When we think of home improvement projects, we often think of big renovations like adding a room or a porch. But the parts of your home that are not immediately visible are just as important to keep in shape. Here is a list of some of the most important and yet invisible home improvements any homeowner should look into.
Replace the Furnace
One thing that people definitely notice when they step into a new place is the quality of the climate control. If your home is too hot or too cold, it won’t really matter how many nice amenities or beautiful decorations you have; friends will be coming up with excuses to avoid coming over. Swapping out a malfunctioning furnace or other part of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (or HVAC) system is a costly decision, but in terms of keeping your home livable, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. Just be sure your furnace is really broken first.
Switch Out Filters
Of course, replacing the furnace itself is a drastic move. Often, some simple repairs or maintenance can help keep a system going a little longer. Air filters are a great example. Changing your air filter out regularly keeps the interior air breathable and free of pollutants that could cause respiratory distress, as well as reducing the amount of work your furnace has to do and thereby extending its lifespan. It’s an easy task to do yourself, but at the same time, it is an easy one to let slip and fall behind on. Be sure to mark the change date on your calendar.
Clean the Ducts
Image via Flickr by jontintinjordan
A lot of dirt and pollutants travel through your home’s HVAC system, and bits of this particulate matter can accumulate in your air ducts in the form of dust or dirt. In the worst possible case, this moist and dark environment can facilitate the growth of mold, spreading spores that are harmful for human consumption. While you can clean the exterior facing portions of the ducts yourself, getting a professional service to perform a thorough, regular cleaning of all surfaces is a must for anyone interested in maintaining a healthy home interior.
Seal the Cracks
Over time, even the most formidable dwelling will acquire some wear and tear. This often includes cracks in the walls and along the windows that can let in drafts and moisture and let out your expensive heated or cooled air. This drives up costs and simultaneously makes your home less comfortable. Spending some time making sure all the cracks are stopped up with the best available materials will not only extend the lifespan of your house but also make it a nicer and more affordable place to live in. Getting in the habit of a yearly inspection is a good idea.
Having a highly individual home is a dream, but getting there requires some common sense work and improvements. Taking care of things like those on the list above sets the stage for your dream home to come to life.