Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t any health benefits linked to cleaning air ducts, but having a pro remove gunk can boost the efficiency of your HVAC.

Five to seven times a day, the air in your home circulates through the air ducts of your HVAC heating and cooling system, carrying with it the dust and debris of everyday living.

Your furnace filter catches much of the stuff, but neglect, remodeling projects, or shoddy duct installation can lead to a buildup of gunk inside your ductwork that threatens the efficient functioning of your system.

Are Dirty Ducts Hazardous to Your Health? Read more…

Reroofing is necessary maintenance, depending on your roof’s materials. Finding a roofing solution that is the most cost effective and longest lasting can be confusing – how do you find what’s best for your home and budget?

The average roof consists of three layers of material. Resting atop your rafter boards is the first layer, known as the solid decking. On top of that is a layer of felt underlay, and finally comes the roofing shingles. Extra materials include flashing, a kind of siding that extends the roofing protection to the sides of the house, eves, and chimneys, and rain gutters.

You may only need to replace the underlay and shingles, but chances are good that you may need repairs to rafters or to the decking. So, the first thing you need to know is how your roof is constructed.

Read the article…

We’re all aware of the idea of Spring cleaning (whether or not we do it – we mean REALLY do it – is another story). If you’re ready to delve in, there are some tips for Spring cleaning, plus a few other Spring things you should be doing to your home. Ready to Spring forward?

What makes a home an attractive target for burglars? What can you do to protect yourself? Here are five easy tips to “think like a burglar” and keep your home safe.

Cold nights and reports of snow are signs that winter is just around the corner. Prepare now to avoid problems related to winter weather, both at home and at work.

• Examine window frames for rot or decay and replace framing as necessary to maintain structural integrity.  For older windows, check, repair and replace window glazing that has failed in order to prevent glass from falling out.
• Trim overgrown branches back from structures and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property or power problems.  Take care when removing overgrown branches so they do not contact the electrical wires!
• Inspect the flue system of any fireplace or wood-burning stove to ensure it is clean.  If needed, have a flue professional inspect for build-ups of soot or creosol and clean if necessary.
• Weatherize machinery by cleaning off mud, grass, etc.  Add a gasoline stabilizer to equipment that will not be run over the winter.
• Ensure vehicles have full reservoir of anti-freeze windshield washer fluid and ensure that your engine’s coolant can protect the system down to -40 degrees F.
• Make sure tires are in good condition with adequate tread have the battery checked to ensure that it will work during the coldest of winter months.
• Keep a blanket, water, non-perishable food, hand warmers, and a first aid kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded and/or injured.  Make sure that you also pack a 12-volt cellphone charger that can keep your cellphone working.
• Move shovels or other snow removal equipment in places for ease of access before any impending storm.
• Ensure an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, sidewalks and driveways, and keep a bag in your vehicle also.

Fall can be a focal time for your garden. Rather than pruning back perennials and cleaning up tools, take some time to scrutinize your entire outdoor environment. Here are four areas that may help your garden get a jump on spring…

Take advantage of warm weather while playing or doing chores to also cast a protective eye on your home and landscaping. By paying attention, you’ll learn to spot deterioration or changes before they turn into problems.

Use the good weather to clean and repair asphalt, concrete and fences. Prune or remove problem trees and protect landscaping from deer. Conduct your own home-energy audit and put insulating foam jackets on hot-water pipes.

Read the checklist…

Alan was looking at his home’s back steps, constructed of pressure-treated wood, and decided it was time for the annual get-rid-of-the-mildew-and-seal-them program. Since they weren’t looking as green as they were last year, he figured the job would be a snap.

Read his tips for deck cleaning, that only require a few steps.

—

Do you have some valuable tips that you’d like to share? Leave a comment!