By Sally Tansill, December 12, 2024
Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a range of responsibilities. One of the most important aspects of homeownership is learning how to maintain your property to ensure it stays safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. While you can always call a professional for major repairs, there are several basic home maintenance skills that every new homeowner should learn. These skills can save you money, give you peace of mind, and even help you tackle small issues before they become expensive problems.
Here are five key skills every new homeowner should develop:
1. How to Change Air Filters in Your HVAC System
Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for both comfort and air quality. One of the simplest yet most important tasks is regularly changing your air filters. Clogged filters reduce airflow, strain your system, and can lead to higher energy bills. They also trap dust and allergens, which can affect your indoor air quality.
Why it matters: Regularly changing air filters can extend the life of your HVAC system, reduce the risk of respiratory problems, and lower energy costs.
Where to learn it:
Check out this step-by-step guide from The Home Depot on how to change your air filters: How to Change Your Air Filter.
2. How to Check for Leaky Faucets and Toilets
Leaky faucets and running toilets are common issues that can waste a lot of water, causing both environmental and financial damage. Over time, these small leaks can lead to larger problems, such as water damage and mold growth, if left unchecked.
Why it matters: Fixing leaks early helps conserve water, reduces utility bills, and prevents potential water damage.
Where to learn it:
You can learn how to fix these leaks through detailed tutorials on YouTube. This one, titled “How to Fix a Leaky Faucet,” will walk you through the process: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet. For toilets, check out the step-by-step guide from This Old House: How to Fix a Running Toilet.
3. How to Maintain Your Lawn and Garden
A well-maintained lawn and garden are key to keeping your home looking its best. Basic lawn care involves mowing, fertilizing, weeding, and proper irrigation. Learning how to take care of your lawn not only improves curb appeal but also prevents problems like uneven grass growth, pest infestations, or water waste.
Why it matters: A healthy lawn adds to your home’s value and helps prevent erosion, flooding, and pest problems.
Where to learn it:
The Spruce has a comprehensive guide on lawn care for beginners: Lawn Care Basics. Additionally, Gardeners’ World offers tips on gardening, from planting to pruning: Beginner’s Guide to Gardening.
4. How to Test and Reset Your Circuit Breaker
Electrical issues can be daunting, but knowing how to troubleshoot simple problems, such as tripped circuit breakers, is an essential skill. If an appliance or room loses power, a tripped breaker is often the cause. Learning how to locate and reset your breaker box can save you from unnecessary calls to an electrician.
Why it matters: Understanding how to reset a breaker is a simple way to fix power issues yourself, saving you time and money.
Where to learn it:
Family Handyman has a great tutorial on how to reset a circuit breaker: How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker. The Home Depot also offers advice on electrical maintenance: Circuit Breaker Basics.
5. How to Clean and Maintain Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to serious damage to your roof, walls, and foundation by allowing water to overflow. Cleaning your gutters regularly ensures that rainwater flows away from your home as intended, preventing issues like roof leaks, mold, and foundation erosion.
Why it matters: Regular gutter maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your home dry and safe.
Where to learn it:
Bob Vila provides a complete guide to cleaning gutters: How to Clean Gutters. For a more detailed DIY tutorial, check out this YouTube video on cleaning gutters safely: How to Clean Your Gutters.
Conclusion
As a new homeowner, learning a few basic maintenance skills can save you time, money, and frustration down the line. From fixing leaks to maintaining your HVAC system and lawn, these tasks may seem small but can have a big impact on the long-term health of your home. Start by mastering these five essential skills, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and self-sufficient homeowner.
By investing a little time in learning these skills, you’ll keep your home in great shape for years to come, while also avoiding costly repair bills. Happy homeownership!
Sally Tansill
Broker | ABR® | HFR | OR
She/Her
Sally moved to Portland with her family in 2012 from Brooklyn, NY, seeking an improved quality of life and a change of pace from her busy career in the sports industry.
Moving with very little personal connection to the city was difficult and at times overwhelming, but she knew it would suit her lifestyle and be a place that reinforced the values she wanted for her children, and she was right! A mother of three (four, including her dog Eli), she has navigated new neighborhoods, schools, and other city resources and looks forward to sharing that knowledge with people looking to create or renew their own sense of place.
The idea of "home" means something different to everyone and Sally's goal for her clients is to find the place where that word resonates for them. Every stage of life provides an element of transition and that often comes with a desire to change your surroundings. For some, it could be a question of space while for others it is changing scenery between the city and the country. Sally has lived in apartments, condominiums, teepees (long story), studios, rented houses, and now owns a home as well as a few rental properties with her husband in Portland.
Sally is an avid skier and music fan and loves that this city provides the opportunity to pursue all of those interests in such an accessible way. Her sports loyalties still lie on the east coast, but she has caught the Portland Timbers bug and loves going to games with her family: the camaraderie is contagious! Ever the optimist, she believes that positive relationships and people are the key to personal and professional success, especially when it comes to real estate! She loves sharing her experience and wants to guide her clients to the place they call home.
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- sally@livingroomre.com
