Why: The heating element of a water heater is at the bottom of the tank. If this heat is being blocked by settled sediment, calcium, and minerals, then your water heater has to work much harder to do its job. The accumulation of sediment can lead to some major problems — you may even start to see it come out of your faucets. After two to five years, sediment can cause even more serious issues: pipe bursting, loss of water pressure, or even the breakdown of the tank itself.
Performed in spring/summer.
Why: Lint, dust, and pet hair can build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, reducing air flow and backing up exhaust gases. Thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your dryer vent every year is a must. Beyond reducing the risk of fire, you’re putting money back into your wallet by improving the dryer’s efficiency. A neglected dryer vent can also double or triple the time needed to dry your clothes, as the moist, hot air cannot properly escape.
Performed in fall/winter.
Why: Ensuring your home is prepared in the event of disaster is often as simple as replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every year. It’s a crucial step in protecting your family and your property.
Performed in fall/winter.
Why: Your HVAC system will become strained if your air filters aren’t changed out regularly. The filters become clogged as they trap particles such as dust and allergens, forcing your fan to work harder to blow air through them. This can cause long-term damage to your HVAC system and reduce its lifespan.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Replacing your refrigerator water makes certain that your drinking water is safe and free of contaminants.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Inspecting the oven means ensuring all the heating elements and mechanical parts are working as they should be, as well as confirming a dangerous gas leak isn’t present.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Good air flow is critical for your AC’s condenser coils. For condenser units, the most common threat is a buildup of yard debris on the fins, often in the form of grass clippings, fallen leaves, twigs, and pet hair. If the coil is dirty or if plants or other objects are too close to the conditioner unit, the fan in the outdoor coil can’t move enough air. This places a strain on the condenser’s ability to transfer heat, reducing your AC’s energy efficiency and raising your electricity cost.
Performed in spring/summer.
Why: Because the faucet aerator is similar in function to a filter, bits of dirt and other debris that build up around the openings can cause pressure issues. Forcing air into the stream cuts down on the amount of water used, effectively lowering your water bill every time it goes to work. It also helps remove small particulates from the water for a healthier, tastier drink.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: When the coils are clogged with dirt, dust, and pet hair, they can’t efficiently release heat. This results in your compressor working harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge.
Performed in fall/winter.
Why: The condensate drain line plays an important role in removing condensation produced by your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. If the line isn’t properly cleaned, algae and mold can clog the drain, causing elevated humidity, musty odors, and water damage inside your home.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Appliance lights are notoriously hard to remove and a hassle to replace. Without proper light, it’s easy to misjudge and overcook or undercook your food. While not the most serious issue on this list, it can be a major hindrance in the kitchen and elsewhere.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Clogged drains not only test your patience, but can also cost a hefty plumber’s fee if left to build up further.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: The dishwasher becomes clogged when food particles get trapped in the drain filter and linger for a while. A clogged drain can cause slow drainage of water or stop the water draining completely, leaving standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher and causing an unpleasant odor.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: As temperatures start to drop, exterior water supply pipes should be fitted with foam, rubber, or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can prevent pipes from freezing, bursting, and flooding your home.
Performed in fall/winter.
Why: Inspecting for leaks ensures that you don’t suffer from water damage or overpay on your water bill.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Inspecting for leaks ensures that you don’t suffer from water damage or overpay on your water bill. Slow drain leaks can ruin cabinetry and cause mold and mildew in your home.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Regularly sanitizing your washer and dryer will remove unwanted odors and reduce the spread of pathogens in your home. Hot water and detergent alone is not enough to kill certain organisms and pathogens that harbor infectious diseases.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Sanitizing the dishwasher will get rid of any unwanted odors and clean out the remaining bacteria that lingers from food waste.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Frequent garbage disposal use results in the buildup of food debris — not to mention unpleasant odors that waft from the sink. Food residue can also gum up the walls of the garbage disposal, leading to a less effective system.
Performed every preventive maintenance visit.
Why: Testing the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home ensures that you and your family are alerted in the event of an emergency. It’s easy to put off servicing or installing detectors, but the protection of these devices is a valuable safety feature.
Performed in spring/summer.
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