Whether you’re a prospective home buyer or you already own a home, one aspect of homeownership that many people overlook is maintenance. Although it’s not the most fun part of being a homeowner, maintenance can get costly if you don’t keep up with it.
Along with annual tasks such as cleaning your gutters, you should follow a few guidelines for monthly home maintenance. Here is your monthly checklist for maintaining your home.
Change the Filter in Your HVAC System
HVAC professionals will tell you to switch out your air filter at least once every three months. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you fail to change your filter regularly, it could lead to more expensive utility bills or even damage to your HVAC system.
Cooking on your stove will cause combustion material to build up on your range hood. To prevent yourself from ingesting these noxious particles, clean out the filter for your kitchen hood vent or replace it entirely if there’s too much buildup.
Search for Leaks in Your Plumbing
If you notice water where it shouldn’t be, you need to investigate the situation immediately. Some of the most common areas to find leaks are near your bathtub, toilet, and sink.
Although it might not seem like a big deal, even a small leak could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. The cost could ramp up if your walls or floors suffer any significant water damage, so be sure to look out for any leaks and plug them up as soon as you see them.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could mean the difference between life and death. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that these machines remain functional at all times.
These devices usually last a while, but just to be safe, you can subject them to monthly tests so that you can fix them if they need any repairs. Also, you should change their batteries every six months.
Overall, if you keep a monthly checklist for maintaining your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about any unexpected problems occurring in your future. Now that you know what you need to do, it’s time to prepare for your next maintenance sweep!
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
You’ve just become a mom, and suddenly, everything feels different. Your body, your schedule, your entire identity—it’s all been turned upside down. One minute you’re a person with hobbies, friends, and a life outside of caregiving. The next, you’re knee-deep in diapers, sleep deprivation, and endless feeds. You look in the mirror and wonder: Who even am I anymore?
Trucks and SUVs aren’t designed just for driving on paved roads. With the surrounding natural beauty of the Carolinas, you want to explore more of what the states have to offer.
