Home Inspection Checklist: 4 Systems You Should Check Every Year

There are quite a few complicated mechanical systems located behind the walls and under the floor of your home. Even if everything appears to be working correctly, there could be unseen issues that might cause some serious damage in the near future. Read ahead for a look at four of the key systems in your home that should be checked at least once a year.

Plumbing

Any damage or unusual behavior with your plumbing system should be addressed immediately. Not only will problems such as a minor leak waste hundreds of gallons of water per year, but it could also cause thousands of dollars in damage. In addition to visually inspecting pipes and faucets for signs of damage, homeowners should also keep an eye on their water meter and look for any unusual jumps in their water use.

Electrical

Even though most homeowners will want to have this system inspected by a certified electrician at least once every few years, there are some annual maintenance tasks that they can do themselves. The easiest way to check the system is to test all outlets and light fixtures to make sure they are working properly. If you do have access to electrical wires, then you should look for any signs of overheating such as black markings on nearby metal and melted plastic wires.

HVAC

Your furnace and air conditioner are most likely the two biggest energy consumers in your home, and this means they must be working flawlessly at all times. Besides simple tasks such as changing out air filters, these systems are generally much too complicated for homeowners to service themselves. Annual service calls with an HVAC technician from Doctor Fix-It or a provider near you will help you keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly throughout the year as well as reduce your energy bills.

Insulation

While not technically a mechanical system, your home’s insulation might have a larger effect on your finances and your family’s comfort than you realize. No matter how efficient your furnace or AC might be, inadequate insulation will result in huge energy bills and uneven temperatures. This is why homeowners should take a look at the insulation in their attic and crawl spaces to see if it is torn, flattened out, or damaged in any other way.

By checking these four major systems at least once a year, you can reduce your risk of countless problems including mold, mildew, pest infestations, fires, skyrocketing energy bills, and more.