Appliances are expensive, especially when you're looking for high-quality devices. While you might be frugal with some things, the extra price tag typically means a better-running machine. However, once you've bought the appliance, whether it's for your home or your business, it's your job to look after it, ensure it's working well, and increase its life expectancy.

Getting Into Bad Habits

Many of us plan to look after our things when we buy them, but we fall into bad habits and neglect the basics afterward. When we don't maintain our assets, they age faster than they should, and it's usually too late by the time we realize it.

Maintaining Your Home's HVAC System

We're not just talking about the sparkling new microwave or washing machine you installed, and your home's HVAC system should be on your list of maintenance priorities. When it incurs damage, there are massive financial and logistical consequences for you as the homeowner. Did you know that duct losses account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning? Your system may have leaks you have yet to discover, wasting energy and money. Therefore, always check your ducts! if you notice issues, address them immediately. Materials exist to help seal your ducts, lessening and fixing the problem. However, not everything is as easily fixed as that, such as when it comes to one of your biggest investments: your vehicle.

Protecting Your Vehicle

Even older cars that are reaching the end of their lives cost a few thousand dollars. You'll drive it for errands, road trips, commuting, and many other things, but if you want it to stand the test of time, you also have to look after it. That means regular inspections, frequently changing the oil and air filters, checking your tire pressure, and keeping it clean.

Designate an area to keep the car parked safe and protected from the elements. According to Fortune Magazine, the average American vehicle will spend 95% of its lifetime parked. If you're parking it somewhere covered, like your garage, keep an eye on the roof's state for potential leaks, and if you're going to keep it in your driveway, make sure it's in good condition to avoid damage to your tires.

Avoid Speeding

When you're driving, try to avoid speeding. It can be challenging when you're in a rush or running late, but hitting the accelerator with a guzzle of more gas makes you more likely to stop abruptly, putting extra pressure on your brakes. If you are a frequent speeder, try leaving earlier to get places and get into the habit of checking your speed while you're behind the wheel. Not only is it better for the car, but you'll also be a safer driver for yourself and those around you.

Regularly Inspecting Your Tankless Water Heater

Don't limit your proactive maintenance just to your vehicle. There are appliances around the home that you should also regularly inspect to ensure they're working optimally. One of those appliances is your tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are growing in popularity as they have a long life expectancy and are energy efficient. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years, much longer than traditional water heaters. That doesn't mean that it will run well for that entire time if you don't care for it. If you don't know a lot about caring for your water heater, so you should have it serviced by a professional. They can flush the system and descale the heat exchanger, preventing mineral buildup. Schedule these inspections in advance so you don't forget about them.

We invest thousands of dollars in our appliances, but the work isn't over once purchased. You can increase the lifespan of these investments by performing regular maintenance and immediately addressing any issues that arise.