Maintenance tips every homeowner should know!

Even if you live in a low-maintenance Cothran Homes community, there are a few handy maintenance tips we think every homeowner should know. Homes require a certain amount of TLC to keep them running efficiently and properly. But not every home maintenance issue requires a professional. Here are some skills you should have so you can save time and money throughout the course of living in your home.

Know how to unclog a drain.

Skip the chemicals. Try a plunger and a drain snake. Once you’ve removed the clog, pour some baking soda, hot water and vinegar down the drain to clean out any debris and help it smell fresh. 

Test your GFCIs

GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) are the electrical outlets that protect you from electrocution by cutting off the power when there’s a disturbance in current. They have two buttons: test and reset. Test your GFCIs often. If the GFCI fails, call an electrician for help.

Know where the main water shutoff is

 If you come home to a flood, you need to be able to shut off the water to the whole house immediately. The shutoff might be in a basement, crawlspace, closet or garage. It should never be covered over with drywall. Look for an access panel or hose bib.

Change your air filters regularly

Dirty filters shorten the lifespan of your system. When they’re dirty, change them. It’s important to schedule a maintenance checkup for your HVAC system every spring and fall.

Clean the refrigerator’s coils

The refrigerator is always on, so maintaining it is crucial. Dirty coils make the fridge work much harder than it has to, so cleaning them periodically is a good idea. Pull out the fridge, unplug it, and locate the coils. Vacuum them with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush.

Set the thermostat properly

The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting the thermostat at 68 degrees in winter, and 78 degrees in summer. If you live somewhere cold, make sure the house never goes below 55 or the pipes will freeze. In the summer, make sure the temp never goes above 80 or the AC won’t work to dehumidify the air, which can lead to mold.   Knowing how to care for your home properly will help you save time and money. Plus, it’s quite satisfying just to know that you can handle some things yourself! You’re ready to go with these must-know tips!