Today’s energy-efficient houses have reduced carbon emissions and saved homeowners billions in utility costs. But these airtight homes can prevent toxic substances from escaping. The same can happen in poorly ventilated spaces. The result is known as sick house syndrome, which can make a home’s occupants ill. Here’s what you need to know to keep… Read more »
October ushers in cooler temperatures, brilliant fall foliage, and a bountiful harvest. Take advantage of all three as you prep your home and family for your favorite fall customs and traditions. Inventory the family’s outdoor cold-weather gear. Are last year’s jackets, coats, hats and gloves in good condition and do they fit? Purchase any necessary… Read more »
Dark, scary basements are a common trope in horror movies, but in real life, you are more likely to confront a dank odor than a ghost. Here’s how to get rid of musty smells in the basement. The source of dank smells The most likely source of musty odors is mold and mildew. (Mold can… Read more »
Many homeowners attempt painting as a DIY project, thinking it does not require a high level of expertise. But there is more to painting than you might think. So let’s get you primed to paint with these professional painting tips. Choosing paint Consider your furnishings when choosing your paint color. Take fabric swatches or sofa… Read more »
While it may still feel a lot like summer, September signals the official kickoff of the fall season, which means it’s time to bring on the fall decor and all things pumpkin-spiced as well as the rakes, the weather stripping and the heavier clothing. So here’s a handy to-do list to help you navigate the… Read more »
August is a terrific month to savor those last days of summer while at the same time prepping for the fall season. Then, finally, it’s back-to-school time, and cooler weather is just around the corner. So here’s a handy must-do list to get you and your home ready. Go through your closets with an eye… Read more »
Summer is in full swing, and the heat is on. Keep your cool by tackling this set of (mostly) indoor chores to keep your home in shape and your family life running smoothly. Then, reward yourself with an outdoor barbecue with neighbors. If you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule an annual maintenance… Read more »
If you have never lived in a neighborhood that the residents privately own, you may be confused as to who is responsible for maintaining the neighborhood’s streets, lights, amenities, and common areas. Let’s break down who is responsible for what in public and private neighborhoods. Public versus private A neighborhood’s streets, streetlights and road signs… Read more »
Every year, major storms wreak destruction in different parts of the nation. Whether you are most at risk from hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms or polar vortexes, what can you do to protect your home from nature’s wrath? Water, water everywhere Water sustains life on earth, but water in the wrong place in your home is a… Read more »
It’s June, which means it’s time to relax and enjoy the kick-off of summer, but before the fun can begin, be sure to tackle this handy home and garden to-do list. Change the filters in your air conditioning vents to help your unit operate at optimum capacity. If you haven’t already, schedule an annual maintenance… Read more »
It happens to the best of us: We accumulate stuff over a lifetime which becomes annoying clutter throughout the house. Your disorganization and clutter drive you crazy, but you may have failed at repeated attempts to conquer it. Taking a look at what causes the clutter in the first place may help you eliminate it…. Read more »
You may not have considered attending your town council meetings until a project or problem near you affected your life in the community. Suddenly you’re on a crash course to learn how decisions are made that affect your quality of life, your taxes, or both. Here’s what you should know about city or town council… Read more »
Before shifting gears into summer, here’s a handy list of chores for the busy homeowner. See if you can beat that Memorial Day deadline. Before the heat becomes unbearable, tackle all that clutter hiding in the attic. Pass along unused items to family and friends or donate to a worthy charity in your area. Recycle… Read more »
A sound roof is crucial to your home’s most essential function: shelter. Good maintenance of your roof protects you from exposure to the element, not to mention expensive repairs. Regular DIY inspections are key to detecting issues before they become major problems. Know your roof You should inspect your roof twice a year. Before you… Read more »
There’s a component of healthy living that often gets overlooked. We know about healthy eating and exercise, but regular healthy sleep is essential, too. You spend about a third of your life in bed, so here are some tips for getting a restful night’s sleep. How’s your mattress? Did you know that your preferred sleep… Read more »
Many household items need replacing periodically to maintain your home and your personal care. Keeping track of them all can be overwhelming, so here’s a reminder list of seven household items it’s important to replace on a regular basis. HVAC filters Neglected, dirty return air filters cause your heating and air conditioning system to labor… Read more »
Longer days and warmer temperatures mean it’s time to seize the opportunity to get outside and accomplish those outdoor chores. Here’s a to-do list to get you motivated. If you haven’t already, it’s time to prep the lawn and garden beds for spring and summer. Apply fertilizer and weed control and clear any remaining leaves… Read more »
Weekends are a time to relax and enjoy family and friends, but be sure to set aside time for some home maintenance tasks. Doing so will keep your home and its systems, equipment and appliances in top shape and save you money. Though it’s not a comprehensive list, here are nine important tasks you shouldn’t… Read more »
Many people have turned to vinegar as an alternative to chemicals for household cleaning. Vinegar is natural and inexpensive, but is it as effective as the hype would have you believe? Let’s review what vinegar is good for — and what it’s not. Versatile vinegar Vinegar has a sharp smell and sour taste because it… Read more »
Cleaning window blinds is one of those household duties that’s easy to put off or forget entirely. But the task is not complicated, so wait no longer. Here’s our handy guide to cleaning window blinds. The right tools for the job Try cleaning your blinds once a month to keep down the dust and dirt…. Read more »
