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HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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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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
a dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be
put away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted
desk that can be extended when in use and can collapse flush
with the wall when it’s not. Cubby holes built into the interior
wall area can also provide places for storage in a tight space. A
creative builder can help you make the most of your available
space.
If your office is not separated from the rest of your home and
building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways to
define your workspace. For example, tall wooden shutters can be
linked together with hinges and painted to any color to create a
private area. Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate
atmosphere of privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients.
Tall silk plants, such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to
divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where
you will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure
that it’s comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support,
in addition to being an attractive addition to your office. Visit
Spine-Health.com for some helpful suggestions on choosing the
right chair that will work best for you.
THE GREAT ESCAPE –
YOUR BATHROOM
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to
hold your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements, your