5 Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Owning a home is like having a castle to protect, and just as every fortress needs upkeep, so does your home. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your property safe, efficient, and valuable. At Dragonstone Construction, we believe that taking on these routine tasks is part of building a strong foundation for your home’s future. Here are five essential maintenance tips to keep your home in top shape year-round. And if the tasks start piling up, know that our affordable handyman services in Branson are here to lend a hand!
1. Check and Replace HVAC Filters: Keep the Air Fresh and Clean
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, maintenance tasks is replacing your HVAC filters. These filters are responsible for keeping dust, allergens, and pollutants out of your home’s air. Over time, they become clogged, making your HVAC system work harder, increasing energy costs, and reducing air quality.
How to Do It:
Frequency: Replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and if you have pets.
Filter Type: Use high-quality, compatible filters for your HVAC model to maximize efficiency.
Why It Matters: Regular filter changes keep your air clean, improve HVAC efficiency, and reduce the risk of costly repairs down the line. Our Branson handyman team can handle this and other HVAC maintenance tasks if you’re ever in need of assistance.
2. Inspect and Clean Gutters: Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Gutters direct rainwater away from your home, but they’re prone to clogging from leaves, dirt, and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which damages your roof, walls, and foundation. Cleaning gutters twice a year, especially after autumn, is essential.
How to Do It:
Frequency: Twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall.
Tools Needed: Ladder, gloves, a garden trowel, and a hose.
Quick Tip: Run water through the gutters with a hose after cleaning to ensure there are no blockages.
Why It Matters: Clean gutters prevent water damage and help protect your home’s structural integrity. If ladder work isn’t for you, our Branson handyman services can take care of gutter cleaning to keep your home safe and sound.
3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Safety First
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices in every home, yet they’re easy to overlook. Regularly testing and replacing the batteries in these detectors can save lives, as they alert you to fire or dangerous gas leaks before they become serious.
How to Do It:
Frequency: Test detectors once a month and replace batteries every 6-12 months.
Battery Replacement: Replace the batteries as soon as you hear the low-battery warning beep.
Replacement: Replace detectors every 7-10 years for maximum safety.
Why It Matters: Functional detectors provide crucial warnings that can prevent life-threatening situations. If you’d rather have a pro handle it, Dragonstone Construction offers installation and testing as part of our handyman services.
4. Caulk Windows and Doors: Seal Out Drafts and Save on Energy Bills
As time goes by, caulking around windows and doors can crack and degrade, allowing drafts to enter your home. These drafts drive up energy bills and make it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Sealing these gaps with fresh caulk is a simple but effective maintenance task.
How to Do It:
Tools Needed: Caulk gun and exterior-grade caulk.
Frequency: Inspect and re-caulk as needed, ideally once a year.
Quick Tip: Apply caulk during mild weather for the best results and to ensure it sets properly.
Why It Matters: Well-sealed windows and doors keep your home energy-efficient and comfortable all year round. For larger projects, our Branson handyman services can expertly handle caulking and sealing to keep your home insulated.
5. Flush Your Water Heater: Extend Its Life and Improve Efficiency
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Flushing your water heater once a year helps clear out this sediment, allowing it to heat water more effectively and prolonging its life.
How to Do It:
Frequency: Once a year.
Steps: Turn off the heater, attach a hose to the drain valve, and drain the tank until the water runs clear.
Safety: If you’re unfamiliar with the process, a professional is your best option.
Why It Matters: Flushing your water heater improves its efficiency and keeps hot water flowing in your home. Our Dragonstone Construction team offers water heater maintenance services to ensure your system is in top condition.
Final Thoughts: Trust Dragonstone Construction for Your Home Maintenance Needs
Home maintenance may feel like a never-ending list of tasks, but with regular upkeep, you’re building a foundation of safety, efficiency, and comfort for years to come. At Dragonstone Construction, we believe that "we’re not just building homes; we’re slaying problems and forging trust." Our handyman services in Branson are here to support you in keeping your home at its best.
Call Dragonstone Construction today to schedule your next maintenance check, or let us take on any of these essential tasks for you. Together, we’ll make sure your home is ready for whatever the seasons bring.