From creative tips and ideas for your home to Upstate events — we’ve got you covered. In honor of Home Ownership Month this June, we’re sharing 10 ways to take extra good care of your home, so you and your family are taken care of, too.
- Change your air filters. Air filters are often out of sight, out of mind, but changing them every 2-3 months can make a big difference in your air quality and the lifetime of your HVAC units.
- Clean the gutters. Full gutters put your home at risk of flooding. Go ahead and clean them while the sun is out to prevent overflow during heavy storms.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While detectors often “chirp” when you need to change the batteries, it’s still a good idea to try the “test” button to ensure they’re working. If the alarm doesn’t sound when you test, replace the batteries and test again. If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to replace your detectors immediately to stay safe.
- Maintain furnace. Although your furnace isn’t in use in the summer, it’s good to have it checked before you turn it on in the winter. Furnaces, when not maintained, can emit harmful chemicals and cause fires. Have a professional check it out to ensure it’s working properly.
- Clean the chimney. Another concern for fires, a dirty chimney can put your family at risk. Consider cleaning it thoroughly or hiring a chimney sweep to carefully clear the soot and creosote from your chimney.
- Inspect drains. To make sure things aren’t building up in your pipes, it’s a good idea to inspect your drains. First, run water through the showers and sinks to listen for gurgling or other noises, and note if there are any strange smells. You’ll also want to ensure your toilets are flushing properly. Check under your sinks and your house to look for standing water or leaks. If you note any issues, call a professional to further investigate and fix the problem.
- Clean the bathroom fans. If your bathroom fan sounds like a jet engine taking off or has gotten extra dusty, it’s time to give it a good clean and keep your bathroom mildew-free. Turn off the breaker and fan switch, do an initial vacuum or dusting of the outside, remove the cover, clean the cover, fan blades, and surrounding area, and reinstall. Voila! No more mold.
- Check the roof for damage. Is the roof over your head in good shape? Look for sagging, wear and tear, hail damage, and debris piling up that could cause water retention. Replace any missing or damaged shingles or hire a professional to assess and repair.
- Control humidity. To avoid mold growth, health problems, and structural damage, it’s a good idea to check the humidity in your home. If it’s high, you can lower humidity with air conditioning, fans, open windows, dehumidifiers, and more to create a more comfortable living environment.
- Inspect exterior. In addition to checking your roof for damage, you may want to inspect the rest of your home’s exterior for pests, holes, cracks, algae buildup, and more. From landscaping to pressure washing, maintaining your home’s exterior can go a long way in retaining your property value and curb appeal.
Remember, taking care of your home is not only an investment in your equity but in your family’s health and lifestyle. Take the time to declutter, clean up, and protect one of your greatest assets!
-By Juliet Peay, Brand Copywriter
|
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
