Home Care: 10 Best Ways to Prevent Expensive Maintenance Calls

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1 Schedule annual inspections of your roof and major essential systems, including the furnace and air conditioner.

2 Twice each year, venture into the far corners of your attic, basement, and garage to check for signs of water leakage.

3 At the start of each season, check the outside for any cracks that may have appeared.

4 Test smoke- and carbon-monoxide detectors each month; change batteries yearly.

5 Clear walkways weekly of leaves and any snow, ice, debris or algae that may make them difficult to navigate or slippery.



6 Assemble a kit of essential tools and store in a convenient place. (Not sure of the specific items to include in your tool kit? Read more here.)

7 Learn to make minor repairs such as fixing a backed-up toilet, patching a hole in drywall, and recaulking a bathtub or shower.

8 Insulate older water heaters and leaky heat ducts to lower your energy bill.



9 Save energy in the kitchen by covering pots, opening the oven door sparingly, and using the microwave for reheating food. (Check out more tips for saving money and energy here.)

10 Set the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in winter; 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in summer.

Quick Fixes You Can Easily Handle Yourself

Preventative Plumbing

March Checklist

February Checklist

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