The start of a new year is a good time to establish different goals as a homeowner. Here are some home resolutions to put on your list for 2023.
1. Conduct a Home Assessment
Your home has a lot of different facets. A good way to organize yourself for 2023 and know which items need to be addressed first is to do a thorough home assessment.
Walk through your home room by room and make a list of the problems and issues that you see.
Mechanical and structural issues should be grouped into one bucket, cosmetic issues into another and wish list items into a third. That way, if you're on a limited budget you can prioritize where your money should go.
2. Build an Emergency Fund for Home Repairs
It is important to prepare financially to any unexpected home repairs. Homeowners should expect to spend 1% to 3% of their home's value on annual maintenance and repairs. Just making sure you are equipped to pay for repairs can help you get more enjoyment out of your home.
3. Have Your Heating and Cooling Systems Maintained
"HVAC is one of those things you should not ignore," Hicks says. That's because a minor issue could escalate into a major one with these complex systems.
It's important to have your heating and cooling systems maintained at least once a year, and ideally, before their respective seasons kick in. If you get your air conditioner serviced in April or May, for example, you might get ahead of an issue that could leave you without cool air in July.
Also, regular HVAC maintenance could help you better budget for larger repairs that may be in your future. If you find an issue during a maintenance appointment, you'll at least have a chance to save up for a repair.
4. Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly
Dirty HVAC filters can compromise the quality of your indoor air and make your heating and cooling systems work less efficiently. Generally, you should change your filters every 90 days.
All homeowners should keep extra filters on hand, especially in an age of continued supply shortages. Make a calendar reminder that it's time to change your filter.
5. Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned Out
A clogged dryer vent can make your dryer work less efficiently. If you've noticed your clothing isn't drying as quickly as it once did, a dirty vent could be the culprit.
A clogged dryer vent could also pose a fire hazard. Bring in a professional to clean it out once a year or more frequently in some homes with heavy use. Besides having your dryer vent cleaned regularly by a professional, you can take proactive steps to prevent debris buildup and keep your dryer working efficiently while reducing the risk of it catching fire.
6. Test Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every homeowner needs smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors of course however, it is very important to make sure they are working properly.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors commonly come equipped with test buttons. Test them and remember to replace the batteries regularly.
7. Clean Out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to improper drainage, which can lead to water damage inside and outside of your home.
Aim to do a thorough gutter cleaning at least once a year. You can hire out to do so-there are many options out there for home owners. I recommend outsourcing your gutter cleaning and avoiding any injury.
8. Make Sure Your Home Is Sealed Well
It's pretty easy to add insulation around doors and windows. Doing so could not only make for a more comfortable indoor environment, but also, save you money on heating and cooling bills. Everyone should check for air leaks once a year.
9. Clean Your Appliances
Debris that accumulates under, on top of and around your appliances could cause them to work less efficiently.Appliance repair companies recommend cleaning your appliances thoroughly a few times a year, especially if you have pets. Pet hair can collect underneath your fridge in particular and compromise its performance.
10. Inspect Your Roof
A solid roof can protect your home from weather events and keep water out. Roof inspectors say you should inspect once a year, but you don't necessarily have to climb up there and put yourself at risk of injury. Instead, just walk around and look out for things like curling shingles, which will tell you that your roof needs work.
11. Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Cleaned and Inspected
Your fireplace and and chimney can be a fire hazard if you don't maintain them properly. Have yours cleaned and inspected at least once a year – and possibly twice if you use your fireplace often.
12. Trim Your Trees
Trimming your trees is a good thing to do at least once a year. And actually most landscapers say the Winter months are the best time to do it
Trees tend to be bare during the winter months, so it's easier to spot hanging limbs you should cut down. Plus, hanging tree limbs can be a problem during the winter. They can buckle under the weight of snow and cause damage to your property, and they can give squirrels and other critters direct access to your nice, warm attic. Neither is a good thing.
