A house tends to be the most expensive thing a person will buy in their lifetime. However, paying off your mortgage is really only one part of protecting your investment into that piece of property. You also have to perform different home maintenance tasks on a regular basis. While some of these take some work, they are required for very important reasons.
If you don’t maintain different home systems, disasters could happen. Some of these could even ruin the value of your home and thus your long-term investment. Below are four terrible things that could happen if you neglect home maintenance.
Gutters
It’s not something many people enjoy doing. In fact, most people would probably list it as their least favorite chore they have to complete each year. Still, cleaning out your gutters each fall is absolutely necessary. If you don’t, water may not be able to flow freely off your roof. Instead, the water can end inside your house. This risk is especially strong when the snow and ice on your roof melts some months later. The damage to your house can be catastrophic.
Sump Pump
Perhaps the most dramatic and disgusting home disaster can occur when your sump pump fails. A backed up sump pump can lead to disgusting sewage water being flooded into your home. The smell can be awful, and it can lead to mold growth and permanent damage. You need to make sure to check and test your sump pump at least twice a year. You can do this by adding water to the basin to ensure it’s in good working order.
Refrigerator
Yes, even your fridge requires routine maintenance. The number one thing you should be concerned about regarding fridge maintenance is your fridge’s condenser coils. These release heat to keep your fridge cool. If they become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, they will not operate properly. It could lead to your fridge malfunctioning altogether.
Air Conditioning
Your air conditioner also requires routine maintenance. You certainly don’t want to be left without AC in the middle of the dog days of summer. Proper air conditioning maintenance should include the replacement of filters on a schedule. Like your fridge, condenser coils should also be cleaned. You’ll also need to check the refrigerant charge, contactors, relays, and more.
A home is a big investment. If you don’t perform routine maintenance tasks, you can lose some of that investment due to the damage that can be created. The above list is only a starting point and is in no way exhaustive. Research other routine maintenance tasks that can help protect your home.
4 Terrible Things That Could Happen When You Neglect Home Maintenance
Written by Lizzie Weakley Posted On Monday, 11 March 2019 10:55
Lizzie Weakley
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball.
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