By Mel Dorman, April 8, 2021
Here are a few annual maintenance project to keep your home in mint condition.
#1 Inspect your AC
Knowing your AC works and works efficiently is a good place to start. Finding out these things are out of order and need maintenance on the first 90 degree day of the year is never ideal.
For around $100 to $200, a HVAC technician will service your cooling system to make sure you’re getting your manufacturer rated efficiency. Things like dirty filters force your machine to work extra hard. Forcing you to spend extra money.
Note: Make sure your technician is licensed and follows the protocol and standards of the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
#2 Set and Forget
Taking a moment to program and check your thermostat may seem obvious. Though many of us don’t realize the real impact of this consistency. According to Energy Star you may save as much as $180 annually.
#3 Seal the Cracks
Oh the wonders of caulk…. Gaps around windows and doors let the cool air you’re paying for escape. If you are noticing gaps wider than a nickel it’s time to reapply exterior caulk. While you’re at it, take a moment to check doors for potential weatherstripping replacement needs. If you can see daylight around or under your door this would be something to consider.
This maintenance will save you money on your energy bill this summer, but will also be one less thing on your list come winter.
#4 Clean out the Gutters
As the battle with Maple-tree seeds “helicopters”, pine needles, and decomposed leaves/ flower pedals continues, we must keep fighting the good fight. Many people don’t realize these things maybe even worse in the Spring than in the fall. Depending on the size and layout of your home costs may very though 200 linear feet of gutters on a standard two story home will likely cost around $100 to $250 per cleaning.
#5 Roof
Please, please, please no hospital visits.
Come Spring it becomes easier to notice dark streaks or stains blighting your roof. These dark spots commonly point to an algae problem. Moss and Algae are not simple cosmetic imperfection. They can cause shingles to curl, lift, and even blow off in harsh weather conditions. Both problems can be eradicated with special sprays made with enzymes that eat/ kill the moss and algae. Scrapping or power washing can actually damage the shingles and should be avoided. Oh and while you’re up there: check and clean your roof drains or scuppers to avoid water pooling or additional damage.
Mel Dorman
Broker | OR & WA
She/They
Ten years ago, Melissa was living in a slum in Kolkata, India, helping over 200 women escape sex trafficking by providing alternative work at a social business...
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- T: 503-567-4697
- melissa@livingroomre.com
