Ludlow renters! It’s vital to be aware of the basic home maintenance tasks that must be completed to keep your rental home in outstanding condition. By completing these tasks regularly, you can help avoid costly repairs down the road and maintain a favorable relationship with your landlord. This blog post will discuss ten minor maintenance tasks every renter should undertake!
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Turn your ceiling fan counterclockwise to provide a cool breeze in the summer. In the winter, it should spin clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling. By switching your ceiling fan twice yearly, you can help your HVAC system function more efficiently and save energy costs.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans play an essential role in getting moisture and odors out of your home. Remember to clean them every month to keep them working This is easily achieved by removing the cover and using a vacuum attachment to remove any dust or debris that has accumulated.
- Caulk Around Bathroom Fixtures. Look closely at the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. It must be changed if it is cracked, peeling, or missing in spots. Cracked or missing caulk can cause mold to spread. However, prevention is a fast and straightforward activity you can do yourself. Just add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
- Clear Drains. Clogged drains are not only troublesome, but they can also inflict water damage. To avoid this, make it your routine to clear your drains every month. You can do this by removing hair clogs, pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, and then a cup of vinegar. Allow it to rest for an hour before rinsing with hot water.
- Drain Water Heater. As the water heats up, it expands and can cause sediment to build up in your water heater. This could lead to corrosion and reduced efficiency. To prevent this from occurring, don’t forget to drain your water heater once a year. You can do this by attaching a garden hose to the drainage valve and draining it into a bucket or floor drain. Regular water heater maintenance can help ensure that you have adequate hot water all year round.
- Clean Off Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit. Your outdoor air conditioning unit should be clear of debris to perform properly. It is important to clean your unit once a month, getting rid of any leaves, dirt, or other accumulated debris.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters play a key role in keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. To keep them in excellent condition, be sure to change them every three months. This is simple to do; simply purchase replacement filters at your local hardware store.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can gather on your blinds and windows, making them look dirty and affecting their ability to function well. Clean them once a month to keep them in good condition. You can achieve this by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum attachment to clean any deposited dirt or debris.
- Check for Pests. Pests can be more than just an irritation; they can also cause damage to your home. To avoid this, you have to check for pests every month and take appropriate steps if you find any. This can be done by visually inspecting your home for indicators of pests like droppings or nests. If you discover any, contact your Ludlow property manager right away. They can work with professional pest control if necessary.
- Basic Appliance Maintenance. Basic appliance maintenance is required to keep your appliances in excellent condition. To do this, clean your oven and refrigerator once a month. You can also vacuum the coils on your fridge and dust the interior of your oven to prevent build-up. Also, don’t forget to run a self-cleaning cycle on your oven once every three months.
Other objects in your rental home may require professional assistance aside from basic maintenance. For example, if you detect electrical issues, water leaks, or other issues, report these to your landlord so that they send an experienced service tech to solve them.
Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs in the long run and keep your landlord happy. For all these reasons, it is important to add these tasks to your monthly checklist and cross them off as you go!
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