By Tami Humphrey · Founder, Team Tami | Silicon Beach Real Estate Expert
Owning a home comes with a long list of responsibilities, but home maintenance does not have to feel overwhelming. Some of the most valuable preventive-maintenance habits require relatively little time or expense.
The key is catching small issues before they have the opportunity to become larger, more expensive problems.
That is especially important for homeowners in Playa Vista and Westchester, where properties range from older single-family homes to newer condominiums, townhomes and extensively renovated houses. A newly remodeled kitchen or freshly painted exterior does not always tell the full story of a home's plumbing, roof, drainage or mechanical systems.
For homeowners in condos, townhomes or other managed communities, it is also important to understand which maintenance items are the homeowner's responsibility and which may be covered by the homeowners association.
As we approach fall, here are five practical maintenance habits that can help local homeowners prevent costly surprises.
1. Maintain Your Heating and Air-Conditioning System
Your HVAC system works hard throughout the year, particularly during periods of unusually warm or cold weather. An annual professional service can help identify worn components, drainage issues and other concerns before the system stops working when you need it most.
Homeowners should also check their air filters regularly. Depending on the type of filter, household conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations, filters may need to be replaced every one to three months.
Homes with pets, allergies, remodeling dust or frequent system use may require more frequent filter changes.
A clean filter improves airflow, reduces strain on the equipment and helps the system operate more efficiently.
2. Care for Your Water Heater
Water heaters are easy to overlook until there is no hot water, or until a leak causes damage.
Traditional tank water heaters can accumulate sediment over time. Periodic professional maintenance may include flushing the tank and inspecting the connections, shutoff valve, drain pan and surrounding area for signs of moisture or corrosion.
Tankless water heaters also require maintenance, including descaling based on the manufacturer's recommendations and local water conditions.
Homeowners should pay attention to rust, popping noises, inconsistent water temperature or unexplained moisture. These can be early warning signs that deserve attention.
If your water heater is located in a garage, utility closet or interior space, it is especially important to check the surrounding area regularly for signs of leakage.
3. Clean the Entire Dryer Vent
Emptying the lint screen after every load is important, but it is not the same as cleaning the dryer's full vent line.
Lint can accumulate inside the duct that runs from the dryer to the exterior of the home. This buildup can restrict airflow, increase drying time, place additional strain on the appliance and create a potential fire hazard.
If clothes begin taking longer to dry, the dryer feels unusually hot or the exterior vent is not opening properly, it may be time to have the complete vent line inspected and cleaned.
Dryer vents with long runs, multiple turns or second-story exits may require particular attention.
4. Check the Roof and Drainage Before the Rainy Season
Early fall is a good time to inspect the systems designed to keep water out of, and away from, your home.
Look for damaged roofing materials, deteriorated flashing, clogged gutters and downspouts that release water too close to the house. It is also important to check exterior caulking around windows, doors and other openings.
Walk around the property and notice where water is likely to travel. Soil and hardscape should direct water away from the home rather than toward the foundation, crawlspace or garage.
A minor roof or drainage issue may remain unnoticed during Southern California's dry months but become significantly more expensive after the first heavy rain.
Homeowners in Playa Vista and Westchester should also confirm whether roof, gutter and exterior drainage maintenance is their responsibility or the responsibility of an HOA or property-management company.
5. Look for Small Plumbing Leaks
A slow leak can cause damage long before water becomes visible in the middle of a room.
Periodically inspect beneath sinks, around toilets and behind appliances that use water. Check washing-machine hoses, refrigerator water lines, exterior hose bibs and the area surrounding the water heater.
Staining, musty odors, warped cabinetry and unexplained increases in water usage can all indicate a potential problem.
Homeowners can also turn off all water fixtures and check the water meter. If the meter continues to move, water may be flowing somewhere it should not be.
Even a small leak is worth investigating promptly, particularly when it is located inside cabinetry, behind an appliance or near flooring and drywall.
A Simple Home-Maintenance Rhythm
The most effective home-maintenance plan is one that homeowners can realistically follow.
Every few months, check HVAC filters and inspect visible plumbing connections.
Once a year, consider scheduling professional HVAC service, water-heater maintenance and dryer-vent cleaning.
Before the rainy season, inspect the roof, gutters, exterior seals and drainage.
These small habits may not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but they can help extend the life of major systems, protect the condition of the property and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected repair.