Ep 035 – From Honey-Do to Honey-Done: Smarter Home Maintenance

Summary

In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss essential home maintenance tasks that homeowners often overlook. They emphasize the importance of understanding different categories of maintenance, including preventative and inspection-oriented tasks. The conversation covers various inspection tasks, such as checking roofs and foundations, and highlights the significance of using technology for home inspections. The hosts also share practical maintenance tips for appliances, cleaning routines, and safety considerations, ultimately encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps in caring for their homes.

Takeaways

⬥Home maintenance is an ongoing journey for all homeowners.
⬥Different homes require different maintenance tasks based on location and age.
⬥Preventative maintenance can save homeowners from costly repairs.
⬥Regular inspections can help detect issues before they escalate.
⬥Technology can assist in home inspections and maintenance tracking.
⬥Cleaning tasks are often as important as maintenance tasks.
⬥Safety should always be a priority during home maintenance.
⬥Garage doors require periodic maintenance to ensure safety.
⬥Sewer line maintenance is crucial for preventing clogs and backups.
⬥Tree maintenance is essential to protect your home from potential damage.

Sound bites

“You could always be smarter.”
“Avoidance is not a good thing.”
“Safety is the first priority.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Home Maintenance Awareness
03:07 Understanding Home Maintenance Categories
05:57 Inspection Tasks for Homeowners
09:06 The Importance of Roof and Foundation Inspections
11:57 Utilizing Technology for Home Inspections
15:03 HVAC Maintenance and Inspections
17:57 Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners
20:45 The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance
23:01 Safety First: Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces
24:11 Garage Door Care: Springs and Lubrication
25:53 Understanding Home Components: A Homeowner’s Guide
27:09 Dryer Vent Maintenance: A Hidden Hazard
30:04 Washer and Dryer Connections: Preventing Leaks
31:00 Sewer Line Maintenance: Avoiding Costly Repairs
33:01 Tree Maintenance: Protecting Your Home
37:59 Final Thoughts: Embracing Home Care


How a Properly Sized Heater Can Save You Money on Energy Bills

Man fixing a heating system

If your energy bills spike during winter, your heater might be the problem. A heater that’s too big or too small for your home won’t work efficiently, costing you more each month.

’Heater size directly impacts your heating system’s efficiency and energy usage. An oversized furnace will short-cycle, wasting energy. In contrast, an undersized heater will struggle to warm your home, run constantly, and increase your energy bill.

Read More

Top HVAC Mistakes that Lead to High Energy Bills

Top HVAC Mistakes that Lead to High Energy Bills

High energy bills are no one’s favorite. The good news is that making some small adjustments can often bring your HVAC costs down. Avoid these mistakes that increase your energy usage, which result in high utility bills.


Air Conditioning: Where Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Air Conditioning: Where Bigger Isn’t Always BetterThe biggest isn’t always the best, especially if you’re talking about air conditioning units. A lot of people were under the assumption that bigger air conditioning units mean a faster cooling system, but it’s about time that these myths get straightened out. Read More