You know the old expression: “If these walls could talk!” Quaint and wistful, don’t you think? But its core message is that walls really CAN’T talk Not to mention lights, furnaces, AC condensing units, windows, doors and other inanimate objects.

Here at Optimum Air, we respectfully disagree. Oh, sure, they can’t actually speak any more than Mr. Ed could. But walls, doors, and all the rest have other ways of communicating with us and, from time to time, telling “I’m broken” or “Take care of me.” You just have to know what to look and listen for.

Consider the following maintenance chores that might just require some attention around your house:

Check thermostat settings

Don’t judge the effectiveness of your heating for cooling system solely by how you feel. Once a day, check your thermostats to ensure that the temperature setting and actual setting are as close to the same as possible. Once they start to separate, consider it a warning sign that either the furnace, AC system, or thermostat requires professional attention.

Inspect kitchen and bathroom caulk

The caulking in kitchens and bathrooms keeps water from seeping into the nooks and crannies around sinks and tubs. Once the water gets in, mold has found a new home in which to grow and multiply. Worse, infiltrating water could lead to wood rot in the structural framing beneath the surface. Re-caulking old or mildewed caulking is a basic home repair, requiring only a few tools and inexpensive materials. Replacing rotten flooring, joists and wall studs is a much, much bigger job.

Fix plumbing leaks.

If every plumbing leak were fixed as quickly as you discover it, you would save about 10% each year on your water bill. But that’s not the only reason to act with haste, especially if you stumble across a previously hidden water leak. The kind, for example, you might find behind your refrigerator indicating a leak from the water line that supplies your ice maker. It’s not the water or water stain you spot that can hurt you. It’s the water that has managed to seep through the floor or molding to sub-flooring, ceilings, and electrical wiring below.

Clean and seal outdoor decking

The weather will take its toll on outdoor decking. A few gallons of sealant will set you back $50 or less and a weekend afternoon of effort. Allowing your decking to go untreated for a season or three is likely to result in damaged decking – and damaged ties and joists underneath. Those repairs are a much bigger job, requiring more time and effort, and a lot more money in materials.

Check for faulty wiring

Anytime you encounter a light switch or socket that’s hot or warm to the touch, don’t wait to call a licensed and professional electrician. Excess heat is an indicator of faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. Either way, the door is now open for an electrical fire.

Inspect foundation and concrete slabs for cracks and fissures.

When concrete cures it shrinks slightly and, over time, can develop slight hairline cracks and fissures. Such cracks are unsightly, of course, and can allow water and insects to infiltrate. Over time, more significant damage can occur.

For the good you feel owning a home, it also requires constant looking after. Well, when it comes to heating, cooling, and indoor air quality, you’re not alone. Not with Optimum Air on hand to tackle any maintenance, repair, or new installation task for you. Call us any time for the service you need – plus, we provide free estimates.