We all have quirks at home that we don’t usually show to people other than those we live with. Maybe you leave dirty clothes piled up for weeks, drink water straight from the bottle, or leave your sink dirty after washing dishes.
But did you know that these adverse household behaviors can cause damages to your home? What’s worse is that you’re most likely not aware of it. It’s essential to address these bad habits right away since they lower the property’s value.
Image by LaterJay Photography
Leaving filters dirty
It’s easy for people to forget cleaning filters, but doing so can create issues that might last long-term. In most cases, neglecting your filters can affect the appliance’s efficiency and durability.
Appliances such as dishwashers, fridges, and air conditioners need regular filter cleaning as these things use more energy and work even harder when their filters are dirty. Over time, dirty filters could be the cause of their total breakdown.
It’s best to clean dishwasher filters once a month and air conditioner filters every three months to ensure their efficiency. Moreover, it’s vital to empty the lint filter of your clothes dryer as it’s one of the most common causes of fire.
Letting food scraps down the sink
It’s pretty standard for most people to wash their food waste down the sink instead of throwing it into the bin. This bad habit is a massive contributor to clogged drains. If you think about it, water can smoothly run down a sink; it goes straight to the drain without causing any problems.
But this isn’t the same when you wash down food scraps and other objects down the sink. They often leave a residue. And the more you do this, the more residue builds up. As a result, you’ll have to deal will clogged drains and more.
Leaving devices plugged in
Many people made it a habit to leave their devices at home charging as they go to the grocery shops for a quick run. But doing so can be dangerous, and homeowners need to break this habit pronto.
Many household fires emerged due to charging laptops and devices. Often, this happens when the battery quality of the devices is poor. Ideally, it would be much safer to unplug everything whenever you need to leave your home.
Furthermore, avoid using double adaptors too often. They can overload the power drain and cause a fire in your home. Electricians suggest that installing more power outlets is wiser instead of adapting and extensions. If you’re planning to buy a new house, a property with many outlets in different areas should be included in your list of things to look for.
Keeping windows closed
It could be tempting to keep your windows closed, especially during winter. But it’s crucial to air out your home to prevent mold build-up.
Molds don’t just damage your home; they can also affect your family’s health. They are deemed unhealthy for older adults and children, so keep your home dry. Make sure to open your windows at least once a week to let air flow through the entire house. It will allow the damp spaces in your home to become dry and free of molds.
Disregarding paintwork
Paint isn’t just designed for aesthetics. They are meant to protect your home from rotten materials, including wood. You don’t always have to repaint your house, but a regular examination is vital to see if things are in excellent condition. Repaint your home if needed.
Ignoring leaks
Using a bucket or a towel to absorb leaks seem okay at first, especially if the leak doesn’t happen all the time. But water is like a snake, and it can crawl even on the tiniest spaces in your home, ultimately damaging everything it runs through.
There’s no other way to prevent home damages but to make sure that leaks are fixed. Hire a professional that can detect its cause, where it’s coming from, and how to resolve it. Never ignore them as the damage they cause takes time, it happens slowly, and you will never notice how big it is until it’s too late.
Not checking smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are supposed to make you feel safe. They can send us immediately during dangerous situations. Sadly, many people neglect to keep their alarms in check. In other terms, smoke alarms need proper maintenance. Without it, you are compromising how well they could function during emergencies.
If you are guilty of some of these habits, change your ways. Ensure that your home and family are always safe by practicing home maintenance habits. In addition, maintaining your home is an excellent way to keep its value high.
