|
Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips that Save Time and Money
Special to The Truth
If you’re not careful,
basic and seasonal home maintenance can cost you a pretty
penny and a lot of time. Take steps to simplify these
tasks.
Clean and Organize
Even if you use a
professional cleaning service, you’ll still need some
in-between maintenance:
• Divide clutter into
three groups: junk, charity and undecided. Toss the first,
give away the second and store the third until you decide
whether it's worth keeping.
• To reduce dirt, use only
one entry door into your home and use doormats inside and
outside.
• Clean the house and each
room from the top down. Dust first, vacuum last. Scrub, wipe
and polish in straight lines instead of circles. Squeegee
windows and mirrors with an initial horizontal stroke across
the top, then vertical strokes, wiping the blade after each
stroke.
• Store basic cleaning
supplies in an apron or bucket and carry them with you from
task to task.
• Change furnace filter
and replace vacuum bags monthly.
Don’t miss vents when you
dust.
For more cleaning tips or
to book a professional cleaning service to give your home
top-to-bottom treatment, visit www.MerryMaids.com.
Cooling Costs
Want to reduce cooling
costs? Follow these tips:
• Have air conditioning
systems professionally inspected and cleaned before the
season.
• Keep the area around the
exterior condensing unit clear of obstructions to ensure
adequate airflow.
• Clean or replace the air
conditioner filter monthly to save up to 10 percent on your
bill.
• Follow the
manufacturer's recommendations for unit maintenance.
• If your air conditioning
system breaks down, a home warranty can help protect you
from unexpected repair costs. It covers the repair or
replacement of many of the most common home system component
breakdowns regardless of age, and can be purchased any time,
not just when a home is bought or sold. Last summer,
American Home Shield responded to nearly 700,000 requests
for air conditioning repairs during record-breaking heat
waves. To learn more about home warranties, visit
www.YouTube.com/TheAHSTeam.
Fight Pests
Termites cause more than
$5 billion in annual damage across the country.
Unfortunately, termite destruction can go unnoticed for
years and is rarely covered by homeowners insurance.
“If you detect a termite
swarm, it could mean your house has already suffered
damage,” says Paul Curtis, Terminix entomologist.
While eliminating termites
requires the help of a trained professional, there are ways
to make your home less inviting to these wood-destroying
pests:
• Fix roof and plumbing
leaks.
• Clean gutters to avoid
water accumulation near the foundation.
• Don’t pile mulch,
firewood or soil against your house, which can hide termite
activity and allow easy access into the home.
• Prompt treatment and
annual inspections can save thousands of dollars in damage
repair.
For more information on
this year’s termite swarm season or to schedule an
inspection, visit www.Terminix.com.
For more information on
companies that can save you time and money on home
maintenance, visit www.ServiceMaster.com.
By working smarter, not
harder, you can save money and free your weekends to better
enjoy your home.
Courtesy StatePoint
|
