Being a mum means juggling several responsibilities, making it tough to find time to tackle home maintenance projects. Although some tasks may be tougher for mums, several DIY tasks are still quite easy to carry out with just a bit of planning and effort. So, are you ready to learn new skills while keeping your home in top condition? Then, here are eight simple DIY maintenance projects you can do on your own from today!
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
Gutters and downspouts can easily become clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, causing water to overflow and potentially damaging your home’s foundation. Regular cleaning can prevent this problem. You only need a stable ladder, gloves, and a garden trowel or scoop to remove the debris. You may also need a hose to flush out stubborn dirt and to check that water flows freely through the downspouts. Investing in gutter guards is an excellent idea as these cover your gutters to prevent debris from entering your gutter, which, in effect, you can reduce the amount of cleaning your gutters needs. Moreover, to ensure your downspouts handle water effectively, it’s crucial to determine the size needed for a gutter downspout, as the correct size will efficiently manage water flow and prevent blockages. This step is essential in maintaining the longevity and functionality of your home’s drainage system.
- Replace filters
The air quality in your home plays a vital role in your family’s overall health and comfort at home. This is why replacing the filters in your home’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system is essential. Clogged filters can reduce airflow and cause the release of harmful substances into the air circulating in your home. Research has shown that poor air quality can cause major health issues such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer. Additionally, clogged filters can cause an increase in energy bills as your HVAC has to work more than it should to function adequately.
To avoid dealing with the consequences of filthy, clogged filters, you should consider checking your HVAC filters regularly and replacing them every three months. You may want to do this more often if you have pets. When replacing your filters, use the correct size and type of filter for your HVAC system. You can find this in the system’s manual or the internet.
- Inspect and clean air ducts
In addition to replacing your HVAC filters to improve your home’s air quality, you should consider inspecting and cleaning your air ducts. Air ducts distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home. Over time, they can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, reducing airflow and decreasing indoor air quality. When inspecting your air ducts, pay close attention to unusual odours or dust buildup around your vent. These are telltale signs that your air ducts need cleaning. Frequently cleaning your air ducts would improve your home’s air quality and make your HVAC system run more efficiently.
- Inspect and seal windows
Poorly insulated windows can result in drafts, energy loss, and higher heating bills. To ensure your windows are in good condition, take the time to check the weatherstripping around your windows and replace any that are worn or damaged. You can seal gaps between the window frame and the wall using caulking. This will help prevent drafts and keep your home comfortable year-round. Additionally, it is quite easy to do on your own! All you need is a caulking gun and high-quality silicone caulk.
If you have old or inefficient windows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. This can be a more costly project, but it can pay off in the long run by lowering your energy bills and improving the overall value of your home.
- Fix leaky faucets
The drip-drop of a leaky faucet is not only a waste of water but also annoying and expensive! Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is quite a straightforward DIY task. You only need a wrench, a new washer or O-ring, and some plumber’s tape. Turn off the water supply, unscrew the handle, and remove the stem when fixing a leaky faucet. Next, replace the old washer or O-ring with a new one, wrap the stem with some plumber’s tape and reassemble the faucet. Yes, it’s that simple!
However, in some cases, the cause of your leaky faucet may be more complicated. For instance, a leaky faucet caused by a broken or rusted pipe may mean replacing the pipes or installing new press fit copper fittings. In that case, you need the help of a professional. Don’t feel defeated when this happens; it is better to have the job done by experienced hands than to do it on your own and cause more damage.
- Patch holes in walls
Small holes in walls and ceilings can be unsightly and make your home look unkempt. Luckily, patching them up is easy, quick, and simple to make your home more appealing. A spackling paste, a putty knife, and sandpaper are quite easy to find at your local hardware store, so keep this in mind.
To patch a hole in a wall, apply the spackling paste to the hole with the putty knife, smoothing it out as you go. Allow it to dry, then sand it down until smooth. If needed, paint over the patched area to match the surrounding wall. However, be sure to use colours that complement your home and, if needed, hire a professional for a beautiful finish.
- Check and replace light bulbs
Lights around your home add to your home’s ambience and style and serve as a source of safety and security. Therefore, burnt-out light bulbs can be problematic and must be changed immediately. Replacing light bulbs around your home is easy, requiring little to no skill. However, when replacing your light bulbs, you should consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs as these use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, saving you money and time in the long run.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors protect your home and family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, they’re only effective if they work properly, so regularly testing your detectors is vital.
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a simple task that can be done by pressing the “test” button and listening to the alarm. If the detector doesn’t sound, replace the batteries and test it again. Speaking of replacing the batteries, changing the batteries in your detectors twice a year is advisable. This will ensure they’re working properly and provide you and your family with sufficient safety, so feel free to consider this.
- Clean dryer vents
It’s safe to say that you don’t pay attention to your dryer vents until there’s a problem. Clogged dryer vents can cause your dryer to function at a reduced efficiency. In some cases, clogged dryer vents can be fire hazards. Therefore, cleaning your dryer vents at least once a year is vital. Clean your dryer vents by disconnecting the vent from the dryer, removing any lint buildup, and using a long brush or vacuum attachment to clean the vent pipe.
When unclogging your dryer vents, disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and remove any lint or debris with a vent brush or vacuum attachment. You can also clean the vent from the outside by removing the cover and using the same tools, so keep this in mind. Then, reattach the vent hose securely to prevent leaks.
There you have it! Despite your worries about being too inexperienced to maintain your home, these easy DIY maintenance project ideas should have changed your mind. Although all these projects are vital, doing them in sections at scheduled times is advisable to avoid being overwhelmed and doing a shabby job.