Money Saver
An Ounce of Prevention
Avoid the cost of replacing your big-ticket possessions by following these simple tips for keeping them in good working order
HVAC SYSTEM
To cut wear and tear, most standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 30 to 60 days, says Mike Rackers, owner of Clarksville Heating & Air in Hanover, Maryland. “It’s the single most important thing to do to maintain your HVAC system,” he says.
Other systems, adds Rackers, may contain box-style filters that can last as long as nine to 12 months.
CAR
Yes, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance, advises Steve Lang, car dealer and founder of Mileage Impossible, a Facebook group devoted to cars with super-high odometer readings. But also search online for your car’s model name and “enthusiast forum,” he adds. “You’ll find thousands of people who have owned your vehicle and know its weaknesses, and what to do before little problems become big.”
WATER HEATER
“Over time, sediment settles at the bottom of a traditional storage-tank-style water heater, which means the heating element has to work harder,” says Tim Beachy, project manager for Nicholson Builders in Columbus, Ohio.
The easy fix is to flush the tank at least once a year. (You can find many how-to videos online.) But few people do, Beachy says. “That’s partially because the drain valve can be small and tough to reach,” he says. “Replace it with a brass ball valve that’s easier to use and you’re more likely to flush the tank on schedule.”
APPLIANCES
Reading the manual always helps to keep household appliances in good shape, says Beachy. (You can usually download one from the manufacturer’s website if you’ve lost yours.) Cleaning is another good idea. Because accumulated dust strains a refrigerator’s cooling system, for example, Beachy recommends vacuuming the coils every six to 12 months—more often if you’re a pet owner. “If you’ve ever removed an old refrigerator,” he says, “you know how gross the coils can get.”
MATTRESS
The standard advice is to flip and rotate your mattress, but what do you do with a modern, un-flippable pillow top? “Rotating your mattress 180 degrees every three to six months is still the best thing you can do,” says Joel Breen, owner of JB’s Furniture in Milwaukee. Breen also suggests vacuuming your mattress regularly. “We have dead skin and other stuff that comes off us at night,” he says. “Vacuuming that away can help keep your mattress feeling newer.”