You are a homeowner now, the Lord or Lady
of the manor. You are also the person who pays for repairs. There is no
landlord to call when things go wrong. Having a maintenance plan saves money
you could be using to pay the mortgage. Now is the time to develop good habits
when it comes to home maintenance. Combine this with some strategies for
efficient energy use and you have a recipe for success.
Appliances
If you plan to buy new appliances, then
look for energy efficient products. Using less electricity means a lower bill.
A cheap energy-hog of a refrigerator will need replacement in a few short
years. You pay a little more to purchase the high-efficiency model, but you
will likely have it for the next 20 years. In the end, the more expensive model
costs less even before you consider the money saved to operate it.
Insulation
A well-insulated attic allows the HVAC
system to function efficiently. The insulation should be at least 11 inches
thick. Measure it in areas that are not within easy reach of the attic
entrance. Hard-to-reach spots often receive less material. Also,
recommendations change over time.
Pest Control
Sharing your home with pests is not a part
of the dream. Mice can fit through the smallest of openings. Check the
perimeter of your home. Look for gaps that may be inviting to pests. Fill the
smaller ones with caulking; larger openings may need repair before sealing them
with caulk.
Prevent termites by maintaining the
concrete barrier between the earth and wood. Hiring a professional to help
prevent pests makes life easy. Hydrex Pest Control provides complete and
thorough pest control services. Visit their website at www.hydrex.info to find out more.
Landscaping
Consider planting some shade trees. Your
local nursery will provide advice on the fastest growing trees for your area.
The shade provides an excellent defense against the summer sun.
Maintenance
Change the filter in your HVAC system. The
unit operates efficiently when air flows freely. Learn how to inspect your
home’s mechanical systems. The more you do for yourself, the less you pay.
Learning how is easier than it ever has been. There are unlimited sources of
information at your fingertips. Books, video, magazines, and online articles
abound.
Homeowners enjoy life more when they save
money. It makes sense to learn how. Take a proactive role and remember: When
ignored, small problems often grow into big ones. Hopefully, the bright-side of
your home’s inevitable problems will always be easy to see.
Tags
Lifestyle