Regular homeowner preventative care can help to keep your utility bills from increasing, increase the life of your plumbing & HVAC systems, and help prevent surprises.
Plumbing
- Be careful of what you flush down the toilet
When you flush things other than toilet paper down your toilet, you are risking clogging your drains, which eventually will lead to costly repair. Things such as hair, food, grease, feminine products & wipes (flushable or not) can form solid masses, causing your drain to clog. Save yourself the mess and be mindful of what you are flushing down the toilet.
- Keep your eye out for toilet, faucet, appliance, and showerhead leaks
Many times, a leak is something the homeowner overlooks because it is not large enough to notice yet. Be sure to occasionally check around your toilet for any dripping or pooling water. Same goes for under your sinks and appliances. If you notice water where it shouldn’t be, you should address the issue right away.
- Garbage Disposal Don’ts
A garbage disposal is a great convenience when used properly; however, placing things that should not go in the disposer can cause immediate problems, or problems down the line. Avoid putting the following items in the disposal, as they can clog your sink or gum up the disposal: fruit pits, bones, uncooked rice or pasta, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, flour, and other non-food items.
- Never pour grease down your drains!
Hot or not, grease and oil in a drain is a huge no-no. The substance cools down and hardens into a solid form which can lead to clogs deep in your plumbing system. Dispose of your grease by letting it cool down then placing it in a sealable jar or container and throw it in the garbage.
HVAC SYSTEMS
- Get in the habit of inspecting your air filters monthly
Dirty air filters cause your heating & cooling system to work harder, which can damage your equipment, increase energy costs, and decrease the life of your system. Check your filters once a month. If they’re dirty, they need to be changed (if the filter is a reuseable one you can clean it). If you’re not sure how to replace or clean a filter, ask your tech during a maintenance visit.
- Keep your air vents unobstructed
- Always follow the manufacturer guidelines when you’re doing anything to your system yourself. If in doubt, call a professional to do the work.
- Be sure to still get your seasonal checkups!
Professional checkups for your heating & cooling systems are still important! It’s a smart idea to schedule your preventative maintenance check before the summer and winter months. Schedule a PM for your cooling system in the Spring, and in Fall for your heating system so you can beat the contractor’s busy season that comes with these major season changes. Getting your system professionally checked helps you avoid surprises by ensuring the system works well and will run smoothly before the heat and cold come knocking at your door. Call us today to talk about our preventative maintenance deals!
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