a cascade of problems, from water seeping into your attic to flooding basements and landscape erosion. Make gutter cleaning a routine task.
– When to clean: Ideally, every spring and fall. Spring cleans out debris from winter storms, and fall prepares for incoming leaves and sticks from trees. Also, clean after severe storms.
– How to clean: Use a small trowel or gutter scoop to loosen and remove debris. Or consider gutter guards to block leaves and pine needles. Using a garden hose, spray inside gutters to flush out smaller particles. Make sure downspouts are clear too.
– Check connections: When cleaning gutters, inspect brackets and downspout connections for looseness or leaks. Re-secure any loose parts.
– Assess pitch: Standing water inside gutters signals improper pitch toward downspouts. Use a level to check if a pitch adjustment is needed so water can drain correctly.
– Extend downspouts: To prevent flooded basements or foundation damage, extend downspouts so they route water several feet away from your home’s foundation.
Service the HVAC System
Your HVAC system works hard to maintain indoor comfort year-round. Like any hard worker, it needs routine care and maintenance to operate efficiently.
– Change filters: Dirty filters make your system work harder, wasting energy. Swap out filters every one to three months. Write the install date right on the filter as a reminder.
– Clear debris: Outdoor AC units can accumulate leaves, grass clippings, and more. Remove debris so airflow isn’t obstructed.
– Trim vegetation: Nearby tree branches and shrubbery can block airflow too. Prune back any vegetation directly around the outdoor condenser.
– Clean ducts: Dust and other contaminants inside ductwork get circulated through your home. For cleaner indoor air, have ducts professionally cleaned about every 5 years.
– Schedule maintenance: Just like changing the oil in your car, HVAC systems need annual tune-ups by licensed local HVAC companies. They’ll inspect for leaks or damage, check refrigerant levels, ensure proper airflow, test controls, and calibrate the thermostat. This routine maintenance prevents malfunctions and keeps your system running smoothly all year long.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a home’s first line of defense when disaster strikes. Following manufacturer guidelines, replace batteries and test units at least twice per year. Establish a routine like testing when daylight saving time starts and ends.
– Replace batteries: Detectors start beeping when batteries run low. Rather than waiting for that annoying chirp, replace batteries preventatively per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
– Test functionality: Simply press the test button to ensure the alarm sounds. This verifies it’s working properly.
– Consider upgrades: If detectors are over 10 years old, replacement is likely needed. Upgrade to newer units with long-life lithium batteries, wireless connectivity, and advanced alert features. Strategically place interconnected smart detectors that all sound an alarm if one detects an issue.
– Know when to call professionals: If smoke or CO alarms frequently trigger false alarms, something may be wrong with the placement or unit itself. Contact qualified local contractors to inspect and remedy the issue. Don’t simply disable important safety detectors.
Conclusion
By mastering these essential home maintenance duties, homeowners can keep things running smoothly for years to come. While some tasks can be DIY, others require professional expertise – especially when it comes to major systems, safety issues, and complicated repairs. Don’t hesitate to call qualified local contractors for help.
Following a routine home maintenance schedule takes dedication but pays big dividends. Your home will look better, function better, and retain maximum value. A well-cared-for house is something to be proud of!