Home Maintenance 101

Homes are more than brick and mortar; homes are our happy place. Like a family, a home also needs love and respect. For a long-lasting home, you need to pay attention to the needs of the home and keep an eye on things that might need occasional repair. We made a list of 15 essentials for home maintenance.

• What part of the faucet needs to be replaced when you have a water leak?

  The washer.

• Should you run hot or cold water through your garbage disposal?

  Cold water.

• How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?

  Every three months.

• Which part of the faucet needs to be cleaned every three to four months?

  Aerator — the screen inside the end of the faucet.

• What will add color to the fire in your fireplace?

  Throw in a handful of salt.

• How should your firewood be stored?

  Away from your house and not directly on the ground.

• How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?

  Every three months during the heating season.

• What should you use to clean unpainted concrete floors?

  A solution of 4 to 6 tablespoons of washing soda in a gallon of hot water.

• Can you clean hardwood floors with water?

  If the floors have a polyurethane finish.

• What is the best polish for vinyl floors?

  Water emulsion wax.

• When is basement condensation at its maximum?

  In new homes – because gallons of water went into the concrete of basement walls.

• Why should noisy water pipes be fixed immediately?

  The condition that causes noisy pipes may be accompanied by vibration which can cause fittings to loosen and leak.

• How often should your roof be inspected?

  Every three years.

• At what temperature should your water heater be set?

  120 degrees Fahrenheit

• What is a simple solution for dirty exterior windows?

  A solution of equal parts vinegar and water or 3 tablespoons of denatured alcohol per quart of warm water. Use crumpled newspaper to avoid the lint left behind by paper towels.

Maximum Value. Achieved.