IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2020 | Page 28

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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IMPROVEMENTS
HVAC
As the final snowflakes melt away, it’s time
to start thinking spring. Most of us start our
spring-cleaning checklist by sweeping out the
garage or uncovering stored patio furniture.
But the real cleaning should start from the
inside. It is critical to give attention to heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, to
ensure comfort inside your home. Follow the
checklist below to give your home the boost it
needs before spring sets in.
• Check and replace filters – Changing the
filters in your furnace and air conditioner
about every three months (depending on
your filter type) keeps the air in your home
clean and allows for your system to continue
to run efficiently. Be sure to first turn off
equipment before replacing anything.
• Dust and wash bathroom fans – Clean
exhaust fans help with bathroom odor and
keep moisture out, preventing against mold
and mildew. To clean, remove the bathroom
fan cover from the ceiling and wash with
warm, soapy water and allow to dry
completely. Be sure the electricity to the fan is
off before you dust the fan blades.
• Drain and air out dehumidifier (if
applicable) – Dehumidifiers have several
health benefits for your family, including
reducing allergens such as dust mites, mold,
and mildew. Empty and clean the water
collection tank with warm, soapy water and
vacuum the intake and exhaust grills to keep
your dehumidifier running clean.
• Remove plants around the air conditioning
unit – Allow for maximum airflow around
your air conditioner unit by clearing any
encroaching weeds or plants, keeping a two-
foot radius around the system.
• Install a programmable thermostat – If
you’re in the market for a new thermostat,
consider a programmable one. These
thermostats increase your home’s efficiency,
offer cost savings through adjustable timing
and consistent temperatures throughout the
house, and optimize your HVAC system.
If all else fails, put your trust in the hands of a
professional who will ensure that your HVAC
system is ready for spring.
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IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES
If your family always seems to be darting about in different
directions, perhaps a game room might entice them to spend a bit
more time at the old homestead.
A ping-pong table is a great way to get some exercise on rainy
days and evenings, and a Wii will also get your family off the
couch for a workout. If you’ve always thought you didn’t have the
space for a pool table, it may be easier to fit than you think. Tables
come in 7, 8, 8.5 and 9-ft. options.
Above all, your game room should reflect who you are. It can be
fun and funky or classy and elegant. It’s all up to you!
HOME SWEET OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from
home? The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re
dressed in your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You
need a place that’s organized, designed well, and in which you feel
comfortable. Chances are, you may also need a degree of privacy
to do your best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting.
Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever
possible, and results in more productivity among workers and a
more positive attitude toward the work itself. Lighting can have
a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your
hormones.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead and try to avoid
harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture
of the outdoors, will help to transform a windowless area into a
more inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange
will also help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a
basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry
where office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight.
Shelving that is custom-designed for the way you work can
transform even a tiny space into an efficient work area. Having
cabinets and shelves that are suited to your exact purpose will
eliminate a great deal of frustration and overwhelming feelings of
disorganization. A designer and expert carpenter can help you get
the most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house to
dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean that you can’t have