Happy almost New Year from us at New Home Inspectors! As you reflect on the past year and set your resolutions for the year to come, there are some resolutions you should set for your home, too. If you haven’t done any of these things since 2024, it’s time to put it on the to-do list for 2026:
Servicing HVAC equipment
While it’s easy to occasionally clean filters and give your HVAC system a visual check-up, your air conditioner, furnace, and boiler need an annual inspection only a professional can handle. Not only is it necessary to make sure everything is running safely and smoothly, but some manufacturers even require yearly maintenance to honor their warranty. Getting an annual inspection can help you get ahead of any HVAC issues, especially before they become a bigger — and more expensive — problem.
Checking your dryer vent
Washing, drying, and folding your laundry feels like enough of a task, but cleaning out your dryer vent at least once a year is important for your clothes and your safety. A clogged dryer vent can dry clothes ineffectively at best, or result in a house fire at worst — according to Consumer Affairs, washers and dryers are responsible for around 4% of all residential fires. The cleaning is doable yourself, but for extra peace of mind, an inspector (like me!) will check that everything is in order.
Washing your home’s exterior
The inside of your home isn’t the only part that needs a deep cleaning once in a while. You should have exterior faucets turned off for winter, so don’t try to do this until the weather has warmed up, but give siding and windows a wash. Inspect any brick masonry for cracks, crumbling spots, or moss growing between bricks — no matter how quaint it may look, it can retain moisture that causes bricks to deteriorate faster. If you’re not sure exactly what to look for, an inspector can help. While you’re checking out the outside of your home, any decks should also be cleaned and sealed once a year.
Reviewing your roof
Giving your roof a visual once-over may be something you can do yourself, but as with any task that requires you to be high off the ground, thoroughly inspecting your roof is a task best handled by professionals. If you can see any cracked or loose shingles, or if you’ve been dealing with leaks, it’s worth getting an inspector to come check it out and determine the best solution to avoid costly repairs down the line.
The good news is that as a home inspector, I can help your home achieve all these New Year’s resolutions! If you’re on Long Island and looking for an inspector, reach out to me today!
