Homeownership is full of new experiences, including maintenance and addressing breakdowns. In fact, one of the biggest adjustments homeowners need to make is no longer relying on a landlord for maintenance and solutions to breakdowns.
Here are some common maintenance items and breakdowns you should expect as a new homeowner.
Heating & Cooling Maintenance & Breakdowns
One of the easiest pieces of maintenance is also one of the easiest to overlook, especially if you’ve never owned a home before: changing your HVAC filter.
Changing your HVAC filter regularly can go a long way in reducing HVAC breakdowns. If you don’t change it regularly, it could cause your HVAC system to work harder than it has to, which can lead to costly breakdowns. Here’s how to change your HVAC filter.
Different kinds of filters and different kinds of systems have different requirements, so it doesn’t hurt to search online for your specific system’s information. But generally, you should change your HVAC filter every 1–3 months. HVAC filters usually cost anywhere between $10 and $50.
On the other hand, HVAC breakdowns can be extremely expensive. On average, an HVAC replacement could cost between $5,000 and $12,500. And many HVAC breakdowns aren’t something you should try to fix on your own, due to the complexity of these systems.
Another easy step to take is hosing off any dirt or debris that has built up along the sides of the unit. This could help the system run more efficiently and discourage animals from building nests.
In addition to changing your filter regularly and hosing your air conditioner down occasionally, you can protect against expensive breakdowns with a Home Service Plan from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10). A 2-10 Home Service Plan can give you a powerful, cost-effective solution for HVAC breakdowns.
Plumbing Maintenance & Breakdowns
Did you know that you should drain your water heater once a year and that it’s pretty easy to do? Draining your water heater helps remove mineral deposits that can make your water heater less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
Check out our guide on how to drain your water heater like a pro. All you need is a sturdy hose and a couple hours.
Of course, during the course of homeownership, you may face more complicated plumbing problems. And water damage can turn into serious problems over time. With a 2-10 Home Service Plan, you can access a trusted network of independent plumbing contractors that diagnose and solve plumbing issues and save money doing it.
Electrical Maintenance & Breakdowns
There are a few simple things that you can do to maintain your home’s electrical system without needing a multimeter. Here are a few electrical system maintenance items to consider:
- Dust any pluggable appliances regularly to prevent overheating
- Install surge protectors
- Use LED lightbulbs over incandescent
- Check light switches regularly
For example, if you notice that a light switch plate feels hot to the touch, you may have a serious problem with the switch itself or the wiring.
It is possible to replace a light switch yourself, and when done correctly, it’s a low-risk replacement. (The guy who wrote this article managed to do it and he can barely operate a flathead screwdriver successfully.) However, if you aren’t 100% confident that you can change it, don’t try.
Instead, consider a 2-10 Home Service Plan, which can give you access to quality electricians who can address serious electrical issues professionally.
Kitchen Appliances Maintenance & Breakdowns
A simple way to maintain your major kitchen appliances—like your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher—is by keeping them clean.
For example, if you have an electric oven, the baking element—which is the metal part that gets hot— may have food drip onto it and cake onto it. This can eat away at the element and cause it to disintegrate.
With refrigerators, the condenser coil, which helps keep everything cool, can gather dust and pet hair over time. This can make it work harder to keep things cool, which can also cause breakdowns. Keeping the condenser coils clean is an easy way to prevent this issue.
For dishwashers, it’s a good idea to clean out the filter every month with soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush.
But even with regular cleaning, appliances will eventually break down. With a 2-10 Home Service Plan, you can find an effective contractor to fix the issues.
