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Updating Your Home: Six Important Things That Homeowners Often Forget About

The family home should be a comfortable haven from the cares of the world. Sometimes, however, it becomes so cozy and familiar that we forget to update it when needed. Here are six important updates to consider for your home to avoid unnecessary costs or repairs.

Exterior home improvement project includes replacement windows

Flooring

If your carpets have developed an odor or your wood floors are faded, it may be time to replace or repair them. Not only will those rooms get a new and fresher look, but new flooring can help to maintain the integrity of the floorboards beneath the covering of tiles or carpet. Deteriorating floorboards can be hazardous. If your flooring is old and dilapidated, consider replacing it and check what’s underneath.

Lighting

Although lightbulbs can be changed to maintain adequate lighting in a home, a family’s needs may change. For example, better lighting may be needed in the children’s nursery or play area, or if a household member has vision issues. As we get older, enhanced lighting helps to prevent falls and illuminate nooks and crannies where dust collects for cleaning.

HVAC

An aging HVAC system may not work as efficiently as it used to, raising the heating or electric bill. If more rooms are used in the home for kids or guests, added heat or cooling may be needed. Have your HVAC system checked to see if it needs to be updated, especially before it breaks down. Professionals like those at Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. can help with repairs and installations when needed.

Windows and doorsHome Remodel Project front entrance_cedar siding_windows

A home’s windows and doors can begin to let air into the house over time. The weather stripping can erode, or window frames can deteriorate. Window frames and door frames should be checked for leakage and signs of wear that could cause problems. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones can also save you on your utility bills.

Roof and exterior

Heavy storms sometimes seriously damage a home’s roof or siding, requiring immediate repair. But even without storm damage, over time roof shingles can chip or fall off, letting air and moisture into the home. The same can happen with the structure’s siding and moldings. Periodically it is important to have a professional roofing and siding expert check to see if problems have developed. At an early stage, damage is usually easier and cheaper to fix, and it may help to prevent more expensive repairs later.

Lawn care

Inspect the lawn every year or two to remove dead trees or shrubs. Check the lawn for signs of insect or pest infestation to prevent major issues. You may have a problem that doesn’t look like an issue from the outside, so it’s important to perform maintenance in your yard periodically.

Look for signs of damage in these areas regularly so you can cut costs. Updating important areas in your home before they become a major issues can save you both time and money.

Guest Post By:

Anita Ginsburg / Freelance Writer
anitaginsburg@gmail.com

 

 

 

3 Common Heater Problems You Can Fix Yourself

A malfunctioning heater can be a serious problem, especially in the winter months when you need the heater to keep your house warm. Instead of calling a repair company to fix the heater, you can save some time and money by troubleshooting the problem yourself. Although there are a number of reasons why your heater is not working properly, investigating three common problems can help you to diagnose and fix your system as soon as possible.

winter-home

Check the Thermostat

One of the most common causes of a heater problem is the thermostat, which is the device that regulates the temperature in your home. The first step is to make sure the thermostat is turned on and has power. If you have a digital thermostat, ensure the screen is not blank and then check the wires behind the device to see if they are securely connected. If necessary, replace the thermostat’s batteries, reconnect the device to the wall outlet or secure the wires.

If your thermostat has power, the second troubleshooting step is to check the settings. If the settings are wrong, your heater may only work periodically or not at all. For example, if you inadvertently set the temperature too low, your home will remain cold. Review your thermostat’s user manual to get the exact directions to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Heating Duct Problems

Your home’s heating ductwork is an integral part of the HVAC system because it circulates air throughout your home. Professionals, like those at Princeton heater repair, can offer expert advice and solutions regarding heating issues. Even the most powerful heater can be ineffective if the ductwork is failing. There are several reasons why your home’s ducts are not circulating enough air to keep your home warm.

If the ducts are dirty from dust, grime, debris, and pollutants, air will not be able to flow through your home. Cleaning your ducts can significantly improve the air circulation in your home. In addition, ducts that are torn, twisted, kinked, and ripped can also prevent air from circulating through your home or simply leak enough air to cause a major inefficiency in the heating system. Repairing these problems, such as kinks and tears, can restore your home’s air circulation to proper levels.

Check the Filter

Another common problem that is easily fixed is a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter can severely limit the flow of air from the heater, which can eventually cause the heater to overheat and shut down. Regularly checking the filter and replacing it when necessary can eliminate this particular problem from ever becoming a serious issue.

Although some heating problems require professional help, troubleshooting your heater can help to keep your heating costs down and also give you a better understanding of how your heating system operates.

Winter Home Dangers: How to Avoid Major Cold-Weather Disasters

house-winter

People go to extreme lengths to save money in the winter months, and some of these money-saving endeavors actually end up costing them more in the long run. There are several options to help you avoid major cold-weather disasters, but like all things that are worthwhile, they are going to cost you either time or money. By taking some necessary steps before the onslaught of winter, you can help to reduce damage to your home.

Wise Steps to Prepare for Winter

Winter storms are “Deceptive Killers.” The National Weather Service is known for calling them this because many winter deaths are indirectly related to the storm through traffic accidents or hypothermia. Stock up on rock salt and other products that can melt ice on walkways. Use sand to help improve traction, and have snow removal equipment to get rid of excess snow. Keep plenty of food and blankets on stock, and have a radio that operates on batteries so you can listen to emergency broadcasts.

Making the Best of a Current Storm

During a storm and when it gets near freezing temperatures, you need to keep the heat on in your home. Heating a single room isn’t the answer either. If you don’t keep your home well-heated, then the pipes in your home may burst. This can lead to additional damage and the need for more repairs in the future. It’s also important to stay indoors. If you do have to go outside, keep dry and make sure you walk carefully to avoid accidents.

Taking Care of the Aftermath

If a pipe bursts or you have other plumbing issues, it’s important to hire a plumber who can repair your water lines effectively. In an emergency, Puget Sound Plumbing recommends shutting off the main water line and calling for help immediately.

Getting Ready for Next Winter

When winter is over, it’s important to evaluate the stability of your home. Hire a plumber to check your pipes, get a roofer out to check your roof and get your car checked out by taking it to the mechanic. All of these steps can help you save money in the long-run, and it will help prevent you from getting stuck out in the snow next winter.

Even if you waited until your home was covered in snow, it’s not too late to get your home checked up and repaired. Save yourself additional money and be certain to have a hassle-free winter this year. Most Americans are going to face some form of severe winter weather, but you can help avoid a serious situation by preparing your home.

Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Plumbing Blunders: What you Should Never do without the Help of a Professional

Plumbing Blunders What you Should Never do without the Help of a Professional

While there are plenty of projects that you can easily handle on your own, there are other jobs that should be left to the professionals. In addition to getting the work done more quickly, trained contractors can provide you with reliable finishes so that you won’t have to worry about leaks or other problems later. Here are four plumbing repairs that you really should turn over to an experienced team rather than trying to deal with them on your own.

Preserve Fixtures with Lower Pressure
As homes are built, the water department will bump up the pressure. This is bad news for your plumbing fixtures, but you can protect them by installing a pressure regulator. This handy appliance goes on the mail water line to control the incoming pressure, so it’s definitely a task you should leave to the professionals.

Moving the Lines
If a home improvement project requires replacing a supply line or faucet, then you may be able to handle that on your own. However, if you need to move lines in any direction, then it’s smart to have the professionals take care of it for you. As you add angles and pipe lengths, the risk of leaks increases, but you can rely on a trained plumber to get it done right the first time.

Sump Pumps
If you’ve had flooding in your area, then you appreciate the importance of avoiding damage with the addition of a sump pump. However, installing one is not as easy as it sounds. The area around the pump needs to be assessed and sloped for proper drainage, and the pipe coming out of the system must travel away from the house to an appropriate location. With a company like A P Plumbing on the job, you can be confident that water will be safely diverted from the home rather than reentering at another point.

The Hot Water Tank
Hot water tanks come with their own set of risks and challenges, so this is definitely a job for the professionals. In addition to getting the plumbing properly connected, you also need to deal with wiring for the pilot light. You’ll also have the address the tricky issue of disposing of the old tank. When you with a pro, however, you won’t have to worry about anything.

Before you decide to do a project yourself, take an honest look at the work involved and ask yourself if you truly have the right skills and tools. With any plumbing project, one of the big concerns is undetected leaks down the road, but you can rest easy when you trust the job to a professional.

 

7 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When it comes to common home repairs, you don’t always need to call a professional. You can tackle many simple home repairs yourself with just your toolbox and this great interactive infographic!

Home Garage Door Openers: 6 Common Problems and Troubleshooting

garage door

Automatic garage door openers are modern conveniences that many homeowners cannot live without. When your garage door opener suddenly stops working properly, there might be a few things that have gone wrong. You might be afraid of a hefty repair bill that comes along with repairs. However, you don’t need to immediately call a professional when this happens. Oftentimes, you can just do a little tweaking and some do-it-yourself to fix these problems.

Doing things by yourself can potentially save you extra money. Troubleshooting these common garage door issues does not need a lot of work. These only require some testing and adjusting on your side. Try these simple solutions for the common problems before calling a professional.

Problem 1: Garage door does not close properly.

This is a security concern for many homeowners. A garage door that does not close properly can attract burglars. In this scenario, ensure that there aren’t any objects that are blocking the sensors at the bottom of the door. Obstructions on the sensors, including spider webs, will not close the door properly.

Another way is to check the garage door motor. When the garage door opener does not fully close, the lights will flash in a certain pattern indicating what the problem is. Get your manual and look up the flashing patterns.

Take a look at the close limit switch and see if it needs any adjustment. Make proper adjustments and test your door opener to see if everything works as it should. You might just need to do a little fine-tuning to make your garage door opener work properly.

If your garage door still does not close properly, disconnect the opener and try to open the door manually to check whether the door is binding.

Problem 2: The remote does not work.

If your door does not open with your remote, try opening it with your wall switch. If it opens and closes with the wall switch, chances are your remote control does not work. Ensure that you are holding it within the specific range and that the antenna is faced down.

Your first option is to replace the batteries on your remote. Then, check it if it works. If not, ensure that the remote is properly programmed. If the remote still does not function, you might to purchase a new one.

Problem 3: The motor will not stop running.Craftsman house

If your garage door closes properly but the motor unit keeps running, the limit switch needs to be adjusted. Do some simple tests by moving it away from the motor unit.

If this does not work, you might want to take a peek at the manual to see additional troubleshooting techniques for this problem. If not, you will need to call a professional for safety reasons.

Problem 4: The garage door won’t open with remote control and wall switch.

If your door opener does respond to both the remote control and wall switch, check the lights on the opener motor. If the lights are not on, then it is not receiving power. Ensure that the motor is connected to power and if the outlet is working. Check the circuit breaker or fuse to determine if you have an electrical problem.

After you have ruled out the electrical problem, look for the emergency release chain. Engage it by pulling the chain and use the door manually without the garage door opener.

Problem 5: Squeaky door.roofing

Although your garage door opens and closes just fine, it creates squeaky noises to the point where your neighbors start complaining. This is usually caused by normal use of the garage door and is not a serious problem.

First, inspect the tracks and look for any debris that may be interfering with its movement. After clearing the tracks, apply a lubricant on the pulleys and hinges of your garage door. If the noise still persists, you can call a professional for a service.

Problem 6: Only the trolley carriage moves.

If you’ve activated the opener and only the trolley carriage moves, then you might need to replace the carriage assembly.

To install a new carriage, you have to separate the chain and slide off the old trolley. Then, replace it with a new trolley and reattach the chain. Adjust the tension accordingly afterwards.

Ensure that you test the garage door to ensure that everything works properly.

About the Author:
Kristy Jones is a DIY fan and enthusiast. She loves implementing life hacking topics especially about home improvements. She loves to declutter the home and would love to volunteer to help others live a clutter-free life. As the lead content curator for A Click Away Remotes, Kristy also contributes on writing other informative articles about basic architecture and house renovation.

Unfinished Business: How to Care for a Crumbling Basement

basement

Considering their importance and utility, basements rarely get their fair share of TLC from homeowners. Older basements in particular are often ticking time bombs that can impact the health of the rest of the home if they’re not looked after properly. To ensure your own basement remains sound, it’s worth your while to adhere to these prudent practices.

Reduce Humidity & Standing Water
Ultimately, moisture is what kills a foundation the fastest. It’s important to keep a basement as dry as possible for its longevity. Install an automated sump pump or two if you experience standing water or flooding every spring. While you’re at it, set up a dehumidifier to keep the air as dry as possible.

Landscape for Long-Term Success
Whether your foundation is a stone-walled number or a poured concrete model, there are in-ground ways to keep water away from the basement. Digging out a perimeter trench, filling it with loose rock, and adding a few drainage pipes away from the building works wonders in making sure it stays dry and safe. Be sure to have an expert contractor do this kind of work.

Keep the Pests from Doing Damage
Varmints are especially problematic if you own an older home with a stone foundation since it’s easier for them to get in and cause damage. Come up with a strategy to prevent them from getting in and wreaking havoc by using traps and sonic deterrence. Chem-Wise Ecological Pest Management Services might have other options that can help deter animals and bugs from getting inside in the first place that work better for your home or location. Contact a quality pest control company to advise you of the right solution.

Reinforce Every Element Possiblebasement-old masonry
Keeping your foundation and basement walls in tip-top shape is a major priority regardless of the age of your home. Have concrete foundation cracks filled and strengthened when they appear, and make sure stone foundation mortar work is patched up regularly. Finally, use jack stands and beams to support floors and take stress off of basement walls.

Carefully Seal Up Each Surface
Your basement walls should be an impervious barrier between the ground and your home’s interior. If your basement walls consist of mortar, “parge” them by applying an even layer of mortar. If they’re concrete, thoroughly dry out the basement area with a dehumidifier and desiccant agents before applying a layer of waterproof sealer to the inside walls.

If you live in any area where humidity and high precipitation are normal, keeping an eye on basement walls is a must. Even after you’ve performed each of the preventative steps detailed above, it’s important to monitor the situation and enact fixes as needed to head off problems before they snowball into catastrophes. 

 

How to Properly Service Your Hot Water Systems

hot water system

Focused on other big house-related maintenances, most people forget their hot water systems and left them unchecked for years and years. This leads to damages and leaks that can seriously harm your pipes and cost a lot of money, but also – and this aspect is often overlooked – affects your consumption of energy. Knowing that this system accounts for about 33% of the overall energy use, ignoring it is one of the worst things you can do. In order to maintain it properly, you have to know a few basics.

Properly Adjusted Slope

In general, all hot water systems include radiators, pipes and boilers that have to be in synch, properly connected and assembled in accordance with the highest standards. One of the things to pay the most attention to is the slope – unless it is well adjusted, your system will not work properly and will require frequent repairs.

Some of the most common indicators of an improper slope are hammering noises coming from your system, its inability to heat water and, ultimately, cold radiators around your home. If you want to fix this, contact an expert or just fasten the pipes and radiators yourself and check if all parts of the system are titled.

Adjust the Level of Water

water system repairWhen it comes to the water level in a hot water system, there is no precise way to determine it, but the rule of thumb tells us that the boiler should be about half full – or half empty, depending on how you see it. The reason for this is simple: too much water will minimize the much needed empty space in the top part of the tank, while a level that is too low will just not produce enough heat. That is why the golden mean is really ideal in this case.

If you, however, you notice that the water level is low, something needs to be done. These issues require professional assistance, so you should call an expert, we learn from the people who run Dial Up Plumbing. They need to close your water supply and check the water level for a period of three or four days in order to diagnose the problem accurately.

Expansion Tank Purpose and Safety Measures

Expansion tank might easily be the most important part of your hot water system, but it is also the part the majority of people pay little to no attention to. This tank is most frequently installed in the basement – it is hung from the ceiling – or, alternatively, in the attic especially with older systems.

The purpose of an expansion tank is to contain and control the heated water that goes into the hot water system.

Of course, the temperature of this water needs to be well above the temperature of boiling water. Only such water ensures proper heating, but it is the expansion tank that makes sure it is not converted into steam by carefully keeping it under pressure. This is why tanks need enough air as well, in order to prevent accidents, explosions and pressure-related problems. In order to ensure proper functioning, tanks should be inspected and replaced when needed, as well as drained if filled with too much water.

Finally: An Annual Check-up

If you notice that your pipes are colder than they should be, it is probably because they are clogged and need to be flushed. Moreover, the entire system should be flushed annually if you want it to be clean and ensure proper water flow. Remember how important the hot water system is to you during the winter and you will have no problem finding motivation to maintain it.

Preventative Ideas: 6 Simple Ways to Maintain your Garage Door

garage doors

When owning a home, it’s common for homeowners to come across problems that can develop with their garage door. Many times, the product has difficulty opening and closing or it may make a lot of noise when in operation. To maintain your garage door and prevent issues that are prone to occur, here are a few maintenance steps you can utilize.

1. Inspect the Torsion Springs

Hire a trained technician to inspect the torsion springs to determine if they need to be repaired or replaced. If the springs are not in good condition, they can break and easily lead to an injury.

2. Clear Items Away From the Tracks

It’s important to keep equipment like tools and brooms away from the tracks of the garage door.  These can become stuck in the track. All of the bolts near the tracks should also be inspected to ensure that the garage door opens and closes properly.

3. Check the Door Balance

Disconnect the garage door opener before checking the door balance. You can then disengage the door from the opener. After opening the door manually it should not lower if balanced properly.

garage

4. Clean the Garage Door

Clean the garage door with soap and water once a year to remove dirt and grime that can develop. For wood doors, you’ll need to inspect it to determine if repainting or staining needs to be done.

5. Replace the Weather-Stripping

It’s important to replace the rubber seal on the bottom of the garage door to prevent moisture, leaves, and other environmental elements from entering the garage. Specialists at J & D Door Sales Inc. report that this seal can easily become loose or fall off of the door over time, making it important to check every year.  Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your door by many years.

6. Lubricate the Parts

Lubricate the bearings, hinges, and springs with a non-silicone based lubricant. Avoid lubricating the tracks, otherwise, the door could slip. Taking this small step will allow everything to run smoothly and prevent jams from occurring.

By caring for your garage door and taking preventative measures, it will last for many years to come. This will also reduce your chances of coming across common problems that can occur, which can often be expensive to remedy. By practicing proper care, it will save more time and money in the long run.

Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Home Disasters

deadly side effects of home disasters

Two of the most dreaded home disasters are fire and flooding, and for good reason. The damage they cause can be so extensive—and expensive, that home insurance categories were specifically created in recognition of their destructive power. While everyone recognizes the threat of fire and flooding, many people remain unaware of the dangers that remain after one of these disasters strikes.

Flooding

The use of advanced meteorological technology like Doppler radar and satellites have increased our ability to predict the weather. These advances have resulted in far fewer deaths from drowning during floods. However, drowning is only one of the dangers of flooding.

Electrocution

Electrocution is the second leading cause of death resulting from flooding. Often, the main electrical switch is located in the basement, which is the first place to be flooded. Experts advise that in the event of a flooded basement, the safest thing to do is disconnect completely from the electrical grid. That requires removing the electrical meter face from the meter pan, which can be done by an electrician or a utility company employee. It may also be necessary to shut off the gas if there are gas appliances in the basement.

If you must go into the basement before having disconnected completely from the electrical grid, it is advisable to wear rubber boots. In order to reach the main electrical switch, use a non-metal step-stool. If the rest of the house isn’t flooded, you can shut down just the basements circuits and use the electricity upstairs to run a shop vac. However, this can be risky, and if the water is too deep to ensure that the electrical cord doesn’t come in contact with the water, it’s best to call a professional with equipment designed specifically for job.

Once the water has been drained, it’s important to address the potential danger of damage caused to heating and cooling systems that have been submerged in water. Your system and appliances should be inspected before attempting to use them, since a malfunctioning system can be extremely dangerous. Rust can also prevent proper grounding.

Mold

Despite numerous medical studies that demonstrated the potentially deadly effects of some toxin-producing molds, the EPA has still not set any minimum standards for acceptable levels and types of molds. However, while many molds can result in allergies or respiratory ailments, others can produce deadly toxins. To prevent mold, adequate sunlight and ventilation are vital. A dehumidifier can also be helpful in damp climates.

Fire

According to FEMA, the top three causes of residential fires are cooking, faulty heating systems, and malfunctioning electrical appliances. Not only is fire itself a danger, but the heathome fire from a blaze can create other dangers, including injuries from breaking or falling objects.

Smoke

While everyone knows that prolonged smoke inhalation is deadly, but many people don’t realize how dangerous even brief exposure can be. Many items commonly found in homes are made of materials that undergo pyrolysis when exposed to heat. The chemical composition of plastics, synthetic fabrics and asbestos change and become toxic carcinogens.

Soot

Like smoke, the potential health risks associated with inhaling soot are increased according to the type of material that produced it. The size of a particle of soot is estimated to be 2.5 microns, which is capable of deep lung penetration. Larger particles can get trapped in the upper respiratory system. Since the size of a speck of dust is 40 microns, soot particles can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Preventive Measures

A few initial preventative measures and investments can help reduce the risk of flooding. Checking and clearing your rain gutters and inspecting your foundation for cracks regularly is essential. A sump pump and a generator in case the power is lost can reduce flooding damage as well as raise the value of your home.

Fire prevention means regularly testing smoke detectors, especially in the kitchen. Regular safety inspections of heating systems and replacement of aging electrical appliances are essential. While all home disasters are tragic, none is quite as tragic as a preventable one.

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