Living in California is a dream for many people. The amazing beaches, fantastic weather and a generally popular place to be. However, once you see the home prices in many cities and towns across the state, you might change your mind.
If you have something that costs you a lot of money, you want to make sure it is taken care of, and your home should be no different. As a result, it is very important to keep your home properly maintained. If not, you could be looking at some hefty damage and astronomical repair costs.
With that in mind, we have decided to take a look at some home maintenance tips for those living in California, but of course, people from anywhere can apply there to their lives as well.
Check Your Windows and Doors for Leaks
While you might not feel the draft or the cold (or hot) air coming into your home, gaps and air leaks around windows and doors can be a big problem. Not only can they be frustrating for temperature changes, but they can also wreak havoc on your energy (heating and/or cooling) bills.
In fact, the U.S Department of Energy claims that windows are responsible for around 25% to 30% of energy use, which is quite a bit. The doors can also be a huge contributor. If your doors or windows aren’t closing all the way, and are leaving gaps, it could cost you a lot of cash.
Check Your Heating and Air Conditioning
While it generally never gets super cold in the state of California, it is still important to get regular checks on your heating service. Also, if you are lucky enough to have air conditioning in your home, you should get that checked out as well, before you are stuck dying of heat on a hot summer day.
At least once a year you should have an HVAC specialist in California come by your home and do a general checkup. They will ensure everything is in working order, and you will have peace of mind knowing your furnace isn’t emitting too much carbon monoxide and everything is up to code in terms of safety.
Keep a Stocked Emergency Supply Kit
While this isn’t a “maintenance” tip, per se, it is still incredibly important to check on in your home every so often. You never know when a disaster like an earthquake, fire or other natural disasters will strike, so you need to be prepared.
When you are checking everything in your home to make sure it is working or in order, don’t forget to ensure that your emergency supply kit is stocked as well. It should include some water, some non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit and anything else that you think you might need in the case of an emergency.
Ensure All “Detectors” Are Working Well
You should also look to ensure all of your detectors (such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors) are all in working order. You should have a smoke detector in each bedroom and common area of your home, and a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.
These devices can save lives as two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in houses that don’t have a functioning smoke detector. There is really no reason not to check them every so often to ensure they work, especially in a place like California, that is very prone to fires.
In conclusion, following these tips can help you ensure that your home is in tip-top condition. It was likely a large investment for you, so make sure it is well taken care of.
