Owning a home in Houston is a huge accomplishment. Not only do you have your own property, but you also have freedom to do whatever you want to it. This could mean purchasing brand-new appliances, applying a fresh coat of paint, or installing energy-efficient windows. However, you choose to take care of your home, take a look at these eight things every homeowner should know how to do.
-
Turn off the water before a vacation.
Have you ever heard horror stories about homeowners returning from vacations to flooded houses? If you forget to turn off your water before you leave, you might become all too familiar with that story. Before you leave, locate the main water shutoff valve to prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
-
Keep your home safe.
Burgling may seem like a nighttime activity, but did you know most home robberies happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.? These are the hours that most people are at school or work, and criminals like to take advantage of that. To keep your home safe, try looking into alarm or home surveillance systems.
-
Measure before buying new appliances.
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s easier to forget than you think. Before you purchase new appliances like toilets, dishwashers, or washing machines, measure your space with a tape measure to ensure you have room. You’ll thank yourself later.
-
Memorize your circuit box.
Knowing your circuit box inside and out can be your saving grace during a blackout. Make sure you know which switches do what, especially in older homes where switches may be mislabeled. Try to test out your circuit box before an electrical shortage, and not by candlelight.
-
Maintain clean filters.
Many appliances throughout your home depend on filters to distribute clean air, water, or heat. It’s difficult to know exactly when filters should be replaced, but the general rule of thumb is that furnace filters should be replaced every two to three months; ice maker and water filters every year; and air purifiers every three months.
-
Get acquainted with your thermocouple.
When your furnace blows out in the middle of winter, you might be left in the cold—unless you know your thermocouple. This is the part of your furnace that turns off the gas when your pilot light goes out, ensuring gas doesn’t seep through your home. Make sure to check on your thermocouple every now and then before winter, or even keep an extra on hand for last-minute repairs.
-
Keep your gutters clean.
In climates like Houston, it’s important to keep gutters clean to control rainflow. When gutters are clogged with leaves or sticks, rain can’t properly flow through. This can cause your roof to leak, which in turn can damage the interior of your home. Make sure to clean out your gutters about every four months, and especially during autumn.
-
Bring in the experts.
If you need home repairs, it’s tempting to watch a couple of video tutorials and go the DIY route. But for more labor-intensive home repairs like window installations, it pays to hire an expert. They know what type of windows will look best for your home, as well as how to properly install them. It’s worth the price to ensure your repairs are done properly and timely.
When you own a home, you’re responsible for all repairs. But you don’t have to do it all alone. At Houston Window Experts, we have years of experience improving our customers’ windows and homes. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.
