I once heard that 9 out of 10 complaints to the water company can be traced back to leaky toilets. Personally, I’ve had experience with high water bills and water damage, neither of which are fun, not to mention how expensive they can get. It’s a good idea to do your own quick and easy […]
Home Maintenance #10 – Rake or Blow Leaves
January 28, 2012 by
It’s likely that you, like many, don’t think of raking and blowing leaves as home maintenance, but around here all but the hardiest of leaves have left their branches and created unsightly, and potentially damaging, piles of waste up against your foundation. These piles can cause you problems down the road because they increase the […]
Home Maintenance #9 – Grading
January 5, 2012 by
Have you ever paid attention to the grading around your home? Or maybe you’re thinking “What’s grading? That’s OK. Grading is simply the slop away or toward your home. The Soil near your home’s foundation should slope away from your home. If it doesn’t, rain and/or snow melt will get trapped next to your home […]
Home Maintenance #8 – Programmable Thermostats
December 22, 2011 by
Consider replacing traditional thermostats with programmable ones. According to ENERGY STAR, the average household spends $2,200 a year on energy bills and could save $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat to maintain proper heating and cooling settings. Seems like a no-brainer to spend a couple hundred dollars to save that same amount every […]
Home Maintenance #7 – Weatherstripping
December 13, 2011 by
In Oklahoma, it’s generally pretty easy to tell if your home is drafty, but even if you don’t feel drafts, you could still be wasting energy. Try this quick test: Close one of your outside doors on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out fairly easily and doesn’t tear, you’re likely losing energy. […]
Home Maintenance #6 – Christmas Lights
December 2, 2011 by
Did you know that each year, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage? Those are the statistics that the U.S. Fire Administration has posted. Since many of you are already, or will soon be, putting up those beautiful light […]
Home Maintenance #5 – Hot Water
November 28, 2011 by
It may seem like a no-brainer, but when it’s cold outside, your hot water heater has to work harder to heat your water. It also has to re-heat it more often, but did you know that you may be able to boost your water heater’s efficiency by simply wrapping it in a thermal blanket? According […]
Home Maintenance #4 – Guttering
November 21, 2011 by
Gutters and downspouts are no place for leaves, pine straw and other debris, but that’s usually right where they end up. Homes in wooded areas or with large trees nearby are particularly vulnerable, but it’s important to regularly check gutters and downspouts no matter where you live. Gutters that are clogged will hold water, and […]
Home Maintenance #3 – Your Sprinkler
November 16, 2011 by
With Old-man Winter knocking at the door, it’s time to get things around your house ready for the cold. One part of this equation that’s often overlooked is getting your in-ground sprinkler system properly drained. Water left in the lines will expand as temperatures drop to freezing levels and can cause your pipes to burst. […]
Home Maintenance #2 – Your Chimney
November 12, 2011 by
Chimneys are one of those parts of a home that many people overlook and maybe even neglect. This time of year is typically an ideal time to inspect your chimney, but in light of the recent earthquakes that we’ve been experiencing here in Oklahoma, I’d HIGHLY recommend that you check yours out, to be sure […]
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