There are quite a few overlooked home devices that need much more attention than you might think. Some help your home run much more efficiently, others help with hygiene, and some are essential for home safety. But what are these, and why do they need maintenance? This quick guide has some reference points and a bit of information. So, from devices in the kitchen to water-based gadgets, here are some of the most important you can't ignore as a homeowner.
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External Doors and Windows
There are a few external doors and windows you can forget about. Not the front door and the living room windows, but the ones you don’t usually think about, such as the garage door and extension fire escape windows. These use sophisticated sensors and rollers that need to be maintained for safe use and ongoing operation. Every six months, inspect these to confirm they are working, and if not, spray rollers and hinges with silicone to lubricate and reduce strain.
Overlooked Home Devices in the Kitchen
The kitchen often contains some of the most useful but high-maintenance devices for a modern home. Take the fridge as an example, which can last up to 20 years, but it requires ongoing care during that time. So if you want a kitchen that lasts, make sure you keep it well-maintained:
- Check the coils at the back of the fridge are free from dust and grime.
- Keep small appliances such as microwaves and coffee machines very clean.
- Clean out the kitchen exhaust fan weekly, especially if you use cooking oils.
Dangerous Dryer Vent Ducts
Where would we be without a dryer? Whether it’s getting your work clothes ready or making sure the kids look their best, a washing machine and dryer are invaluable for the modern home. However, you may not be aware that a dryer can be extremely dangerous if not maintained. For example, clearing out lint traps isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a vital safety tip. Lint can become so dry that it ignites from the heat of the dryer, so don’t forget about the exhaust duct at the back.
The Water Tank Heater
Running hot water is taken for granted in many countries, as there are also too many without access to it. The water tank heater is responsible for, well, heating water. While it doesn’t require much maintenance at all, it will benefit from a check every now and then. Water isn’t as clean as we would like to think, and it contains mineral particles that can build up. Known as sediment, you must check the tank once per year to avoid higher costs and tank failure.
Overlooked Home Devices for Heating and Cooling
A survey in the US found that 95% of people with HVAC systems don’t consider cleaning them necessary. This might come from EPA data that suggests duct cleaning doesn’t improve health. However, you can face serious issues if you don’t maintain heating and cooling devices.
HVAC maintenance
HVAC does require cleaning for it to function efficiently. When dust and debris build up, it forces the HVAC system to work harder, shortening its lifespan and increasing energy bills.
Bleeding radiators
Radiators don’t require much maintenance, but you can increase performance with annual tasks. Bleed them just before winter to reset water levels and release air, and dust them, too!
Boiler pressure
The boiler is perhaps the most important thing in the house, and it doesn’t require much on your part. Only a qualified engineer should tinker with it, but you must keep it at the right pressure.
There are some home maintenance tasks you should always hire a pro for, such as boiler servicing. However, you can play your part with some low-effort tasks such as dusting and cleaning HVAC ducts, bleeding radiators, and ensuring the boiler is at the right pressure.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Vents
The bathroom is the second most-used room of a home, next to the kitchen. It’s also the wettest, and moisture can cause all kinds of problems in a house. Most bathrooms are built with a window or an exhaust fan, and sometimes both. This is because moisture needs to be removed quickly to avoid issues like mold and dampness. But when did you last think to check the fan? If you even had to remember that, go there now and give the fan a quick clean!
Window and Door Weep Holes
Windows are designed to protect us from the elements such as wind, cold, and rain. However, they are more than holes in the wall and actually use complex systems to do their job. One of the most valuable is the weep holes, which drain water away from the window and the home. However, these can get clogged and cause rotting and leaks if water can’t drain. Every six months, give these little holes a quick check and remove anything that is sitting in them.
Water-Based Overlooked Home Devices
Like electricity and gas, water isn’t cheap these days. Many homeowners have devices that can help reduce water usage and lower bills. But these also need some TLC. Most are in the bathroom and kitchen, and you can ensure they continue to work effectively with routine care:
- Remove and clean faucet aerators every six months to remove grime and sediment.
- Check the shower heads and clean them inside and out to ensure proper water flow.
- It’s gross, but cleaning the toilet cistern can help the valve mechanism last longer.
Power Tripping Safety Outlets
You would be right to think that messing around with the home’s electrical system is dangerous and stupid, because it is! Unless you genuinely know what you are doing, don’t go anywhere near the circuits. However, you can improve your home’s safety by testing GFCI/AFCI outlets as a homeowner, and this doesn’t require any expert knowledge. These are designed to cut power for safety, and are usually located in the bathroom and come with “test” buttons.
Summary
External extension windows and doors, such as the garage, are commonly overlooked home devices that need regular inspection and maintenance. Heating and cooling systems, such as HVAC, also require cleaning, and you can also check electrical safety by testing the breakers.
This is a contributed post.
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