Keeping your home in good condition all year round requires a lot of effort. After all, maintaining it isn’t exactly the most thrilling activity. On top of that, unless you have housekeeping services coming by every week and constant access to spare time, there aren’t too many opportunities to give your house the TLC it needs. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks which will significantly lower the risk of a home maintenance disaster happening sooner rather than later. A solid home maintenance check will help you identify problems before they become more serious and require more costly repairs. Here we’ll reveal some insightful tips on how to keep your home in tip-top shape this autumn – from creating an indoor heat escape with lukewarm light bulbs to reducing moisture with vinegar spray, read on for our best Home Depot health check!
A Quick Home Depot Health Check Before Winter
Before winter arrives, it’s always a good idea to do a health check on your home. In particular, you’ll want to inspect the windows and doors, examine the HVAC system, and check the drywall, ceilings, and floors for cracks. If you notice any issues, the sooner you fix them, the less likely they are to become more serious problems that will require a costly repair. You’ll also be able to create an indoor heat escape by rolling down your windows. And if you’re looking to save money on your energy bill, it may be a good idea to have your HVAC system serviced before the temperature starts to drop.
Light bulbs
When autumn rolls around, you’ll want to swap your light bulbs out for warmer-colored bulbs. The temperature of light bulbs comes in two different types, which are cool or warm. Cool-colored light bulbs are best for the summer since they emit a bluer light that mimics the sun and makes us feel more awake. Warm-colored light bulbs, on the other hand, emit a softer light that makes us feel more relaxed and perfect for the colder months. When it comes to your indoor plants, you’ll also want to lower their exposure to light by shielding them with newspaper or a box. This will prevent them from burning, especially if they’re placed too close to the light bulbs. If you have children or pets, it’s also a good idea to shield their eyes with their hands if they get too close to the light bulbs to prevent any eye irritation.
Doors, windows and the HVAC system
While doing your quick health check on your home, you’ll want to examine your doors and windows to make sure they close properly and aren’t missing any pieces. You’ll also want to make sure that the seal isn’t broken or cracked since this will let in cold air during the winter. When examining your HVAC system, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any leaks, loose parts, or clogs. If there are any issues that need to be repaired, it’s best to do so before the temperature starts to drop. This will prevent you from sweating and using more energy to keep your home warm. It’s also a good idea to get your HVAC system inspected and serviced before the temperature drops to make sure it’s running efficiently and no repairs are necessary before the winter hits.
Drywall, ceilings and floors: check for cracks
Finally, you’ll want to examine the drywall, ceilings, and floors for cracks. If you notice any, you’ll want to repair them before they become more serious issues. You can do this by using joint compound and sandpaper. Be sure to let the compound dry completely before re-painting the walls. If you notice a crack in your floor, it’s a good idea to repair it before it starts to expand into a larger tear. You can do this by lifting up the boards and using wood glue to seal the crack. If you notice a crack in your ceiling, it’s likely due to a plumbing issue that needs to be addressed. This can be remedied by hiring a professional to fix the leak.
Bathroom sanity check
Lastly, you’ll want to do a bathroom sanity check to make sure your pipes are in good working order. You can do this by closing the toilet lid and letting the water run for a few minutes. If you hear anything unusual, like a clicking sound, this could indicate a problem with your pipes. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to call a plumber to get it fixed before it turns into a more serious issue. You can also lower the risk of mold growth by lowering the humidity in your home. You can do this by using a bathroom fan and spraying down the tiles with vinegar.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered all the important health checks, you can rest assured knowing your home is in tip-top shape before winter arrives. These checks may seem like a hassle, but they’re important to ensuring the longevity of your home. We recommend implementing these tips when the weather cools down to feel cozy and prepared for winter.
