Five Steps to Properly Maintain Your North Texas Home

After making such a huge investment of time and money in your home, you certainly want to make sure it stays in good shape and retains its value. To help make this happen, it is important to set up a regular maintenance scheduled to provide your home with the care that it needs. To that end, here is a look at some of the key maintenance steps every homeowner needs to take to keep a healthy and happy home.

Step #1: Keep Filters Clean

Your heating and air conditioning system needs to be kept clean in order to operate efficiently. This means changing your filters at least every three months. You should also clear the filter on your clothes dryer every time you use it in order to prevent lint buildup. Even with this regular maintenance, some of it will make it through the vent and into the outtake system that blows out of your home. Be sure to keep this clear and free of lint by cleaning it once every few months.

Step #2: Maintain Floors

The method you use to maintain your floors depends on the type of flooring you have. If you have unpainted concrete floors, you will first need to apply concrete sealer in order to help make the surface easier to clean. To clean the floor, use a solution of one gallon of hot water mixed with four to six tablespoons of washing soda. If you are up against a particularly tough spot, add a bit of scouring powder to the mix.

If you have hardwood floors, apply a polyurethane finish before cleaning them with water. If your floor does not have a polyurethane finish, you will need to periodically wax the floor with a liquid or paste wax. For vinyl floors, polish with a water emulsion wax.

Step #3: Clean Out the Sink

Cleaning your sink means more than just wiping out the basin and keeping it shiny. It also means cleaning the faucet’s aerator, which is the spring inside the end of the faucet, every three to four months. You can also keep your garbage disposal running more efficiently by using cold water whenever you use it.

Step #4: Maintain Siding

If you have a wood-sided home, you should inspect the siding each year to determine if it needs to be repainted. You should also trim shrubbery in order to keep it from touching and damaging your siding. If you have vinyl siding, you need to clean it periodically in order to maintain an attractive appearance while also prolonging its life. The best way to clean vinyl siding is to use a power washer.

Step #5: Clear Gutters and Downspouts

While performing outdoor maintenance, check to see if your gutters and downspouts needs to be cleared out. If you allow your gutters and downspouts to get clogged with leaves and other debris, it can cause damage to your roof. You should also have a qualified roofer inspect your roof every three years to ensure there is no damage in need of repair.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in North Texas, contact our team of qualified real estate experts today. We will be happy to help you find a home to suit your lifestyle and budget.

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