Taking care of the things in your home can have major payoffs when it comes to selling. In particular, your roof, furnace, and refrigerator can be major selling points if they have been kept in good condition with their life expectancies extended. However, it can be difficult to know how to go about taking care of these things, especially if you’ve not paid them much mind in the past. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to start prolonging their lives.
Your Roof
The exact life expectancy of your roof depends on the materials used on it. For instance, TPO roofs can last anywhere from 18 to 20 years, while EPDM roofs can last only from 15 to 18. PVC roofs can last even longer at up to 30 years. While different materials have different lifespans right off the bat, their lifespans can also be dependent on the climate and weather conditions which can either help or hinder the overall life expectancy.
One of the best ways to help prolong the life of your roof, even in difficult conditions, is to get regular inspections both in the spring and in the fall and after any major storms that might have caused damage. This can help ensure that any damage is caught quickly and repaired so that the whole of your roof isn’t compromised.
Your Furnace
Most furnaces can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years; however, there are steps you can take to make sure they live up to their full life potential. For instance, poorly insulated houses can cause furnaces to work overtime during the colder months since they are trying to make up for heat being lost through drafty windows, doors, or attic spaces. This can put additional strain on the furnace and cause it to prematurely fail before its lifespan is complete.
To prevent this from occurring, make sure to improve the insulation in your home if it’s lacking, and cover or fill any cracks that could be letting any escape. If you don’t want to replace your windows altogether you can invest in plastic covers during the winter to help keep the heat in, and curtains during the summer can help keep areas cooler during the summer. Similarly, there are draft stoppers for doorways that can be used to help stop energy loss at your front and back doors.
Your Refrigerator
At a rate of nearly 90%, steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world and this makes stainless steel refrigerators an eco-friendly investment. Most fridges like this will last between nine and 13 years, although they can last longer if maintained correctly.
Every couple of months make sure to dust off or vacuum the condenser coils which can often become dusty. This can hinder their efficiency and potentially cause a breakdown if not treated. You should also make sure to keep the top of the fridge clean and resist the urge to store things on top. This is because it can interfere with the refrigerator’s ability to dissipate heat, potentially leading to temperature fluctuations inside the fridge and overheating of important components. Similarly, the door gaskets should be cleaned regularly as dirt buildup can prevent them from sealing correctly. This can lead to the compressor needing to work overtime and potentially giving out earlier than necessary.
Knowing how to care for your roof, your furnace, and your refrigerator can not only help save you money while living in your home, but it could also give you a good ROI if you plan on selling. No home buyer wants to inherit a poorly cared-for roof, furnace, or fridge, so taking care of them now can definitely pay off in the future.
