Minneapolis, MN, experiences all four seasons. But this can be really hard on homes. Winters are particularly tough, featuring subzero temperatures for almost half a year. Moisture, frozen snow and ice can wreak havoc on roofs, pipes and foundations. Unfortunately, homeowners discover the need for regular maintenance the hard way, especially when things go wrong. A minor leak, a blocked gutter or a malfunctioning furnace can become a huge headache (and cost a lot of money) if left unattended.
Annual maintenance tasks can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your home in top shape. It protects your home, saves money, and protects you from surprises. Basic tasks like gutting gutters, checking windows for gaps or drafts and climbing up to inspect the roof can save thousands in damages.
Here is a list of the most important tasks that homeowners should take care of every year in order to keep their property in excellent condition.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection
A fireplace lends warmth and charm, and is a common feature in Minneapolis homes. Proper care is needed to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard. Over time, the interior of the chimney becomes coated in creosote (a flammable residue). It can catch fire and lead to a potentially dangerous chimney fire if not addressed. Birds, small animals and debris can block the flue, and prevent proper ventilation.
To make sure your fireplace is safe, book your annual chimney inspection with a professional who offers chimney inspection in Minneapolis, MN. They will inspect for creosote buildup, blockages and structural issues. If needed, they will clean the chimney to avoid fires.
A spotless and cleansed chimney makes your house warm and secure.
Draft-proof Your Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors can lead to discomfort in your house and higher heating and cooling bills. Tiny gaps and cracks let cold air in during winter and allow cool air to escape in summer. In Minneapolis, where winters can be brutal, even small drafts can send energy bills through the roof.
To keep your home warm and your energy bills low:
- Go around your house and feel for drafts, especially around windows, doors and baseboards.
- Fill in any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Inspect the seals and replace any cracked or worn ones.
Sealing your home keeps it comfortable all year and helps reduce energy bills.
Test and Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can mean the difference between life and death, but only if they’re well maintained. Defective or ignored detectors endanger everyone in a home.
To be sure your detectors will work when they’re required:
- Check the detectors once a month.
- Change the batteries at least once a year.
- Use a soft brush to clean the sensors and avoid dust accumulation.
Change detectors every 10 years, even if they still appear to work.
Depressurise the Water Heater for Better Efficiency
As time passes, water sediment and minerals accumulate inside the water heater. This buildup causes the system to work harder, making it less efficient and more expensive in terms of energy cost.
To ensure that your water heater stays in tip-top shape:
- Once every year, flush the tank.
- Shut off the power and water supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and allow the water to drain out.
- Turn the water back on, flush out some of the residual debris.
- Inspect the anode rod while flushing and replace it if it is worn down.
This subsequent water heater flushing can prevent loss of efficiency, improve energy costs and even extend the water heater life.
Check for Cracks in the Foundation and Basement
A home’s stability is built upon a strong foundation. Even minor cracks can allow water to seep in, resulting in mold and structural damage. This is the case in Minneapolis, where alternating freezing and thawing cycles can cause the ground to shift over the winter, resulting in cracks along the foundation.
To help protect the foundation of your home:
- Check the basement and foundation walls for any cracks or moisture.
- Use a premium sealant to fill small cracks to keep out water.
- If you see large cracks or other signs of extensive damage, contact a pro.
Routine foundation inspections can catch major and expensive, structural issues.
Drain and Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
When temperatures drop, any water remaining in outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems can freeze and expand. This can lead to pipes freezing and bursting, which can be costly to repair.
To prevent frozen pipes:
- Turn off outdoor faucets and detach garden hoses before the first freeze.
- Turn off the water supply to outside faucets and open the valves to allow any remaining water to drain out.
- To blow out the remaining water, use an air compressor for sprinkler systems.
Winterizing outdoor plumbing helps ensure your pipes don’t freeze, saving you from expensive repairs.
Clean Dryer Vents and Exhaust Fans
An accumulation of lint in dryer vents is a major contributor to home fires. Heat can cause even the smallest amount of lint to ignite. Likewise, exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens accumulate dust and grease, which can hinder airflow and impact ventilation.
To mitigate fire risk and facilitate ventilation:
- Clean the dryer vent at least once each year.
- Unclog the vent from the dryer, where you can vacuum or brush away lint.
- Make sure the outdoor vent is unobstructed.
- Scrub the covers and blades of exhaust fans to keep air flowing freely.
Keeping track of annual maintenance tasks helps homeowners tend to minor issues that can become costly disasters if not addressed. Cleaning gutters, sealing windows, inspecting the roof and flushing the water heater all help your home run safer and more efficiently. Performing these tasks each year helps protect one’s investment, maintain a comfortable home and save money in the long term.
Proactive maintenance of your home gives you peace of mind and helps everything to run smoothly throughout the year.
