With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list.
Like many homeowners, you might try to cram certain projects into a weekend. Or worse yet, disaster strikes and you get hit with a large bill since you never got around to a minor task that turned into a major issue.
Stop causing yourself so much stress! Let the professionals help you, and better yet, have a relationship with them.
Why It’s Worth the Money
There are three professional relationships you should have visit your home quarterly or seasonally – HVAC (Heating & A/C), Pest Control/Termite, and a chimney sweep.
Better yet, having each of these set up on a maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance you need. You will be assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these areas so that you can avoid preventable messes now or serious problems later.
At first glance, it may seem like a lot of money to spend on a visit where your learn that nothing that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run, helping you avoid damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions for your family.
Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any business. You want a reputable, reliable, and trust-worthy company that services your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.
1) HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System
This is the biggie for most homeowners. Your heating and cooling system affects your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and efficiently.
No one wants to come home to no heat on a cold January night or have their air conditioning unit break down during the hottest week of August! Regular service could help prevent that.
Here’s what to expect:
A professional HVAC company should service your system(s) at least twice a year, at the change in seasons.
A technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to make sure all is safe and functioning properly.
These maintenance visits are scheduled usually in the early Fall and Spring, before your system needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. There are local companies who will contact you to set up an appointment or you can add it to your seasonal to-do list.
Having a relationship with a company often helps you get scheduling priority when something does go wrong, which is extremely helpful during the holidays or weekends. It also means that one company is familiar with your system, so there is less guesswork involved in their diagnosis of problems that may arise.
Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
No one likes to admit it, but some neighborhoods can have mice, as well as other creatures and pests. And don’t get us started on the damage (and cost!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home!
Pest control really isn’t a do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or two, or even get out some ant spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional technician.
Here’s what to expect:
A pest control company can remind you to schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look out for at certain times of the year and at the change of seasons.
It’s all about “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.
If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve the situation in a safe and efficient way that will save you money in the long run.
You’ll develop a relationship with the company and most likely with your neighborhood technician who will know your home and yard and its “problem” spots.
Also, you’ll probably get priority scheduling if an emergency arises.
Chimney Sweep (not just for fireplaces)
This task is definitely not a DIY one since it can be dangerous and dirty!
Cleaning and inspecting your chimney requires a certified chimney sweep whose expertise will help prevent your fireplace from experiencing any combustion issues or creosote buildup that could cause a fire in your home.
And just because you don’t cozy up to a fire, doesn’t mean you can skip this one! Some homes have a chimney to vent its gas heater or gas water heater.
Here’s what to expect:
You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. This is critical before you begin using your fireplace for the season!
A chimney sweep will clean the fireplace, check the firebox, liners, smoke chambers and flue, and the chimney’s exterior. They have the equipment and the expertise to do this efficiently and safely (and without a mess!).
A sweep will make sure that birds and other critters haven’t set up a nest that can block the chimney. Plus, leaves and other debris can collect and obstruct the chimney.
If your chimney needs repairs, the company can handle this too.
Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain company or technician who knows your home and chimney.
Even if you don’t have a fireplace, some homes have a chimney that is used to vent your gas heat and/or your gas water heater. Double check your home’s set up.
As you can see, investing in service contracts upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner. Your home is being monitored and serviced on a regular basis, helping to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on.
Reach out to me if you have any questions about these services or want local recommendations. As always, I’m here to make life easier.
Jennifer Mutwalli Louisville Concierge Agent ׀ www.louisvilleconciergeagent.com
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