Maintaining your home is not just about keeping things tidy – some items in your nest need more attention. Like your car needs oil changes, everything in your living space has expiry dates. Unsurprisingly, researchers say that knowing this and caring for your home’s vital parts keeps it in top shape for the long haul. If you want to keep your home in good condition without breaking the bank on costly repairs and damage, here are six things shared by a guest author you must regularly replace.
6 Household Items You Should Replace Regularly
HVAC filter
Your HVAC is like the superhero of home comfort, battling temperature issues 24/7. But here’s the catch: if you forget to swap the air filter, you may not get the best out of it. Dust, grime, and sneeze-inducing particles can clog the filter, making your system work harder. Keep the air quality excellent by swapping your HVAC filter every 1 to 3 months. It’s like giving your home’s lungs a refreshing breath of clean air. If you’ve got furry buddies running around or have challenges with allergies, swap those filters every month or two. Now, when it comes to stocking up, think bulk. Air filters are like the eternal companions of your home, so getting them in packs of six or twelve is smart play for your pocket.
Water filter
Your water filter is the guardian of clean and safe sips. Over time, it gathers dirt and loses its purifying power. Pitcher filters need a change every 2 to 6 months, while under-sink or whole-house filters require 6 to 12 months. These swaps ensure your water is as pure as the mountain springs. When installing your water filters, contacting a local plumber is a good call, as this isn’t your regular DIY weekend project. You could be facing next-level complexity here – knowing where to cut, how to place, and connecting those pipes. So, if plumbing is not your forte, let the pros handle it.
Fire extinguisher
Safety is crucial in your home, and fire extinguishers are your emergency lifeline. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says every 10 years, give your extinguisher a grand exit, even if it looks okay. You’d rather have a trusty one in an emergency than one past its prime.
Cutting boards
Your kitchen cutting board is the unsung meal prep hero, but it ages, too. Wooden ones deserve a retirement every 2 to 3 years, while you can use the plastic ones longer. Warped boards and suspicious stains indicate it may be time to discard your cutting boards. Keeping these boards fresh and clean keeps your kitchen hygienic and your family healthy. Do you have some old cutting boards lying around? Well, you can put those creative gears in motion. If you’re the crafty type, here’s an idea: Give those boards a new life by turning them into a snazzy chalkboard, a chic plant stand, or even a nifty rack for your coffee mugs. You’ve got options! But if crafting isn’t your scene, no worries. Just do the eco-friendly thing and recycle them. You can keep those boards out of the landfill and give them a stylish send-off!
Vacuum filters
Vacuum filters are like your home’s dustbuster! But here’s the thing: Vacuum filters have a limit to their magic. They get clogged, and your vacuum loses oomph, giving way to allergies. For HEPA filters, those allergy slayers, give them a swap every 6 to 12 months. If it’s the regular ones, remember to keep an eye on them, especially if furry friends are part of the family.
Water heaters
Hot showers can be the ultimate luxury. But your water heater works hard and accumulates sediment over time. You can combat it by giving your heater a spa day – drain and flush every year. If it’s lasted a decade or more or is showing wear and tear, consider a new one to avoid cold shower surprises. Now, what are your options? You could go for a traditional tank water heater, which can run you anywhere from $300 to $2000. Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancier, there’s the tankless route, which may cost around $1000 to $3000. It’s all about finding what fits your wallet.
Home isn’t just walls and a roof; it’s the heart of your story. So, remember that little things like changing filters, swapping cutting boards, and giving your water heater a checkup aren’t just chores – they’re an investment in your home’s comfort and safety. Like a well-tuned car, a well-maintained home keeps cruising smoothly through the years.