Every new homeowner will tell you that the greatest problem with buying a property is that it doesn’t come with an instruction or maintenance manual. Although you can hire professionals to do the work for you, such services can be costly.

Not knowing how to do proper maintenance also increases the risk of your house components to break down at any time. It could even be a major inconvenience when problems happen during holidays, events, or when you’re busy doing something important and there’s no one with the skill and experience to fix things up.

Prevention is better than cure as they say. Read on to learn the various home maintenance skills you should have so you can live on your property as safe and relaxed as possible.

1. Changing HVAC filters

Knowing where to buy and how to change your HVAC filters will help your system run smoothly and cut energy bills. It’s advisable to change filters quarterly or for every 1 to 3 months if you have pets.

2. Plumbing

Leaking faucets and pipes are a major contributor to an increase in your water bill. You must know how to cut off the main water supply, change rusty pipes, faucets, and apply plumber’s putty to seal off cracks.

3. Cleaning gutters

Leaves and debris clog gutters that invite moisture leading to rust. The moist debris will also cause insect infestation that will damage your roof, attic, and eventually the rest of your home.

4. Resetting a circuit breaker

You must memorize where your home’s electrical panel is and which switches belong to areas of the house. In the event of a localized outage, you’re able to restore light quickly.

5. Turning off the gas pipe

You should know where the main valve for your home’s gas pipe is located. This will help you shut off the supply and prevent a fire once you’ve smelled gas. It’s vital to keep a tool such as an adjustable wrench to turn the valve head.

6. Caulking and sealing cracks

Pipe, window, door, and wall caulking wear over time. It’s one of the things you should keep in mind as a homeowner because they prevent insects, water, and air out of your home. You can buy concrete, silicone, or latex caulks. The only thing you should know is how to apply them.

7. Changing the water heater’s temperature

Water heater manufacturers set their products to a 140°F thermostat despite the 120°F needs of most households. By knowing how to change your heater’s temperature, you can slow down the mineral buildup, metal corrosion, prevent scalding, and save a lot of energy costs.

The benefits of home maintenance skills go beyond safe and relaxed living. This asset can cut a lot of costs on utility bills and when you decide to sell the house in the future. It will also help you speed up the sales process once you’ve found a buyer. The best part of learning home maintenance skills? You can save a lot of money through helpful free DIY resources online.

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