Your home will probably be one of the biggest investments that you make. Given that this is where we raise our families, keep them safe, and create a life for ourselves, it makes sense that we invest so much into our houses. Buying the perfect home, however, is only the beginning. If you want your house to take care of you, you have to take care of it.
Knowing when to replace or service the things in and around your home will go a long way towards protecting your investment. Smoke detectors, for example, ensure that your family is safe and that your home is protected from fire. While the batteries in your smoke detectors will probably last a while, it is recommended that you change them every six months. Additionally, it would be best if you changed out your HVAC air filters every 60 to 90 days to protect the air in your home and keep your HVAC unit working. These are the simpler things that need to be changed frequently.
From your roof to the HVAC system, several larger things will also need to be replaced at some point. Let’s take a look at what you should know about replacing some things around your house.
Exterior Replacements
There are several things on the exterior of your home that will need replacing at some point to preserve the integrity of your home. Your deck and gutters should be replaced every 15 to 20 years. However, the most important exterior feature on your property is probably the roof of your home. As the current roof on your home begins to age, you might notice damaged, broken, or falling shingles. Additionally, you might notice roof leaks or moisture that can wreak havoc on your home.
When you see these signs, it might be time for a new roof. It’s estimated that residential roofs with asphalt shingles will last around 20 years, while other types of roofing material can last longer. If you’re experiencing problems with your roofing system, you’ll want a good roofing contractor. Depending on where you live, you can search for “roofing in Abilene, TX” as an example to find quality roofing services.
Whole-Home Replacements
One of the major things that will need to be replaced at some point is your HVAC system. Your home’s HVAC system will last quite a long time, with proper care and routine maintenance. However, a typical HVAC system lasts 15 to 20 years. When it begins to fail, the airflow and temperature in your house will be impacted, and your HVAC system can impact your sleep quality. An HVAC technician can help diagnose the issue and recommend a replacement unit.
Other whole-home items that might need to be replaced from time to time are your doors, windows, faucets, sinks, and paint. Your faucets and fixtures can last for a while but might start to wear out after about 15 years. Your windows and doors usually last for around 20 years but could last as long as 30 or more years. You’ll want to perform periodic inspections to check for leaks or other issues. To keep your home looking fresh, you should consider repainting your home every three to five years.
Knowing when to replace the systems and features around your home can make the difference in maintaining the health of your house. Everything in your home has an expiration date, from your roof and your HVAC system to the gutters and windows. You’ll want to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule so that you can know when those expiration dates are approaching. Repairing and replacing items around your home will ensure that your house is a comfortable home for your family.
