As you’re moving into your new home, it’s the perfect time to check off some essential maintenance tasks. The better you take care of the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, the easier it is to avoid major inconveniences throughout the rest of the year. After all, the last thing you need is to settle into your new house only to run into unexpected problems that leave you with costly repair bills.

HVAC Upkeep

The HVAC system is essential to staying warm in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer. Taking time to change the air filter regularly will help the whole system run smoother and contribute to better indoor air quality. Most systems need filter changes every 30 to 90 days. You’ll also need to schedule a professional maintenance visit if it’s been more than a year since the last one. You can usually find this out by asking the seller. Moving forward, be sure to document each maintenance visit so that you know when to schedule the next one. If your home is using a mini-split for heating and cooling, it’ll likely need seasonal checkups to keep it running at peak performance.

Plumbing Maintenance

You don’t have to be a licensed plumber to perform essential plumbing maintenance tasks like inspecting for leaks under sinks. Once a month, do a walk-through of your home to listen for running water behind walls. If you hear a noise that resembles water trickling or spraying, shut off the water supply and call a plumber. The longer you leave this type of leak unattended, the greater the risk of expensive water damage. Few things are more frustrating than settling into your new home only to find mold growing due to a leak that could have been prevented with a simple repair.

Electrical Safety Tasks

You significantly reduce the risk of a house fire when you do regular maintenance on the electrical system. For you as the homeowner, this means regularly testing GFCI outlets to ensure they work correctly. You also need to look for frayed wiring connected to light fixtures, appliances and electronic devices. If you notice any electrical problems or damaged wiring, don’t try to fix them yourself. There are literally hundreds of volts of electricity running through the wiring, and only a licensed electrician should handle these types of repairs.

When you follow the maintenance tips listed above, you’re protecting your investment while reducing the likelihood of unexpected repair bills. Taking care of these tasks shortly after moving in is one of the best ways to start homeownership on the right foot. When you need local moving services in Warren, MI, contact Integrity Movers.