Tip Microwave Oven Tip The most common “cold spot” for a microwave is in the center of it, so arrange evenly sized portions of food spaced in a ring around the center for more even cooking. Routine Care Task Inspect and clean This task reduces potential safety hazards and improves the operating energy efficiency of […]

Tip Roof Gutters Tip To keep water away from your home’s foundation, make sure that all roof gutter joints are properly sealed. Routine Care Task Clean and inspect gutters, downspouts, and splashpans Proper roof gutter maintenance can help protect the foundation and basement of your house and extend your gutters’ useful life. Timing: Twice per year: […]

According to the EPA, indoor air quality inside a home is typically 5 times worse than outdoor air quality. New technologies have been developed for indoor air exchangers (sometimes called heat recovery ventilators or energy recovery ventilators), which can give you all the benefits of having open windows, but without losing all of the energy. […]

Idea Security System Suggestion Adding a backup cellular phone connected to your security system will allow your security system to keep operating even if your landline phone line is cut. Routine Care Task Test system This task reduces the risk of false alarms or lack of alarm. Timing: June (yearly) Verify contact information Since area codes […]

Tip Carpets & Rugs Tip More frequent vacuuming helps prevent dirt from getting down deep into the carpet pile, where it becomes more difficult to remove. Routine Care Task Steam clean carpets Dirt, dust, etc., that is left deep in carpet accelerates the wear on your carpet, sort of like little pieces of sandpaper. Carpet […]

Overview Fireplace (wood-burning) A wood-burning Fireplace is a traditional fireplace which may, or may not, have glass doors. Chimney fires can occur when creosote builds up on the inside of the chimney flue. Creosote is a black or brown residue which comes from the smoke of burning logs in the fireplace. Creosote is highly flammable […]

Overview Marble Floors Marble Floors are a type of flooring made from natural stone. Marble Floors are typically constructed using thin square or rectangular-shaped tiles, which have grouting material in between them to hold them in place. Marble is a very hard, but porous surface. Spills should be cleaned up immediately to keep stains from […]

Tip Refrigerator/Freezer Tip Do not use any electrical heating device, ice pick, knife, or other sharp objects to remove frost from your freezer, as this could damage your freezer’s inner lining. Routine Care Task Vacuum condenser coils and perform routine maintenance These maintenance tasks improve energy efficiency, and some help prevents odors. Timing: January (yearly) […]

Overview Kitchen A Kitchen is any room in your home where food is prepared that has a refrigerator, sink and cooking facilities. This can include a full kitchen that has a Refrigerator/Freezer, Stovetop Range, Oven, Microwave Oven, sink, etc. Or it can be a ‘kitchenette,’ which has only a small refrigerator, a sink and a […]

Idea Sump Pump Suggestion Install a water leak detector to alert you if your sump pump fails. Some models can even send alerts to your cellphone. Routine Care Check operation and clear strainer screen This task ensures proper operation of sump pump, which reduces risk of serious water damage. Timing: October (yearly) How To Check […]