Your home is a significant investment worth protecting, and to make sure your Lennar home stays in great shape, proper maintenance is vital.
Florida’s humid, sub-tropical climate makes certain aspects of home maintenance even more critical than others. If you live in the Sunshine State, here are three areas of your home to pay special attention to:
Monitor your air conditioning system.
Your home’s air conditioning system has a big job to do – especially in Florida. The better your AC runs, the more comfortable your home will be. Plus, keeping your AC in pristine condition will help it run more efficiently, which could lead to savings on your energy bill.
The simplest thing you can do to keep your AC running smoothly is to change or clean the filter each month. This is important because when debris builds up in your filter, it reduces airflow and causes your AC to work harder than normal to keep your home cool. When an AC system is overworked, there’s a greater chance that the drain pan will back up with water and overflow, which could shut down the system and possibly even cause water damage to your home.
In addition to changing filters monthly, schedule professional AC maintenance twice a year. It’s especially important to make sure all parts are working well before summer, when your AC will be working the hardest, or just before winter, when you’ll likely be using the heating system for the first time in a while.
Maintain the home’s plumbing and septic tank systems.
An easy way to keep your home’s plumbing system in check is by picking a day each month to run water through all faucets and flush all toilets. Pay special attention to plumbing fixtures in your home that are not regularly used, such as the shower in a guest bathroom, or the sink in an outdoor kitchen.
Many older homes and homes in rural areas use septic tank systems. If your home has a septic tank, it should be inspected by a maintenance professional annually and drained every three to five years. It’s especially important to conserve water with a septic tank system, so consider energy-efficient appliances like GE washing machines.
Know where your septic tank’s drain field is located. Avoid parking on it, or placing any heavy items on it such as a grill or bench. When landscaping, avoid deep-rooted plants and trees near the drain field, and keep landscaping well maintained to prevent roots from penetrating the tank.
No matter what type of system you have, be cautious of what goes into your home’s plumbing – never pour oil or grease down sink drains and never flush solids such as thick paper towels, kitty litter or coffee grounds.
Seal cracks in the exterior and check for proper drainage.
You should check for proper drainage and airflow in your home a few times a year. Inspect exterior drainage conditions to make sure nothing is causing water to stand in puddles for more than 24 hours.
Keep gutters clean and free of material that could block water flow, and make sure downspouts are positioned to deflect water away from the home.
Every six months or so, inspect your home’s doors and windows and seal up any leaks. This will help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home year-round.
If your home has stucco, check your home’s exterior for cracks, which can result from seasonal weather changes, or simply from the home settling over time. Hairline cracks should be taken care of early on to avoid moisture damage. Small cracks can easily be sealed with caulk, but deeper cracks may require professional assistance.
Properly maintaining your home may seem like a big job, but performing small maintenance tasks throughout the year will likely save time and money in the long run and help you avoid a major problem. Save and download Lennar’s “Home Maintenance Checklist” to make the job a little easier.
