New Year, New Home Maintenance Resolutions: Start the Year Off Right with SERVPRO of Sandy

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

Maintenance Resolutions in Sandy.

As we ring in the new year, many of us set new resolutions—whether it’s to eat healthier, exercise more, or improve our work-life balance. But one resolution that often gets overlooked is ensuring that our homes are safe, secure, and well-maintained. Home maintenance is crucial in avoiding unexpected disasters like water damage, fire, or mold growth, which can be stressful and expensive to repair.

In this blog, we’ll discuss simple and effective home maintenance resolutions that can help protect your home throughout the year. And, as always, SERVPRO® of Sandy is here to support you with restoration services if you experience any unfortunate damage.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing

Water damage is one of the most common and costly home disasters, often caused by leaks, burst pipes, or malfunctioning appliances. Freezing temperatures in the winter months can be especially problematic in areas like Sandy, Utah. Pipes exposed to the cold are at risk of freezing and bursting, which can lead to severe water damage in your home.

• New Year’s Resolution: Take the time to inspect your plumbing. Look for any visible leaks or cracks in pipes and faucets. Ensure your water heater is in good condition and test for any potential issues, like sediment buildup, which can affect its efficiency.
  
  
• Tip: Insulate pipes in colder areas of your home, such as the garage, attic, or crawlspaces, to prevent freezing.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: If you do experience water damage from burst pipes or leaks, SERVPRO of Sandy’s water damage restoration team is available 24/7 to help mitigate and repair the damage quickly.
  

2. Check Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Fire damage can be devastating, and it’s essential to ensure your home is protected by properly functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 50%.

• New Year’s Resolution: Make sure your smoke alarms have fresh batteries and are tested monthly. If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, it might be time to replace them. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers, and ensure they are easily accessible.
  
  
• Tip: Create or review your fire escape plan with your family members, and practice it regularly.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: If the worst happens and you face a fire emergency, SERVPRO of Sandy can help restore your home. From cleaning soot damage to odor removal and rebuilding, we are here to make it "Like it never even happened."
  

3. Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home

Cold weather can lead to higher heating bills and discomfort if your home is not properly sealed and insulated. Gaps around windows, doors, and pipes can let cold air in, making it harder to keep your home warm. These gaps can also allow moisture to enter your home, leading to mold growth and potential structural damage.

• New Year’s Resolution: Go around your home and seal any drafts, whether from windows, doors, or other openings. Check your insulation in attics, basements, and crawlspaces to ensure it’s adequate for the winter months.
  
  
• Tip: If you live in an older home, you may want to consider upgrading your insulation to increase energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: SERVPRO of Sandy also provides mold remediation services, should you discover any mold growth after water or moisture damage. Our team can help remove mold and restore your home.
  

4. Clean Gutters and Roof Maintenance

Clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. When gutters are clogged with leaves, branches, or debris, rainwater cannot flow freely and may overflow, leading to water damage around your foundation, basement, or attic. Snow and ice accumulation can also cause damage to your roof, leading to leaks.

• New Year’s Resolution: Take the time to clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring. Make sure your roof is clear of debris, and inspect it for any missing or damaged shingles.
  
  
• Tip: If you're not comfortable cleaning gutters yourself, consider hiring a professional to handle the job safely.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: In the event that water damage occurs due to clogged gutters or roof leaks, SERVPRO of Sandy offers water damage cleanup and restoration services. We work quickly to minimize the damage and restore your home.
  

5. Review Your Emergency Plan and Prepare for Disasters

While it’s impossible to predict when a disaster might strike, being prepared can make all the difference. Whether it’s a fire, water damage, or a storm, having an emergency plan in place will help you respond quickly and efficiently.

• New Year’s Resolution: Review your home emergency plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Consider setting up an emergency supply kit with essentials like flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.
  
  
• Tip: Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date and covers potential disasters like flooding, water damage, and fire.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: SERVPRO of Sandy is available 24/7 to help you recover from any disaster. Whether you need storm damage restoration, fire damage cleanup, or water damage repair, we are ready to help restore your home and peace of mind.
  

6. Regularly Inspect Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, but it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure its efficiency and prevent fire hazards. Dirty filters, blocked ducts, and unmaintained heating units can lead to breakdowns and even fires.

• New Year’s Resolution: Schedule an annual inspection of your HVAC system. Change air filters regularly and ensure your heating system is operating safely.
  
  
• Tip: Clean the vents around your home to ensure proper airflow and avoid dust buildup.
  
  
• SERVPRO’s Role: SERVPRO of Sandy provides fire and smoke damage restoration. If your HVAC system is compromised in a fire or other disaster, we can help restore it to its original condition.