It’s common when you’re living comfortably to enjoy the moment, and sometimes forget the little details that need improving. Your home can slowly become full of appliances and areas that need that little bit of extra TLC- so don’t put it off forever. Follow our 5 top home improvement tips for maintaining your home in 2023 before it’s too late.
Table of contents
Clean the air conditioning filter
Depending on where you live, most homes are now fitted with air conditioning units to aid you through the hot summer months. With the endless benefits of having one in your home, it’s no shock to why over 1.6 billion air-cons are installed throughout the world.
However, it’s essential to stick to air conditioning regulations whether you are a small homeowner or commercial property developer, and one thing that stands out is a dirty air conditioning.
Cleaning your air conditioning filter is essential for it to run with the highest efficiency, as dust and bacteria can restrict airflow and stop it cooling down as it should.
You should clean your air conditioning filter before the summer (when you start to use it more frequently) and then once a month while it’s in regular use. However, a quick wipe down won’t cut it when giving it a clean, so follow these steps for an easy and effective way to clean your filter:
Remove the filter. Turn off the electricity source and take off the cover of the unit (usually done by releasing the push tabs or loosening the screws). Then remove the filter by sliding or releasing the clips.
Submerge the filter in lukewarm water.
Add a mix of washing up liquid and warm water to a bowl and leave inside for 15-30 minutes for best results.
Spray the filter. Mix up a solution of equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and cover the filter. Leave for 10-15 minutes, and this will kill off any harmful bacteria.
Allow the filter to air dry; this could take several hours.
Check your plumbing system
Keeping water at free flow through your pipes is essential to make sure you can access clean, fresh water all year round. Following these tips will ensure you don’t have any big problems when the weather changes:
Never pour fats and oils down the drain. Think of your pipes as your arteries, to keep everything flowing correctly they need to be open. Fatty liquids or oil will accumulate in your plumbing and cause clogs- just the same as it would in your body. The easiest way to prevent this is by altogether avoiding oil near your sinks, but in case of an accident, run hot water and washing up liquid down you drain (immediately) to emulsify it.
Invest in a hair strainer for the bathroom. Whether you live with women or are a woman, we all know the struggles of wanting to run a bath or shower but the water not flowing correctly due to clumps of hair stuck in the drain. Moreover, it’s not an ideal job to fish it out with your hands, especially if it’s not your own. A hair strainer will catch all the clumps before it reaches the drain, which enables easy removal and disposal.
Window Insulation
If you’re wondering why your energy bills have increased dramatically, drafty windows may be an issue. If cold air is entering through poorly sealed windows, then it can cause a nasty draft in the winter season that can not only be uncomfortable but raise your energy bills and create long term health issues.
The caulk line is the rubber piece that insulates your window, and if this is looking dry or cracked, then it’s a significant insight into what the issue is. To change your caulk line is easy, remove it with a sharp knife then run a new one across the open seam.
Heat and Cool More Efficiently
An easy way to save money (and cold feet!) is to monitor your heating routine. Depending on how old your boiler is, could mean it’s time for a boiler replacement.
However, new boilers can still lack in efficiency, especially if you’re not studying your thermostat carefully. To help you understand and regulate your heating usage, smart thermostats such as Nest can help you.
Nest and other smart thermostats learn your living routine and programmes itself accordingly, therefore saving you time and money. If you don’t want to splash the cash on new technology, you need to manually plan out what temperature you need to set your boiler at, and when you need it most. Using your heating sparingly will extend the life of your boiler, and save you more money to invest elsewhere.
Pest Prevention
Especially in summer months, you will find a high increase in the amount of ‘pests’ lurking around your home. It can be uncomfortable and create anxiety for your friends and family, so it’s better to exterminate and prevent sooner rather than later. Common pests in your home can include:
- Rats and Mice
- Bed Bugs
- Flies
- Wasps
- Termites
In severe cases, the easiest fix is to call out pest control services, which are cheap and easy to find. However, do try and use preventative measures such as boric acid and Orange Guard before spending your money.
This guide to home maintenance tips will keep you content in your home all year round, no matter the weather or what life has to throw at you. It’s essential to keep good care of your home, as it will then take care of you.
Interesting article, thanks.