Tip Let dishes air-dry instead of using the drying feature of your dishwasher. Not using the drying feature of your dishwasher reduces its energy usage by about 50%. Routine Care Task Treat for scale build-up Removing the deposits from your dishwasher’s heating element improves the efficiency of the heating element and improves the appearance of […]

Idea Water Heater (electric) Suggestion Insulating exposed hot water piping coming from your water heater will help reduce your home’s energy costs. Routine Care Task Schedule annual professional inspection and service (including flushing sediments and testing pressure relief valve) This annual professional service is necessary for maintaining safety and energy efficiency of your water heater. […]

Tip It is a good idea to keep cash or traveler’s checks hidden securely at home so that you have ready access to funds in case of a natural disaster or other major emergencies. Routine Care Replace supplies of batteries, water, and food Many emergencies are perishable or have expiration dates, and should be replaced […]

Overview A smoke detector is a device that detects the presence of smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Smoke Detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a critical role in reducing home fire deaths and injuries. Smoke detectors (smoke alarms) generally come in two designs based on the type of smoke sensors they […]

Overview Drapes or Blinds are coverings that are placed over windows to block sunlight and/or provide privacy. Types of Drapes or Blinds include: Cafe Curtains; Priscilla Curtains; Vertical Blinds; Tab Curtains; Tent-flap Curtains; Venetian Blinds; Accordion Blinds; and Roll-up Blinds. Drapes, window blinds & curtains can be shut during the day to help keep sunlight […]

If someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you will want to take steps to eliminate the triggers in your home environment that make them miserable. If you’re short on time, the most important room to target for improving your home’s allergy environment is the bedroom. It’s where you spend a large part […]

Idea Medicine bottles (both prescription and non-prescription ‘over-the-counter’ medications) have expiration dates written on them. Medicines that are past their expiration dates can become chemically unstable and potentially dangerous to take. Routine Care Throw out expired medicines Medicines that are past their expiration dates can become chemically unstable and potentially dangerous to take. Timing: December […]

Idea Be sure to check any places where pipes or wires penetrate the outside of your wood siding, and add caulking to seal the areas around these penetrations. Routine Care Inspect and maintain wood siding Unprotected wood siding risks being destroyed by insects, mold, and mildew. And rotten wood can allow water damage to occur […]

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: […]