Owning a home can be an exciting and delightful experience. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your property is well-maintained and running smoothly. Knowing some essential things about your home can help you avoid potential hazards or costly repairs. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top five things that every homeowner should know.
Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve
One essential thing you need to know as a homeowner is the location of the main water shutoff valve. In case of a water leak or burst, you can quickly turn off the water supply to prevent further water damage. Usually, the main shutoff valve is located near the water meter, either outside or inside your property. Knowing the location of the main valve can save you from the headache of expensive repairs and water damage.
Know Your Property Lines
Knowing your property lines is crucial, especially if you plan to add any outdoor installations such as a fence, shed, etc. As a homeowner, you should know where your property begins and ends to avoid any potential boundary disputes with your neighbors. You can locate your property lines by checking your property survey or hiring a professional land surveyor to confirm the exact location.
Understand Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the hub of your home's electrical system. As a homeowner, you should understand how to operate your electrical panel, including how to switch off individual circuits and how to reset tripped breakers. Familiarizing yourself with the electrical panel will help you troubleshoot any electrical issues and avoid potential electrical hazards.
Regularly Change Air Filters
Air filters help keep your indoor air quality clean and healthy. As a homeowner, you should regularly change your air filters to ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently. Dirty air filters can put a strain on your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills, and costly repairs, and can be a potential fire hazard.
Create a Home Maintenance Checklist
Your home needs regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. As a homeowner, you should create a home maintenance checklist that includes tasks such as cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, checking for leaks, and more. A home maintenance checklist helps you keep track of essential tasks and helps prevent costly repairs down the road. We recommend creating a list for each season of the year. Breaking the list up by season is less overwhelming and prevents important tasks from being overlooked by mistake.
As a homeowner, it's vital to know some basic things about your home to ensure that it runs smoothly and you avoid any potential hazards. From locating the main water shutoff valve to regularly changing air filters and creating (and using!) a home maintenance checklist, these essential things can help you maintain your property and prevent costly repairs. Knowing these things can save you from headaches and ensure that your home functions well.