Blog Highlights:
- Read your insurance policy at least once a year so you will know if you have coverage in case something happens to your structure or belongings
- Dryers that are clogged can easily become fire hazards
- If your water heater makes strange noises, it might be time for you to give it a flush
The New Year has arrived and it is now time for us to promise to take care of ourselves better. For many homeowners, it is also the time to make a list of all the chores that you need to do now that the year has begun.
1. Aim for efficiency
A great way for you to make your house energy efficient is to make sure that you replace old light bulbs with LEDs so you can cut back on your energy bill. You can also check for air leaks in your doors, chimneys, windows, and electrical outlet so you can eliminate drafts and unwanted air flow.
You can unplug appliances that have not been used, and you can also check the water heater, making sure that it is properly covered by insulation. You can also check air duct joints so you know that the air is not escaping.
If it is too bothersome for you to do it, you can ask a professional to do the audit for you. He or she can help determine all of your available options so that you will know how you can make your home more energy efficient.
2. Revisit your insurance policy
The homeowner’s insurance policy needs to be reviewed at least once a year. This will help you know if you have adequate coverage just in case something happens to your belongings or to your property. You need to know if you have replacement value coverage, cash value coverage, and if your new remodel or house additions have been noted in your policy.
3. Check the dryer
Make sure that the dryer’s lint filter has been cleaned and is now free from debris. This can help make sure that the dryer will work efficiently and safely. Dryers with a clogged vent are one of the main causes for as much as 15,000 household fires per year.
4. Give the carpet a deep clean
A deep clean can help keep your look its best for years. It can also help remove microbes and pollutants that can cause health problems or make your carpet look dull.
5. Give the water heater a flush
If your water heater makes strange noises each time you use it, you need to flush it so you can remove calcium and lime deposits. Sediments can make the water heater less efficient and it can also prevent it from working properly.
6. Give the HVAC a checkup
An annual HVAC checkup can help extend its life, it will help make it run efficiently and it can also help you avoid hazards.
7. Clean the patio
Pressure wash the patio, deck, or porch at the start of the year. This will help remove dirt and it will also make the surfaces look brand new.
