Maintenance is cheaper than repairs.  I always stress that maintaining your home in good working order by performing regular maintenance is much less expensive than paying for repairs after something has gone wrong.  I’m talking about those chores like cleaning your gutters twice a year, cleaning your dryer vent and refrigerator coils, flushing the hot water tank, inspecting the roof, attic and crawl space plus several more.  These tasks are not difficult to perform and don’t really take too much time.  Here are a few tips and tasks to maintain your home:

1. Create a seasonal schedule for maintenance. It makes it easier to remember what needs to be done and when.  
2. Keep notes on the repairs and service you’ve had done to your home in a file folder labeled “home maintenance” along with service contracts and contact numbers for your plumber, electrician, and handyperson.  
3. Inspect all electrical cords, wall plates, switches, and outlets.
4. Replace furnace filters.
5. Check the exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room for adequate draw.  Light incense and hold it close to the fan while it’s on and if it draws the smoke into the fan, it is working properly.
6. Inspect washing machine hoses for wear and damage. Replace hoses if they are older than two years. 
7. Clean your dryer vent hose from the dryer all the way to where it exits the house, if accessible.  There’s a long-handled brush made just for this.  
8. Clean refrigerator coils and make sure there is adequate clearance around the appliance for good airflow.  
9. Take a break and wait for spring to arrive.

If you’re not handy, have no desire, or are just intimidated by the thought of doing some of the maintenance tasks, then hire the work out.  Think of it like doing preventative maintenance on your car i.e. changing the oil, wiper blades, brakes and tires.  Your home is likely your largest investment and also your biggest expense.  With regular scheduled maintenance you can keep those repair bills to a minimum and reduce the stress of home ownership.

Amy Ecklund is the owner of AmyWorks, which offers home maintenance and repair services, workshops and practical problem solving.  For more information call (206) 478-2019.