Perform A Health Check On Your Home To Save You Money

Time flies by when you have a busy family life. All those things you promised you’d get around to doing are still in your ever-growing ‘To Do’ list. But now could be the best time to tackle some of the things you’ve needed to do around the house. If you haven’t spent any time on house maintenance recently, you may be costing yourself a lot of money. Every home needs a health check once or twice a year to be sure everything is running as smoothly and effectively is it can be.

Here’s how to perform a health check on your home:

Roof

Not all of us can get up to the roof to check everything is as it should be. But you can check more than you think safely from the ground. Next time it’s raining heavily, step outside and watch where the water is flowing from your roof. If the gutters are full, chances are you’re getting penetrating damp in the eaves. Check your chimney for signs of excess damp when everything has dried out again. This could be a sign that the brickwork needs repointing. During daylight hours, check for any holes from your attic. Finally, ensure your loft insulation is up to current standards. This will save you a fortune in heating bills.

Windows

Over time, windows can shift in the frame. They no longer keep the cold air out as they should. Check for draughts around the window with the palm of your hand. You may need to have them resealed. Wooden frames need annual painting for weather protection. This is essential to avoid rotting. Once the wood is no good, it will cost a fortune to replace the entire window. If there is damp between the panes of double-glazed windows, you will need to have them replaced. They’re leaking!

Damp

Check for damp annually. You may find water stains on your ceilings, inside cupboards, or even on the walls. Often, a plumbing leak is to blame. The people at Torrance Plumbing say it can’t be ignored or you risk a huge bill when further damage is done. Air conditioning units can also cause damp to build up in the home. Use extractor fans when you cook or bathe. An open window for an hour or so a day could help prevent the damp in a room too. Damp can quickly become mold spores that are hazardous to your health.

Appliances

Even your appliances could do with a health check. Some, like your boiler and oven, may need annual maintenance or servicing. This ensures they are safe to use in your family home. Gas appliances can be particularly hazardous. Your air conditioning unit should also be serviced annually to ensure efficiency. This could save you a fortune on your energy bill.

Looking after your home is a part of looking after your family. It’s important not to put it off for too long. Just a few checks each year could even save you money. Keep your home healthy this year.