You Will REGRET Putting Off These 3 VITAL Home Maintenance Tasks

Even when following a home maintenance checklist, vital tasks may be overlooked and forgotten. This may cost you on your next energy bill, show up as an avoidable repair or even shorten the lifespan of your appliances. Although OneContact is here to help you if anything goes wrong at home, here are simple proactive habits to form for the times we are not around. 

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1. Clean your refrigerator coils

OneContact stands behind preventative and proactive maintenance to save you money in the long run. When coils are left uncleaned, they don’t efficiently release heat. This causes your compressor to work harder and longer than it was designed to, which uses more energy and shortens the lifespan of your refrigerator. Refrigerator coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. You can clean most of them by using a vacuum or a flexible coil brush for a more thorough clean. 

2. Drain Sediment from Water Heater 

Every homeowner knows the importance of maintenance, however, many homeowners may overlook the fact that draining sediment from your water heater can prevent future leaks and save on your energy bill. Overtime as sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater it makes it harder to heat your home’s showers, dishwasher, and laundry. By flushing out the sediment you can save money on your energy bills as well as improve the lifespan and function of your water heater. Here are the 8 general steps to complete the process:

1. Turn the Water Heater Off – If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power switch. If you have a gas water heater, turn the valve to the “pilot” setting
2. Turn the Cold Water Valve Off
3. Let the water cool – Wait for the water inside the tank to cool for about 1-2 hours. 
4. Attach a drain or garden hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank – Make sure your hose is threaded on completely
5. Place the end of the hose in a bucket or drain.
6. Turn on a faucet (or two)
7. Start draining the tank by turning on the drain valve.
8. After the water heater tank has finished draining the sediment, turn the drain valve off, remove the hose, turn the cold water valve on, and turn the heating elements in the water heater back on. – Wait for 30 minutes and then test it out!

Don’t fear! Our Home Maintenance Program will inspect and assist with any water heater issues. 

3. Clean Dryer Vents 

A clogged dryer vent will not only cause your dryer to run inefficiently, it can also be a fire hazard. Signs that it is time to clean your dryer vents include longer dry times and strong odors. If your dryer vents need to be replaced, avoid plastic vents as they are a fire hazard. Opt for metal vents instead. Did you know a clean dryer vent will also help slash your heating bills? Quicker dry times, a cheaper heating bill and avoiding fire hazards! You just hit three birds with one stone with this simple home maintenance task. 

We get it, it can be tedious. OneContact can handle all these tasks for you and so much more! Contact us here.