Maintenance Tips to Save Big Bucks

1. Inspect your roof every six months

A few things to look for:

• Loose or missing shingles and tears in the shingles
• Cracks in flashing (the metal or plastic seal around your chimney and roof)
• Moisture, mold, or leaks in your attic’s wood panels.
• Bubbled paint on the walls or ceiling stains (which can be signs of water damage)

2. Inspect your HVAC system every six months

• Start with the thermostat and check all functions for correct operation. Make sure that both the heating and cooling systems turn off at the preset temperatures.
• Turn off the circuit breakers that power both the furnace and air conditioner. The circuit breakers are in the electrical service panel. Leave both units off until after the HVAC inspection.
• Check for loose electrical connections.
• Listen for any squeaks or noises when manually inspecting moving parts.
• Find the condensate drain and check for clogs. Condensation that builds up during HVAC use must drain properly to prevent rust from forming on internal parts. Clogged condensate drains also contribute to bacteria and mold growth in the home.
• Smell for gas leaks near all gas fittings, if your home uses gas. Inspect heat exchangers or burners for cracks, abnormal discoloration or deterioration.
• Review the system for dirt and debris. A buildup of debris and dirt affects the system’s efficiency. Use a small portable vacuum to remove any dust buildup.
• Look at the air-conditioning coils for an accumulation of dirt or dust. Vacuum the coils to improve cooling efficiency.

3. Inspect your pipes every year

Especially if you have an older home, it may be worth inspecting your sewer lines every year. Find a plumber in your area that will inspect your lines. They’llrun a camera down the pipes and tell you if there are any clogs or obstructions. This typically costs about $150.

4. Check for termites to avoid structural damage

Some common signs of termite damage include:

• Buckling wood
• Swollen floors and ceilings
• Termite poop, which looks like coffee grounds
• Visible mazes within walls 
• A scent similar to mildew or mold

5. Inspect your water heater annually 

Water heaters are easy to forget about, but when they fail, they can cause a lot of damage. If pipes burst or start to leak, they can cause mold growth, or worse, flood your floors or ceilings. If the leak has caused enough damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, they may need to be replaced. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, water heater failures cost an average of $4,444 after the deductible.

It’s useful to know the signs of a problematic water heater:

• Water doesn’t get as hot anymore
• There’s rust in the water from your faucets
• Your water heater makes popping sounds when it’s heating
• Puddles and rust are forming near your water heater.