You’ve made it through the negotiating, inspections, appraisals, and closing. Now, you’re ready to move in. Congratulations! Just one more thing…
I know. You don’t really want one more thing to add to your list of things to do, because you’ve got utilities to switch over, cable to order, furniture to move in, boxes to unpack…Believe me, you might be thankful for this reminder.
Don’t forget to check the functioning parts of your appliances and HVAC!
The previous owner may not have been as good at maintenance as you. The appliances and systems may run fine, but poor upkeep could cost you. Here are some thing to look for:
- A clogged dryer exhaust. Lint build-up in the dryer exhaust vents is the number one cause of dryer fires. They should be cleaned out once a year, but the previous owners may have never gotten around to it. So, it’s best to check yourself.
- Greasy stove hood filters. It can be hard on your stove hood fan to suck up bits of greasy gunk and could make it stop working. To make sure you are getting the maximum amount of air moving through, boil some hot water with ½ a cup of baking soda and let the filters soak for 5 minutes or until the grease melts away.. Rinse them under hot water and let them air dry.
- Dirty refrigerator coils. Get down and take a look at the coils located under the refrigerator. If they’re coated in dirt and lint, clean them off. It can take an extra 25% energy to make the refrigerator run if they are dirty.
- Old refrigerator water filter. Not only does an old water filter make your water taste icky, but it can also be a health hazard for you and your family. So, buy a new one when you first move in unless it is a brand new refrigerator.
- Clogged HVAC filter. It’s possible that the HVAC air filter is dirty or clogged, especially on homes that have been sitting a while. A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC to slow down, misread temperature, and even stop working. They should be replaced once a month and price doesn’t always determine their effectiveness. The thicker filters, like those for allergies or pets, sometimes slow air too much and can wear on your HVAC just as bad as a dirty filter.
Keep these 5 hidden trouble spots in mind when you move in. Taking care of them early can help save you the trouble of replacing appliances later on.
