A home is one of the biggest, if not the biggest investment that a person makes in life. Accordingly, responsible home owners take proactive measures to protect their investments. While there are many tasks to keep track of on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, here are 5 that are often forgotten.
Inspect/Clean the Chimney (Every Year)
When you're literally lighting a large open flame inside your house, you probably want to make sure you're doing so safely, right? Well, many people neglect to clean or inspect their chimneys and failing to do so can result in a dangerous situation. Over time, creosite (partially burned fuel) builds up inside of a chimney and if left uncleaned it can ignite, potentially damaging or destroying your home. You can find certified chimney inspection professionals in your area on the CSIA website.
Flush Out Water Heater (Every 8-12 Months)
Over time, sludge builds up at the bottom of a water heater as minerals and sediment accumulate. Giving the water heater a clean flush occasionly will not only keep it running efficiently, but can also prevent malfunctions and extend its lifespan.
Inspect Your Oil Tank (Every 3-5 Years)
For homes that use oil instead of gas for their heating fuel, getting the oil tank inspected is an important task that is often forgotten. Many people don't realize that oil tanks often corrode from the inside out, and that condensation on the inside of the tank could be significantly effecting its lifespan without you realizing it. Acting too late can result in a leak that is very costly to clean up. Hire a certified contractor to inspect your tank every 3-5 years, and if possible, contact an oil tank removal company to replace a damaged tank or convert your system to gas in order to prevent future problems.
Test the Sump Pump (Every 3-6 Months)
It's easy to forget about your sump pump, that is, until your basement is flooded! Sometimes a sump pump doesn't do its job for a reason as simple as the power source getting disconnected. Simply pour a bucket of water into the sump and check to make sure the pump switches on automatically.
Replace Your Fire Extinguisher (Every 5-15 Years)
If you don't have a fire extinguisher in your home, stop what you're doing now and go purchase one! A fire extinguisher is one of those things that many homeowners never think about until they actually need it. Unfortunately, if and when it ever does need to be put to use, you need to be sure it will do its job. Many people, of course, do not know when their fire extinguisher was purchased and in this case you'd want to be sure to check the pressure gaugue on a monthly basis. If the needle is anywhere other than in the green area, it's best to replace the fire extinguisher immediately. Home Depot has ample affordable options.
