Like your car, your home is an investment that will require regular care and upkeep. By following the simple steps outlined here, you can ensure that your new home remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Air Conditioning/Heating Systems

Replace your filter regularly.
The instruction manual for your heating/air conditioning system will instruct you on what types of filters to use, how to replace them, and how often they should be replaced. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully, as failure to regularly replace your filter can result in costly damage to your system.

To Reduce Cooling Costs:
There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the amount of money you spend on cooling the house each month.

• Be sure that the registers are always closed in rooms that you do not regularly use.
• When it is hot outside, keep all doors and windows closed to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Keep drapes and blinds closed during the day, as this will prevent sunlight from heating your home through the glass.
• Be sure to run heat-generating appliances, like dishwashers, later in the evening.

To Reduce Heating Costs:

• Be sure that the registers are always closed in rooms that you do not regularly use.
• When it is cold outside, keep doors and windows closed to prevent hot air from escaping.
• Be sure to keep blinds and curtains open during the day, to allow the sunlight to provide some natural heat to your home.

Bathtubs, Sinks and Countertops

To prolong the life and appearance of your new bathtubs and sinks, follow these pointers:

• Do not allow food waste to sit in your kitchen sink.
• Do not use bathtubs or sinks to hold paint cans, trash, or tools (if redecorating.)
• Do not wear shoes in your bathtub for any reason.
• Do not use any type of photographic or developing solutions in your sinks or bathtubs.
• Be sure to clean your bathtubs and sinks regularly. When you clean, be sure to use a nonabrasive cleaner.

Faucets

• Clean your aerators every three to four months. Aerators are most common on kitchen and bathroom sinks. They add air to the water that comes out of your faucet, thus helping to prevent splashes (and wasted water.) To clean an aerator, unscrew it from the end of the faucet. Remove any deposits, and remove and rinse the washers and screens. Replace all of the components in their original order, and put the aerator back on the faucet.
• If you have a leaky faucet, you most likely need to replace the washers (in the case of faucets with single controls for hot and cold, you’ll need to replace the cartridge.) Before you attempt to repair your faucet, be sure to shut the water off at the nearest intake valve. Washers and cartridges are available at most home improvement stores.

Countertops

• Do not place hot pots or pans directly on your countertops.
• Do not cut food directly on your countertops.
• Clean your countertops regularly.

Garage/Driveway

Garage Doors

• Grease the moving parts of your garage door every 3 months to ensure continuous smooth operation. Only use a lubricant that is specially designed for garage doors.
• Tighten the screws that fasten the hardware on your garage door every 12 months.

Asphalt Driveways

• Do not allow oil or gasoline to spill onto an asphalt surface, as these types of substances can cause serious damage. If you must clean up an oil or gasoline spill, wash the affected area immediately with soapy water, and then rinse.
• Do not rest sharp objects against the asphalt surface, as they can create holes or indentations.
• Never burn leaves or anything else on your asphalt driveway.

Fireplaces

Wood Burning Fireplaces

• Make sure your fireplace is equipped with andirons (or a grate) and a screen.
• Insure that your fireplace draws properly by lighting a newspaper on the andirons or grate and watching to see if the smoke is carried up the chimney.
• Never use flammable liquids (such as lighter fluid or gasoline) in your fireplace.
• Do not use pine logs in your fireplace, as pine smoke contains tar that will adhere to the insides of your chimney and put you at a greater risk for chimney fires.

Gas Fireplaces

• Keep flue or vent open at all times, even when the fireplace is not in use.
• As each gas fireplace is slightly different, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance, as well as safety precautions.

Keep the proper tools around the house.

You will need a basic tool kit to ensure that you are prepared to deal with minor repairs if and when they arise. It’s a good idea to keep the following tools in your home:

• Adjustable wrench
• Standard pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Small, medium and large screwdrivers with both standard and Phillips heads
• Claw hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Assorted nails, screws, nuts, bolts and washers
• Level
• Small electric drill with bits and screwdriver attachments
• Caulking gun
• Tape measure