HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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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.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is
a continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with
a wood frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that are
level, while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including
a hilly or uneven lawn.
Many homeowners add fire features to their outdoor area,
which functions as a gathering point for both family and guests.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical
warmth and beauty, but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear
gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their
home.
For homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional
fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful
flame that glows through crystal rock. They’re available in three
different heights, with a lower coffee table height, dining table
and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting
wood‑ or gas-burning fire pits.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS –
FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T STAND THE HEAT
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a
roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know
it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air conditioning
bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their
bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the summer in order
to maintain a cool house. This simple idea can really help keep
your home cool during the dog days of summer, while saving you
money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a
spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event that must
be planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks,
chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing
the overall fat content.
And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell
peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a
wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in
foil and cooked on a grill.
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