Proper maintenance and taking care of your home are important. Neglecting even seemingly minor fixes can damage your home and its components. Take note of these five things every homeowner should know.
Circuit Breakers
The circuit breakers function as a control panel for electricity flow in your home. Where you keep the breaker box and how it works are essential things every homeowner should know.
When the breakers are on, they power your electronics, appliances, lights, ceiling fans, and heating and air conditioning systems. In case you have to change light fixtures or repair devices, you need to know that the breakers are correctly labeled so you can switch the power off and do this work safely.
Circuit breakers may trip when currents or wires get too much or not enough electricity. A surge of electricity could damage certain devices or even spark fires. If you experience a power outage due to a storm, you may want to flip some of the circuits or turn off some switches so that you won’t get a surge when power is restored.
Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Shutting Off the Water
Locate your main water shut-off valve. If you use public water, your provider can tell you where it is located. Often, you will see this valve on the perimeter of the home. Each of your sinks, the refrigerator, washing machine, and other appliances using water has a shut-off valve.
Consider shutting off the water at the main valve or the individual ones if you are going away for extended days or weeks.
Change Filters
Clogged air filters restrict the flow of air conditioning and heat. You should change these filters every 30 to 60 days or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Other home filters also make our list of things every homeowner should know because other devices rely on them. These include refrigerators with water dispensers, clothes dryers, and air purifiers.
Consult your manuals for the timing and for the type of replacement filters. With dryers, regularly cleaning the filters can save you money on your electric bills. Not cleaning them even creates a potential fire hazard.
Call Before You Dig
The number 811 ranks among the things every homeowner should know when you’re installing fences, trees, or other landscaping. A relatively easy project may cause problems for you and your neighbors if you dig in the wrong place. Many wires and pipes that provide electricity, water, cable, or internet run underneath your property.
With a call to 811, a representative will schedule a visit by a utility locator to mark the location of the lines. Should you proceed without getting the go-ahead, you may be liable if your digging damages any utilities.
Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Finding Studs
Frames, large-screen televisions, and other heavy items should hang on the studs behind the drywall. These boards principally serve as part of the framing along with the boards for the wall. Normally, the studs stand 16 inches to 24 inches apart.
The studs are critical for mounting heavy objects because the slimmer boards and drywall likely will not support the weight of these items. An electric stud finder is an easy way to mark studs. Always attach items to the wall on the studs rather than the drywall.
Smart Start Building Inspections provides inspection services to Southeast Florida. Contact us to schedule an appointment.