Six Home Maintenance Tips You May Not Think Of | Security First Insurance: Florida Homeowners Insurance

Sure, you’ve got the home maintenance biggies down pat, but how’s your grasp of the finer points of daily home tasks? Answer these questions to see if you have the know-how to keep your home running like a fine-tuned machine!

Q: Does the location of your thermostat matter?

A: Yes. Your thermostat location could influence the temperature in your home. If your thermostat is located in direct sunlight (especially in Florida) or next to a lamp, it could run hot and might not accurately reflect the temperature in your home.

Q: How often should you inspect your garage door?

A: Twice a year (at least). Inspecting the foundation and walls in your garage for cracks or moisture is very important. Most garage doors have self-lubricating or plastic parts, so you won’t need to use oil. You should replace the seal if it looks damaged and blow dust and leaves off the door’s track to keep it working efficiently. Remodeling ideas.

Q: Does the temperature of the water you use with your garbage disposal matter?

A: Yes, you should only use cold water. Running hot water down the garbage disposal causes grease to liquefy and spread, coating the drain and causing clogs. Running cold water hardens grease, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up, helping prevent clogs. The Do's and Don'ts.

Q: Should your water pipes make noise?

A: No. If they are making noises, loudly and regulary, they should be fixed promptly. The noise coming from the pipes in your home can cause vibrations, leading to loose and leaky pipes.

Q: How often should you inspect your skylights?

A: Every three years. You should hire a certified roofer to inspect your skylight sealant and make sure it is not cracked or damaged. While he is up there, take advantage of the opportunity to have him examine your roof, as roofs should also be inspected every three years. (Tweet this)

Q: Will running the fan keep the house cool?

A: No. Fans do not cool a room down, they just move air around the room. Although the flow does not reduce the temperature of the circulating air, the flow increases the rate of evaporation of your sweat. The evaporating water takes some heat away from your skin, resulting in your skin becoming cooler. As a result, running a fan when no one is home is unnecessary and could cause a fire if the motor overheats.