September Home Maintenance Tips

As we welcome the fall season, it is essential to keep up with home maintenance. This is especially important as winter approaches and the weather becomes colder. Keeping your home in tip-top shape is not only crucial for your comfort, but it also helps you save money in the long run. Here are some September home maintenance tips that every homeowner should keep in mind. Clean HVAC Air Ducts Your HVAC system works overtime in both summer and winter. Therefore, it is necessary to keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure it runs efficiently. One way to do this is by cleaning your air ducts. Over time, dirt and debris accumulate in the ducts, making it harder for air to flow freely. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills. Clean air ducts improve indoor air quality, which is especially important during allergy season. Repair Weather Stripping Weather stripping is the seal that runs around your doors and windows to keep out drafts, insects, and moisture. Over time, it can wear down and become less effective. If you notice drafts or moisture around your door or windows, it may be time to repair or replace the weather stripping. This simple fix can improve the energy efficiency of your home and keep it comfortable year-round. Check Outdoor Lights/Outlets As the days get shorter, adequate outdoor lighting is essential for both safety and security. Ensure all your outdoor lights are working correctly, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and clean the fixtures. You can also check your outdoor outlets, making sure they are in good condition and that all covers are in place. Test/Replace Outlets Testing and replacing outlets is an essential part of home maintenance. Outlets that are not functioning correctly can be a hazard, causing electrical fires or electrocution. Test all your outlets to ensure they are working correctly, and replace any that are not. It is also a good idea to upgrade to GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, which are designed to shut off power if they detect a ground fault. In conclusion, regular home maintenance is crucial for keeping your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe. By following these simple September home maintenance tips, you can enjoy a cozy and stress-free winter season.

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Creative Ways to Keep Your Home Cool

BEAT THE HEAT If you're looking for creative ways to keep your home cool this summer without breaking the bank, read on: Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans are a great way to keep air circulating in a room, making it feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature. Use blackout curtains: Heavy, dark-colored curtains can help keep the sun and heat out of a room, keeping it cooler. Invest in a portable air conditioner: If you don't have central air conditioning, a portable air conditioner can be a great option. Shade your windows: Keep the sun from beating down on your windows by installing exterior shades or planting trees or shrubs outside. Use natural ventilation: Open windows and doors in the early morning and evening to let cooler air circulate throughout your home. Optimize your cooling system: Make sure your centralized air system is running efficiently by having it serviced annually. Create a cool retreat: If you have a basement, consider setting up a cool, comfortable space to relax in during the hottest parts of the day. By incorporating these creative ways to keep your home cool, you can beat the heat this summer while also saving money on your energy bill. Stay cool and comfortable all summer long!

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August 2023 Home Maintenance Items

As homeowners, it is important to keep our homes in top condition year-round. Now that it's August, now is the perfect time to start preparing for your home's maintenance needs. Below are some essential home maintenance items that you should add to your to-do list this August. Clean Fridge Coils The coils behind your fridge can accumulate dust and debris over time, causing your fridge to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your fridge. To clean the coils, simply unplug the fridge and use a brush or vacuum attachment to gently remove any buildup. Clean Bathroom Grout/Caulk Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in the grout and caulk around the tub and shower. Cleaning the grout and caulk can not only improve the appearance of your bathroom, but can also help prevent mold growth. A simple mixture of baking soda and water can be used to scrub the grout, while a bleach solution can be used on caulk. Test/Lubricate Garage Door Your garage door is one of the most important and frequently used parts of your home. Performing regular maintenance on it can help prevent costly repairs down the line. Test the door's balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If it stays in place, it is properly balanced. Lubricate the moving parts of the door with a garage door lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Clean Gutters/Downspouts Gutters and downspouts can become clogged with leaves and debris, leading to water damage to your home's foundation or roof. Cleaning them out in August can help prevent the buildup of fall leaves and debris. Use a ladder and gloves to scoop out any debris, and a hose to flush out any remaining buildup. Repair Roof/Flashing Repairing roof shingles or flashing is essential to prevent leaks and further damage to the structure of a home. Over time, shingles can crack or become damaged, and flashing can pull away from the roof, allowing water to seep in. To repair shingles, one must remove the damaged pieces, replace them with new ones, and secure them with roofing nails. Flashing repairs typically involve resealing the joints with a waterproof sealant and ensuring that they are properly aligned with the roof's surface, preventing water intrusion. We hope this little list has helped!  If you need a referral for a contractor or other help, please never hesitate to contact us.   

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