After you buy a new house, you’re probably excited about picking out new wall colors, rugs, and curtains. However, owning a home requires yearly maintenance of many items and components. It’s more than just pretty things to attend to! Let’s jump into how to maintain your New Orleans home.
HVAC System
Your AC and heating system needs to cleaned and serviced TWICE a year. That’s right – TWO TIMES. However, many of us only get it done once a year. The important factor thing to make sure it’s done! Many people complete this task in the fall and in the springtime. This is the best way to ensure your system runs efficiently and in true working order.
Air Filters
Your air filter for your AC should be changed every 30-90 days. This is dependent on your living conditions. You may need to change your filter every month if you have pets who shed a lot. Check your filter monthly and decide on your home’s best course of action.
Termite contract
While a termite contract does not guarantee you won’t ever get termites, it offers better protection than just praying and hoping for the best! When you renew your contract, a termite inspector will ensure you don’t currently have any active termites and make recommendations if need be. They might tell you to cut any trees away from the house, among other advice for termites away.
Refrigerator filter
Yes. Your refrigerator has an air filter, which should be replaced every six months. Changing this filter out will keep your appliance running smoothly for a longer period. It will also prevent it from using more energy to run – as it will need more power to circulate the air if it’s clogged.
If your fridge dispenses water and ice, that filter must be changed every six months. (though some manufacturers will recommend every three months)
One more thing! The condenser behind the fridge – you should vacuum that off every three months. Some professionals will tell you every six months is fine. However, if you have a lot of pets, err on the side of caution and do it every three months.
Dishwasher filter
Many of my friends did not know that your dishwasher also has a filter. So, don’t feel bad if you didn’t know either. Here is the general rule for cleaning the filter in your dishwasher:
If you wash your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, you can clean your filter once a year.
If you’re a good person and scrape and rinse before loading, you can get by cleaning it twice a year.
Are you slightly questionable and only scraping the food before loading the dishes? Then it would be best if you cleaned it every three months.
Are you absolutely bonkers and don’t scrape or rinse before putting dishes in the dishwasher? If so, then you need to clean that filter every two weeks.
HERE ARE TIPS ON HOW TO CLEAN THIS FILTER.
Washing Machine Filter
Cleaning your washing machine filter is imperative because it will accumulate mold and mildew otherwise. The machine will have a lower life span, and your clothes can also get mold spores. You’re not alone – most people don’t know they need to do this.
HOW TO CLEAN A WASHING MACHINE FILTER
Clean the dryer vent
Not only should you clean the actual dryer vent for better performance – but it’s also one of the main ways house fires start. Get the hose attachment on your vacuum and start sucking out the built-up lint that went past your dryer’s lint trap.
Clean the Range Hood Filter
Oh yeah… your oven range (the vent above your stove) has a filter! You can easily clean it with hot water, Dawn dish soap, and baking soda. Depending on how often you cook, this should be done every one to three months.
We know we just added to your spring, summer, fall, and winter cleaning lists. But we want your house to be in tip-top shape, with everything functioning to the best of its capabilities!
Ready to find your next house in New Orleans? Contact us now!
Life Expectancy of House Components