Tip Keep fire extinguishers in a visible location that is high on a wall out of reach of children. They should be near an exit, and away from heat sources. Routine Care Inspect fire extinguishers Properly maintained fire extinguishers can be used to contain a small fire thereby keeping damage to a minimum. Timing: October (yearly) […]

Tip 90 percent of the energy needed to wash clothes is used for heating the water, so choose as low a temperature as is needed for cleaning each load. Routine Care Inspect for leaks, inspect hoses, and clean inlet filters Leaks and cracks can lead to major basement damage from flooding. Timing: February (yearly) How […]

Tip Garage Tip Store gasoline, pesticides, and other toxic materials outside of your home, preferably in a stand-alone shed. Routine Care Task Lubricate and inspect garage door Lack of lubrication puts additional strain on the garage door leading to premature failure. For attached garages, poor weather-stripping or leaky windows cause heat losses which increase energy […]

Overview CO Detectors CO Detectors (also known as ‘Carbon Monoxide Detectors’) are electronic sensors that are designed to set off an alarm if they detect the presence of deadly carbon monoxide gas. CO Detectors are an especially important safety feature for a home that has any type of fuel-burning appliances. Accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning […]

Overview Roof The Roof of your home is the structure and materials that form the top of your home, and which protects your home from rain, snow, sun, etc. Roof styles include angled (called ‘pitched’ roofs) or flat. And a roof can be made of materials such as: composite or asphalt shingles; slate shingles; wood […]

Overview Types of Mattresses used for bedding include: Inner Spring; Memory Foam; Latex Foam; and Air Beds. If you have a type of bed with a water-filled mattress, you should put a checkmark for ‘Water Beds’ as part of your home features in your Home Wizard app. Mattresses are made of fibrous materials and springs […]

Overview Stove Cooktop (electric) Stove cooktops come in several types: electrical coil, gas burner, and flat ceramic. An electric Stovetop Range is a kitchen appliance that uses electricity to heat up heating elements that are on the top surface of the unit, where pots and pans that are placed for cooking. If your Stovetop Range […]

Tip Run COLD water before starting your garbage disposal, and then let the cold water continue to run for at least 30 more seconds after you turn off the disposer. The cold water helps keep fats in solid form and cools the motor. Routine Care Clean disposer by grinding up ice cubes The procedure sharpens […]

Overview An Attic is the area of your home which is above the ceiling of the highest story of your home, and just below the roof. Attic vents are the mushroom-shaped circulating fans on your roof, and/or the openings you see on the side of your house near your roof. These vents can become blocked […]

Overview An Attic is the area of your home which is above the ceiling of the highest story of your home, and just below the roof. Attic vents are the mushroom-shaped circulating fans on your roof, and/or the openings you see on the side of your house near your roof. These vents can become blocked […]