Homeownership

As an investment, a home requires more than a good cleaning now and then. New homeowners should follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep repair costs down and to maximize their profit when it’s time to sell.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jan. 22, 2008 – Buy milk. Go to dry cleaner. Pay bills. Such reminder notes cover refrigerators, but tasks such as “vacuum refrigerator coils” don’t usually appear on to-do lists. But benign neglect today equals costly repairs tomorrow.
Preventive maintenance stabilizes a home’s value, something buyers and sellers always want to do. Concerns are especially acute while the real-estate market remains turbulent. We asked Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s expert, and Bob Markovich, home and yard editor for Consumer Reports, to suggest simple steps you can take to keep things running smoothly.
Roof
Every six months inspect this area of the house through binoculars. Check for damage or missing shingles.
Refrigerator
Because it runs 24/7, this appliance is one of the hardest working in the house. Remove the screws that hold the kick plate in place. The plate is on the bottom of the front of the refrigerator. Vacuum coils under the refrigerator every two to four weeks. Coils could also be on the back of the refrigerator.
Stove
Industry experts say sales of smooth-top stoves continue to climb. Do not use a damp cloth to clean smooth-top stoves. Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can damage the porous surface. Instead, use a specialized cleaner. Apply it to a cloth, and then wipe the stove. If you have a gas stove, be careful not to touch the igniter when you are cleaning spills on burners. Dishwasher
Every time you load the silverware caddy, make sure none of the utensils sticks up so far that it blocks the spray arm located at the bottom of the dishwasher. This could damage the spray arm and obstruct the flow of water, greatly reducing the efficiency of the washer. Clean the spray arm and inspect the strainer each month. The strainer should be free of food, broken glass and other debris.
Dryer
Clean the lint trap every time you use the dryer. To keep the appliance running efficiently and to reduce the risk of fire, clean the exhaust duct annually. You might have to move the dryer away from a wall. Disconnect the dryer duct from the machine. Use a duct cleaning brush kit to unclog the duct. Though many folks consider dryer maintenance a DIY task, you can hire a professional service company to do it. Fees range from $75 to $175.
Washer
At least once a year, remove grit from hose washer screens. The screens can be found where hoses attach to the pipes that supply the water. Water heater To conserve energy, set the thermostat at 120 degrees. Drain the water heater at least once a year to prevent sediment from building up inside the unit.
Air filters
Replace them at least once a month. A dirty, ripped or clogged filter could reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 30 percent, Manfredini said. Replacing filters will help improve the air quality inside your home. Air- conditioning and heating unit Have a professional inspect the system annually. Condenser coils must remain free of debris. Ducts leading from the unit into the home must be sealed properly. Plant shrubs at least 12 to 14 inches away from the outdoor unit to prevent leaves, branches and twigs from clogging the system.
Gutters
Keep gutters unclogged to prevent water from backing up inside them. Water could pool on the roof and cause structural damage. Check downspouts at least twice a month. If water is not flowing out while it’s raining, then you know you have a problem. Place a leaf blower at the mouth of the gutter to dislodge anything that might be stuck inside. If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, go to the roof and sweep away the debris. Or climb the ladder so that you can reach the place where the gutter connects to the roof. Spray water through a hose to clear the downspout.
Decks
Use a pressure washer with a wide-spray nozzle to clean decks. Make your own gallon of cleaning solution that is 1/4 bleach and 3/4 water. Markovich suggests adding 3 ounces of TSP phosphate cleaner. Begin with the nozzle about 2 feet away from the deck, and move closer as needed. To avoid damaging the decking, keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the deck’s surface. About every three years, depending on weather conditions, re-apply a deck treatment product designed to resist damage from UV rays, weather and normal wear and tear. For wood decking, Markovich recommends using Cabot Decking Stain 1480, an opaque, oil-based substance, or Cabot Solid Color 1880, a latex substance.
(c)2008 The Florida Times-Union, Brandy Hilboldt Allport; via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved