When it comes to home maintenance, Benjamin Franklin's famous advice "prevention is better than cure" is worth considering.
Keeping up with regular maintenance inside and outside your home can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. You can also help ensure your home is prepared for natural disasters like the recent floods.
"The sad reality is that wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events don't go on holiday when we do," says Darren Turner, general manager of the national division of RACV.
"Performing maintenance to protect and prepare your property for these events is something we need to keep an eye on throughout the year."
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One important job is cleaning the gutters, says Mr. Turner.
Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to costly repairs. Old and deteriorating gutters can also cause damage to your home if the overflow seeps into the roof void or into the walls .
In the warmer months, clogged gutters can also pose a fire hazard , another reason to keep them under control.
Be careful when working on the roof or on a ladder . Also note that any work to modify or remove the downspout or gutter may need to be performed by a licensed plumber .
In addition to your gutters, here are some important home maintenance tasks:
- Clear debris around your property , especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires. If your home has been flooded, be sure to wear protective gear .
- Prune trees near your home ; This can help reduce the risk of falling branches and wildfires. Pruning can also give your plants a boost . If you own a home, a well-kept garden can also increase the value of your property.
- Mow the Lawn – Regular mowing is good for your lawn and can help keep snakes and other pests away .
- Seal any gaps in windows and doors ; This is important to avoid costly repairs in the event of water damage. It can also help you save on heating bills .
When you rent, Mr. Turner says, it's still important to pay attention to general property maintenance, like mowing the lawn and gardening.
"If repairs or replacements are required for broken windows, doors, or appliances ... notify property managers immediately," it says.
Maintenance of your washing machine
Just like your home, keeping an eye on your appliances can save you money in the long run.
Andrew Zutt, who works as an appliance mechanic in Geelong, says an occasional hot water cycle can extend the life of your washing machine.
"Some people try to conserve energy with a cold wash. They will continue to do so and it can encourage mold growth," he explains.
"[It can also mean] that the joints aren't being heated properly...so they become brittle."
You don't have to wash hot all the time; Zutt recommends doing this about every six washes.
"Put it on the wash cycle ... I know my partner does a cold wash, so [when it's my turn to wash it] I put it in hot water," she says.
Why it is beneficial to check and clean the filters
Another simple tip is to regularly check the filters in your dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, dryer, and other appliances.
Sometimes people don't even realize they need to change their dishwasher's filter, says Zutt, and that can result in costly repairs.
"They're going to clog, so it's possible that the drain pump is failing," he says.
Clogged filters can cause problems with vacuum cleaner motors, he adds, which could result in expensive repairs or replacement parts.
While devices have become more affordable over the years, "budget" models can sometimes cost more in the long run.
Zutt says home appliances should be treated as investments: "[If] you're going to buy a washing machine, don't skimp and get the best deal... You want it to last 10 to 15 years."
What is Mr. Zutt's top tip for extending the life of your devices? Read the manual - properly.
"Always refer to the manual. If something doesn't seem right, contact your manufacturer or service representative," he says.
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