Editor's Note: This post was originally published in June 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
2020 was a record-setting year for first-time home buyers. According to Genworth Mortgage's First-Time Home Buyer Market Report, more than 2.38 million Americans purchased their first home. The cause of this surge won't surprise you: the COVID-19 pandemic sent Americans in search of space they could not only call home, but also serve as their school or office space.
As a first-time homeowner, it's important to make sure your home is running safely and efficiently, and by performing a few simple tasks, you can avoid expensive repairs or purchases in the future. Keep reading to see the first tasks you should add to your to-do list upon purchasing a home.
- Have a Lennox® Dealer Inspect Your Heating and Cooling Systems. While your heating and cooling system may have been tested in your home inspection, it's important to get an HVAC professional out to see how your home can achieve perfect air. A Lennox dealer will not only make sure your systems are working efficiently, but they'll also assess your home's indoor air quality to make sure you and your family can enjoy consistently clean, comfortable air. Find a Lennox dealer near you and schedule a visit today.
- Inspect Your Fireplace. Even if it's not the season to sit by the fire, have a professional make sure your chimney is clear and clean. They'll safely examine your chimney cap and flashing to avoid having rain fall into your home, and inspect your chimney to make sure there aren't any blockages from animals or outdoor debris. This simple inspection will grant you peace of mind when it comes time to light your first fire of the season.
- Locate Your Home's Main Water Shutoff Valve. Be sure to ask your home inspector or previous owner where your main water shutoff valve is located, in case you need to shut off the water to your entire house during an emergency. Based on your area's climate, the location of your shutoff valve may vary. Know what tools you may need to turn the valve off to avoid flooding your home in the future.
- Check Wooden Decks for Moisture. Before you set out your new patio chairs, run a quick moisture check on your wooden decks. Simply spray the deck with a hose or pour water on top and watch to see if the water turns to beads or is absorbed into the wood. If the latter happens, it is likely time to re-seal the deck. Doing this before humidity and rain sets in may extend the lifetime of your home's outdoor space.
- Inspect Your Ductwork and Insulation. Have your Lennox dealer make a trip up to your attic to inspect your fans, ductwork and insulation. They will check for leaks and blockages in your ductwork and make sure your home's air is circulating evenly through your home. You can also read our blog on Sustainable Home HVAC Solutions for more ways to save energy in your home.
Ready to tackle your to-do list? Find a Lennox dealer in your neighborhood today to get started.
