We are aware that New Year’s Eve has come and gone and we are 3 months into the year but it’s never too late to read this little gem we found on Angie’s List! In fact, we think that it’s a great starting point for your spring cleaning! Now, we know that most of this article pertains to general cleaning and home maintenance but when all of these things have been cleaned, you can then contact us to come give those carpets a good deep clean!!
Think of it as a list of annual chores for home sweet home.
It’s that time of year where we resolve to make our lives better. From eating healthier to getting more sleep, now is when we declare our intent to step it up a notch.
Would it surprise you then, to hear that your house has a thing or two of its own to resolve in the New Year? We’re not talking about daily maintenance routines or quarterly check-ups — this is a list of tasks you only need to tackle on an annual basis (hooray!).
1. DIY energy audit
Lowering the thermostat and swapping out your incandescent bulbs for LEDs and CFLs is a great start to reducing your energy bill, but what other steps can you take to make your house more energy efficient? Try conducting a DIY home energy audit.
Start by checking windows, doors, chimneys and electrical outlets for air leaks. If the draft isn’t obvious, use a lit candle or stick of incense to detect unwanted air flowing into your house. Resolve by using caulk around windows, a sweep seal on doors, draft plug in the chimney and foam insulated pads behind outlet covers to help eliminate the drafts.
Also, unplug unused appliances and devices to prevent phantom energy sapping. Wrap an insulating cover around the water heater and make sure to seal visible air duct joints with new tape to keep air from escaping.
Of course, you can always get a professional audit to determine all of your options for saving energy. Many utility companies offer this service for free and will even get you started with smart light bulbs, smart thermostats and other energy-saving improvements.
2. Review insurance policy
An annual review of your homeowners insurance policy is a must. Fingers crossed you’ll never need to use it, but you want to make sure you have adequate coverage on both the structure and your belongings.
It’s important to understand what’s covered and what isn’t, as well as whether you have replacement value coverage (doesn’t account for depreciation) or actual cash value coverage (allows for depreciation), which is typically less desirable. If you’ve remodeled or added a pool or storage shed, make sure that’s noted on your policy.
If you’re interested in saving money on your homeowners insurance, ask your agent for a higher deductible, which should lower your payments.
3. Clean the dryer vent
Pat yourself on the back if you clean your dryer’s lint filter or screen after each use. Keeping the filter clear of debris allows the dryer to work efficiently and safely. It’s equally as important to clean the dryer vent as well. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, dryers cause more than 15,000 household fires each year — most of which ignite due to a clogged vent.
To properly clean the vent, detach the dryer and use a flexible brush, air compressor or vacuum/Shop-Vac to remove the buildup. Make sure you clear the entire length of the vent. Also clean the area around the dryer for better air circulation. Visually inspect the vent opening outside your house to ensure there are no obstructions.
Inspect and clean the dryer vent at least once a year depending on the machine’s usage. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, consider a biannual cleaning.
4. Deep clean the carpet
If you want your carpet to look tip-top for 10-plus years, a yearly deep clean is essential. Not only will it help your carpet look its best, but carpet cleaning also removes pollutants and helps prevent mold and mildew growth — especially in areas with high humidity levels.
The average price for carpet cleaning is $51 a room, but carpet cleaners may charge extra for moving furniture.
For the rest of this article please go to Angie’sList.com.