Did you know that regular maintenance of an air conditioner or furnace can extend the life by up to 10 years? According to industry statistics, 70% of all mechanical failures of major appliances result from a lack of annual maintenance. And its an inexpensive process, too! Most companies charge less than $100 to tune up the AC and furnace. Money well-spent. Also, make sure to change out the air filter on the furnace once per month.
Want to extend the life of your water heater? Once per year, drain off about 10 gallons. (see photo) Sediments in the water drop to the bottom of the tank, leading to corrosion and rusting. The ten gallons you drain off comes directly from the bottom of the tank. No more sediment. Less corrosion and rusting.
Another preventive maintenance practice is cleaning the garbage disposal. Take an ice tray and fill it with vinegar. Freeze it into cubes, then grind them in the disposal. The vinegar will clean the buildup of food decay, and the ice cubes will actually sharpen the blades of the grinder. Pretty cool, huh?
The old adage “Pay me now, or pay me later.” is never more true when it comes to little things you can do around the house to help things run more efficiently and inexpensively!
-Robert Ladd
Legacy Home Inspections
913.484.4157
www.lhi-kc.com
