Even if you’re not that handy yourself, learning some basic DIY is a good way to save some money around the home. Many people don’t know how to complete these jobs, but with such a wealth of material online, there are plenty of places you can go that will take you through everything step by step.
More complicated jobs like a burst pipe or boiler breakdown may require you to call in a professional. However, the few that are listed here can be attempted all by yourself.
Fixing Leaks
Leaky sinks, showers or toilets can end up costing you a fortune if you leave them for long enough. A lot of leaks can be solved by identifying the problem. It’s likely that you’ll just need a new part, so head down to your local home centre and they should be able to provide you with some advice as to what you need.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters act as a vital home protection system by carrying water away from your house when it rains. If you don’t clean your gutters on a regular basis, this can lead to leaks in your roof, sagging gutters or even a flooded basement. Clean out leaves or other debris at least once a year using a ladder, some gloves and a hose. Keeping these maintained can do a great deal towards saving you money in the long run.
Replace HVAC Filters
Regulating your home’s internal temperature, this is likely to use a large amount of energy within your house. This system uses screens or filters so that dust or any other particles don’t end up clogging it up. Air flow is reduced when these get dirty, forcing the system to work harder. Thankfully, these are very cheap and easy to replace. Try to switch them at least every few months. For more complicated jobs, you may need a professional HVAC company.
Maintain Smoke Detectors
Making sure all your smoke detectors are in good working order is an absolutely essential task which should always be high up on your list of priorities. Though they usually give off a beeping sound when low on battery life, make sure to test them regularly to give yourself added peace of mind.
Programme Your Thermostat
It’s easy to forget your thermostat over a period of several weeks or months and this can end up costing you money. Every couple of months, readjust your thermostat as the temperature changes. If you have a programmable model, you can adjust the timings to perfectly suit your schedule.
Paint Your Front Door
This is a job that often goes undone for many years. Before starting, clean the door using some soapy water and smooth down any rough edges using some sandpaper. Use two coats of paint on the door. If you are going for a different look, try a matt finish in a pastel shade. Finish off the job by putting up a new house number.
These simple tasks should save you money around the home and shouldn’t take up a great deal of your time.
