Inexpensive home-maintenance projects to do this weekend

Home maintenance — the very words might evoke thoughts of an entire weekend spent laboring at home instead of relaxing, but that does not always have to be the case.

“Not every home-maintenance project has to be a large undertaking or one that takes up all of your free time,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “There are small weekend projects that can save you time, worry and money in the long run.”

Here are six home-maintenance projects you can do this weekend that will save you the headache of costly repairs later on. Clean refrigerator coils

To keep your refrigerator working properly, it is best to clean the coolant coils every six months.

Coolant coils, which can be located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator, keep warm air out. When the coils are covered with dust, dirt or hair, they are not able to release heat efficiently. In turn, the coils work harder and longer, using more energy and shortening the life of the appliance. This might end up costing you more in the form of a higher energy bill or the purchase of a new refrigerator.

Clean your refrigerator coils with a vacuum and a coil-cleaning brush. Coilcleaning brushes can be found at appliance stores or online for $10 or less.

Check the caulking

Caulking is customary around wet areas such as bathtubs and sinks to keep water from seeping into the wall, but caulking is also used around windows and doors to prevent air from escaping.

Check for significant air-temperature differences near windows and walls, and use a digital thermometer to verify air leaks. Make sure to also check areas where vents and plumbing fixtures meet the outside wall.

Old caulking can dry out and crack, making it vulnerable to air and water leaks. If you notice dry or cracked caulking, remove as much of it as possible, and reseal. Caulkinggun sets that include the sealant and a scraping and smoothing tool can begin at $35 and be found online or at your local hardware store. Examine the roof

The first step of roof inspection is to check the inside of your home. Look for damp spots or water stains on the ceiling or for cracked plaster along the wall. These can be signs of water damage.

At ground level, do a visual examination of your roof’s exterior for any cracked or missing shingles. Notice if you have to trim back tree branches that may make contact, as they can damage your roof’s exterior. If you suspect any type of damage, contact an experienced roofer to perform a thorough inspection.

Clean the gutters

Gutters are necessary to direct water away from your home’s foundation. Their exposure to the elements means they need to be cleaned and inspected regularly. While cleaning out dirt and leaves, make sure the gutters are securely attached to your house. The weight of heavy snowfall, rain and dirt can cause gutters to loosen and pull away from the home.

“Gutters that are free of dirt and debris will keep rain from running down the sides of your home and coming in through the foundation,” O’Rourke said. “Routine maintenance means lower homeowner costs by addressing small issues before they become problematic.” Clean the chimney

Chimneys should be cleaned once a year, especially before the first fire of the season. Check the inside of the chimney to make sure it is clear of any debris or small animals nesting, as these types of blockages could cause a fire. Thoroughly clear away ash or soot around the chimney before the cold weather starts.

Install a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats are both a money- and energy-saver. They allow you to set a comfortable temperature when you are home and can be scheduled to lower the temperature while you are away, helping you save money by cutting down energy usage.

“Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set the heating and cooling of their homes to their schedule,” O’Rourke said. “It’s one less thing for homeowners to worry about, and [programmable thermostats] are fairly easy to install.”

Your home is not only your sanctuary; it is your commitment. Assessing your homeowners coverage and understanding your policy are simple household tasks you can accomplish this weekend that can save you money.