New Year’s Home Safety Checklist: 5 Tasks Every Homeowner Should Perform
As the calendar flips to 2025, many people focus on resolutions for personal growth and improvement. However, the start of the year is also an ideal time to prioritize your home’s safety and functionality. A well-maintained home not only ensures your family’s safety but also protects your investment. To help you get started, the Kansas injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group put together a New Year’s home safety checklist featuring five crucial areas homeowners should inspect annually.
1. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance
If your home features a chimney and fireplace, it’s vital to prioritize their inspection and maintenance as part of your New Year’s home safety checklist. Over time, soot, creosote, and other debris can accumulate in your chimney, creating a serious fire hazard. Additionally, blocked chimneys can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, putting your family at risk of burn injuries and inhaling poisonous gas.
Here’s what to look for during your annual inspection:
- Excessive soot or creosote buildup
- Cracks in the chimney lining
- Obstructions such as bird nests or debris
- Damaged chimney caps or flashing
To ensure safety and proper functionality, hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney. Regular maintenance can help prevent chimney fires and improve your fireplace’s efficiency during colder months.
2. Electrical Power Strips and Outlets
Overloaded electrical power strips and outdated outlets are common but often overlooked fire and electrocution hazards in many homes. As part of your annual safety routine, check all power strips and outlets throughout your home.
Here’s what to inspect:
- Power strips: Ensure they are not overloaded with high-wattage devices. Replace damaged or frayed power strips immediately. Don’t forget that surge protectors are meant to be replaced every three to five years.
- Outlets: Look for discoloration, scorch marks, or loose connections, which may indicate electrical issues.
- Extension cords: Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution, replace extension cords every three to five years, and never daisy-chain multiple cords together.
If you notice any problems or have concerns about your home’s wiring, consult a licensed electrician. Keeping your electrical system in check can help prevent fires and extend the life of your appliances.
3. Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Essential to Your New Year’s Home Safety Checklist
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are essential devices that safeguard your home against potentially life-threatening emergencies. To keep them functioning optimally, include these alarms in your New Year’s home safety checklist.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Test each alarm: Press the test button on your smoke detectors and CO alarms to ensure they’re working properly.
- Replace batteries: Even if the devices are functioning, replace the batteries at least once a year to prevent unexpected failures.
- Check expiration dates: Smoke detectors typically last 10 years, while CO alarms have a lifespan of 5–7 years. Be sure to replace any units that are past their expiration dates.
Installing smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and common area is essential. CO alarms should be placed near bedrooms and on every level of your home. Regularly maintaining these devices can save lives and protect you against premises liability lawsuits.
4. HVAC System Inspection and Maintenance
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a vital role in maintaining indoor comfort and air quality. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, costly repairs, and potential safety hazards.
Include these HVAC system tasks in your New Year’s home safety checklist:
- Replace air filters: Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and increase energy costs. Replace them every one to three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect the furnace: Look for visible signs of wear, rust, or cracks in the furnace components.
- Clean air vents: Dust and debris in vents can reduce air quality and increase the risk of allergies.
- Schedule a professional tune-up: A licensed HVAC technician can perform a comprehensive inspection, clean the system, and address potential issues.
By keeping your HVAC system in good condition, you can ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient home throughout the year.
5. Round Out Your New Year’s Home Safety Checklist with a Water Heater Inspection
The water heater is an essential appliance in every home, providing hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency and potentially leading to system failure.
Here’s what to inspect:
- Leaks: Check for water pooling around the base of the water heater, which may indicate a leak.
- Temperature settings: The recommended setting for water heaters is 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption.
- Anode rod condition: The anode rod prevents tank corrosion. If it’s heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
- Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can decrease efficiency and damage the system. Flushing the tank annually removes sediment and extends the life of your water heater.
For safety and efficiency, have a professional inspect your water heater annually. Addressing small issues early can save you from costly repairs or unexpected replacements.
Kick of 2025 Safely with a New Year’s Home Safety Checklist
By completing this New Year’s home safety checklist, you’ll create a safer and more efficient living environment for your family. Annual inspections of your chimney, electrical power strips, smoke detectors, HVAC system, and water heater can prevent home injuries, reduce energy costs, and ensure peace of mind. Make this checklist part of your yearly routine and reap the benefits of a well-maintained and secure home.
If you’re unsure about any of these inspections, consider hiring a professional to ensure all areas are thoroughly checked and maintained. Investing time and effort now can help prevent costly and potentially dangerous issues later in the year. Here’s to a safe, happy, and well-maintained home in the year ahead.
Should you suffer any domestic injuries caused by a defective product or poorly performed maintenance service then contact Patterson Legal Group for assistance. You can reach us 24/7 by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through encrypted contact form or by connecting with our LiveChat agents. Patterson Legal Group has helped thousands of injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado get the injury settlement they’re entitled to. Reach out to us today to make sure that you get the money that you deserve for your injuries.
