Preventing problems in your home before they occur can save a lot of money and prevent a few headaches. Just as you schedule regular maintenance for your vehicle, you should also schedule regular maintenance for your home. Here are a few things you can do to keep your house in great shape and avoid potential problems.

Have Your Drains Cleaned

Bath, shower and sink drains can become clogged over time. Whether it's grease in your kitchen plumbing or hair in the shower, these obstructions can cause your drains to be less efficient. Instead of waiting for a drain problem to occur, hire a drain cleaning service to clear your plumbing once per year. You can also have the plumber check the pipes for any potential leaks or other issues, so you can have them repaired immediately. Ask to have the drains in your basement floor inspected before the end of winter to prevent flooding as snow begins to melt or as spring rains begin to fall.

Schedule An HVAC Inspection

To keep your heating and cooling system working at peak condition, hire an HVAC specialist to perform an annual inspection. Your contractor should be able to provide you with an inspection checklist that points out potential issues and shows you which parts of your system are functioning properly. This checklist should include the following:

• Check ductwork for debris and other obstructions
• Inspect and clean registers and grilles
• Remove and clean blower motors, including the housing for this component
• Inspect blower blades
• Ensure the HVAC system can power on and off properly
• Inspect thermostat

You can elect to have this inspection performed twice per year to prepare the AC for hot summer months and the heater for the cold winter.

Inspect Your Roof And Gutters

Your gutters should be cleaned at least once per year. Take this opportunity to inspect the gutters to look for potential leaks that might direct water into your home. A contractor can perform a leak test after the gutters have been cleaned to identify and repair problem areas. Ask to have your roof inspected at the same time so you can have any necessary repairs performed on the flashing, fascia or roofing tiles. If a potential breach is found that could result in leaks or that could cause animals to access your attic area, you can have them repaired immediately.

Keeping your home free from plumbing and HVAC problems and preventing water from entering your home is easy if you schedule regular maintenance (from professionals such as those from Gold Seal Plumbing). Instead of waiting for an overflowing toilet or clogged gutters to damage your home, be proactive and have your systems cleaned and inspected at least once a year.