Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans
Many people start the new year thinking about ways to improve their health, become more organized and manage their finances. Experts say there’s one area that touches on each of these decisions: home care.
early and routine home maintenance It goes beyond fixing visible damage. According to real estate professionals, it helps provide a healthy living environment, extends the life of the home and preserves its long-term value. Regular maintenance and planning ahead for unexpected emergencies can reduce the risk of costly repairs later and help spread expenses more evenly throughout the year.
Nearly three-quarters of existing homes are expected to still be in use in 2050, according to research by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Maintaining the homes that we own is really critical to maintaining our health and well-being,” said Amanda Reddy, executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, an organization that conducts research and advocacy to reduce housing-related health disparities.
No matter who owns the property, the goal is to keep residences dry, clean, pest-free, well-ventilated and safe, which can mean different types of maintenance depending on the type of home, where someone lives and the time of year, Reddy says. Here’s what experts say about home care and what tasks should be added to the checklist this year.
Home care involves big projects and daily decisions
On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors and 70% inside residences, according to the National Human Activities Pattern Survey.
“We spend time not only indoors but also at home. If you are old, very young, have health problems or work from homeIt’s probably more than that,” said Reddy, emphasizing why home care is a worthwhile investment.
What most people think of when it comes to maintenance is addressing water and gas leaks, pest infestations, cracks, and other major repairs; But home builders say not everything needs a professional and can include actions as simple as wiping down counters, vacuuming food scraps off the floor, opening windows. better ventilation or cleaning clogged filters and drains.
Residents should also consider the needs of those living in the home, commonly used areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, and often neglected areas such as attics and basements. Reddy says it should be prioritized “wherever we spend time” or frequently ignored and possibly missed necessary repairs.
“At the end of the day, doing any preventative maintenance is more important than doing it perfectly or at exactly the right time,” Reddy said. “But timing can make a big difference. Many of these tasks are seasonal or annual, and you won’t be doing it just once. Homes are subject to different stresses at different times of the year, so seasonal maintenance helps us catch problems before they get worse.” environmental stressors.”
Seasonal maintenance to be planned throughout the year
When it comes to maintenance, planning and preparation for expected and routine changes in the environment can help reduce natural wear and tear on homes’ exteriors and also help create healthy conditions indoors, where most people are protected from extreme weather events.
“What happens outside the house rarely stays outside the house. What happens outside comes in, what happens inside accumulates,” said Reddy, adding that fluctuating outdoor conditions put pressure on devices and systems at different times of the year. “For most people, seasonal rhythm not only makes sense because of these stressors, but it is also more realistic and effective than trying to tackle a long, overwhelming checklist all at once.”
For example, experts say the best time to prepare for cold, wet climates, storms and other natural disasters is to address concerns before temperatures drop. Similarly, residents are encouraged to consider systems in their homes to reduce the effects of extremely high temperatures, drought and drought conditions, and associated risks such as wildfires and off-season air quality.
Professional guidance from home inspectors, builders and real estate agents says spring and summer duties should focus on preparing for warmer weather. Experts recommend checking air conditioning systems, cleaning dryer vents to prevent fire hazards, testing sprinkler systems, tending to gardens and plants around the exterior of homes, and inspecting appliances, electrical equipment, and plumbing fixtures. Experts also say spring is a good time for cleaning and tackle any home projects that involve painting or remodeling, as rain is unlikely to cause delays during this time.
During the fall and winter months, experts recommend focusing on temperature control and air quality measures as people tend to stay indoors during cold weather. Check heating systems, clean air filters, make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working, seal air leaks, prioritize pest control, clean and repair roofs and chimneys, and inspect drainage options in and around homes, the American Home Inspectors Training guide says.
