Are you ready to enjoy the fall and winter in beautiful Arizona? Time to relax with family and friends, get outdoors, whether you’re golfing, hiking or attending the many festivals or art events in the area. But, before you can play it’s a good idea to get your home maintenance list squared away. September is a great time to handle routine maintenance items around the house as it begins to cool off a little.
Walk the exterior of your home and check for peeling paint, cracks in the foundation or stucco, damage to the soffit and fascia, and the slab and any plantings around your air conditioning unit. As temperatures cool, adjust your irrigation timers accordingly.
In fall, solar screens can be removed, cleaned and stored. Of course, that means windows can be washed after all of our summer dust storms. It’s also a good time to check your sliding glass doors and clean the tracks and treads. Check your garage door for proper operation, and follow manufacturer’s instructions for oiling the door if necessary.
Fall is also a good time to check and/or change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Remember to have your HVAC system checked by a qualified professional, and change your air filters. While you are checking filters, don’t forget about your water filtration or softening systems – do you need a new filter in your fridge or bags of salt in your water softener?
Spend a day thoroughly checking out your systems and structure, keeping things clean and running smoothly and you’ll be ready to get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona fall weather.
Showing posts with label Maintenance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maintenance. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring Maintenance – Hit the Laundry Room
One area that homeowners often neglect in routine maintenance is the laundry room. We take for granted that our appliances will perform over and over again without taking care of them. There are a few simple things you can do to keep your washer and dryer in good operating condition and reduce the likelihood of leaks or repairs.
If you have rubber hoses for your washing machine, you should check them periodically for any signs of wear or obvious issues like blisters or cracks. If one of these hoses ruptures it can mean water everywhere, and water damage to floors and walls. If you have rubber hoses you may want to replace them with stainless steel fill hoses.
You may notice your washer having issues from time to time on the spin cycle – banging, rocking back and forth or even moving across the room. This is tough on your machine and should be easily fixed by ensuring your machine is level. The front legs can be leveled to the proper height and then locked into place by tightening the lock nut. Your machine may have adjustable rear legs as well, but many machines have self-leveling rear legs. Tip your machine forward so the rear legs are off of the floor, then lower it back down.
When it comes to dryers, it’s important to check the dryer vent pipe for a build up of lint. Your vent pipe should be aluminum – if not, upgrade it to avoid the potential of fire. Lint can be trapped anywhere in the pipe, so check the whole length and remove any lint. There are brushes available for cleaning the vent pipe, and if your dryer gets heavy use you’ll want to clean it more than once a year.
Following these simple maintenance tips will keep your washer and dryer in great shape, making life easier for you.
If you have rubber hoses for your washing machine, you should check them periodically for any signs of wear or obvious issues like blisters or cracks. If one of these hoses ruptures it can mean water everywhere, and water damage to floors and walls. If you have rubber hoses you may want to replace them with stainless steel fill hoses.
You may notice your washer having issues from time to time on the spin cycle – banging, rocking back and forth or even moving across the room. This is tough on your machine and should be easily fixed by ensuring your machine is level. The front legs can be leveled to the proper height and then locked into place by tightening the lock nut. Your machine may have adjustable rear legs as well, but many machines have self-leveling rear legs. Tip your machine forward so the rear legs are off of the floor, then lower it back down.
When it comes to dryers, it’s important to check the dryer vent pipe for a build up of lint. Your vent pipe should be aluminum – if not, upgrade it to avoid the potential of fire. Lint can be trapped anywhere in the pipe, so check the whole length and remove any lint. There are brushes available for cleaning the vent pipe, and if your dryer gets heavy use you’ll want to clean it more than once a year.
Following these simple maintenance tips will keep your washer and dryer in great shape, making life easier for you.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Trends in Remodeling Cost vs. Value
Remodeling Magazine has released its 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. This annual report takes 35 popular remodeling projects and compares the cost to the value the projects retain at resale. Although the unstable economy has affected the construction industry as well as home values across the country, one thing has remained consistent according to the study. “Replacement projects have historically outperformed full-service remodeling projects, primarily because they are lower-cost projects that are perceived as essential to regular home maintenance.”
Exterior projects that result in increased curb appeal lead the pack, with entry door and garage door replacements recouping up to 102.1% and 83.9% respectively. Replacing windows was another high-return home project, showing a return of 81.5% in the Phoenix area. Another top exterior project that adds appeal and value is the addition of a wood deck. This relatively inexpensive project tied for fourth place in the cost to value analysis with minor kitchen remodeling. Minor kitchen remodeling is a significant expenditure at an average of $21,695 nationally, but shows the importance to homeowners of investing in a comparatively inexpensive “face lift” to keep this essential part of the house up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing to potential buyers.
Return on project investment is also dependent on the current real estate trends and values in your neighborhood. That said, keeping a well-maintained house and investing in updated features that are in line with comparable properties will allow you to enjoy your home and keep it in top form for potential resale.
Exterior projects that result in increased curb appeal lead the pack, with entry door and garage door replacements recouping up to 102.1% and 83.9% respectively. Replacing windows was another high-return home project, showing a return of 81.5% in the Phoenix area. Another top exterior project that adds appeal and value is the addition of a wood deck. This relatively inexpensive project tied for fourth place in the cost to value analysis with minor kitchen remodeling. Minor kitchen remodeling is a significant expenditure at an average of $21,695 nationally, but shows the importance to homeowners of investing in a comparatively inexpensive “face lift” to keep this essential part of the house up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing to potential buyers.
Return on project investment is also dependent on the current real estate trends and values in your neighborhood. That said, keeping a well-maintained house and investing in updated features that are in line with comparable properties will allow you to enjoy your home and keep it in top form for potential resale.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spring Weed Control
If you’ve got grass in your yard, it may be dormant and brown, or if you’ve overseeded for the winter you may still be enjoying a lush green lawn. Either way, your lawn will look better this summer if you start your weed control program now. Spring is the best time for weed control, according to Turfgrass Specialist David M. Kopec of University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Summer annuals that we consider weeds like crabgrass, stinkgrass, foxtails and broadleaf weeds germinate in the spring at our low elevation.
To protect your turf from a weed invasion, you can apply one of the pre-emergence herbicides that are sold as granules or powders. They can also be found in “weed and feed” type products. It’s important to read the label and make sure that your turf is tolerant of whatever herbicides are in the product you choose. As a general guideline, the recommended time for application in the Phoenix area is around February 25 – March 5th. It’s important to time your application correctly with your irrigation so that the product soaks into the turf and does its job!
You can also use chemical pre-emergence herbicides on broadleaf weeds, and you can use products designed for weeds in your gravel areas. Most homeowners are familiar with killing existing weeds with products like Round-Up or other herbicides applied directly to the plant. If you’d rather not use potentially harmful chemicals, you can also get creative with your weed control by using salt granules or a propane torch to kill your weeds. Of course, if you’re not that adventurous, there are natural weed-killers available too. Whatever method you choose, start now before the weeds take you by surprise!
To protect your turf from a weed invasion, you can apply one of the pre-emergence herbicides that are sold as granules or powders. They can also be found in “weed and feed” type products. It’s important to read the label and make sure that your turf is tolerant of whatever herbicides are in the product you choose. As a general guideline, the recommended time for application in the Phoenix area is around February 25 – March 5th. It’s important to time your application correctly with your irrigation so that the product soaks into the turf and does its job!
You can also use chemical pre-emergence herbicides on broadleaf weeds, and you can use products designed for weeds in your gravel areas. Most homeowners are familiar with killing existing weeds with products like Round-Up or other herbicides applied directly to the plant. If you’d rather not use potentially harmful chemicals, you can also get creative with your weed control by using salt granules or a propane torch to kill your weeds. Of course, if you’re not that adventurous, there are natural weed-killers available too. Whatever method you choose, start now before the weeds take you by surprise!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Insulation in Arizona?
While family and friends battle snow drifts and icy blasts winter winds across the country, Arizona residents are enjoying some of the nation’s best weather. It’s easy at this time of year to forget the scorching heat of Arizona summers, and the toll the high temperatures take on our energy bills. Your home’s insulation (or lack of it) plays a key role in your utility costs.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dishwasher Care
A few simple steps will keep your dishwasher in good working order and give you cleaner dishes.
Daily
• Clean the front or top of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Follow manufacturer instructions to preserve the finish.
• Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
• Use powdered detergents instead of gels. They don’t contain chlorine bleach to harm your seals or filters. They are less likely to clog the soap dispenser.
• Detergents do have a shelf life of about 2 weeks. Once you open the box, the product starts losing strength. So buy a package that fits your usage for a 2 week time frame.
• Use a rinse aid to help prevent spotting on glassware especially if you use well water or live in a hard water area.
Twice a Month
• Clean the screens or filters. Check the manufacturer’s user manual for the correct way to remove the filters in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm vinegar water to loosen mineral deposits. Brush with a soft-medium brush or old toothbrush to remove any food particles trapped in the filter. Replace a torn or damaged filter. You don’t want to allow food particles to damage the dishwasher.
• Check the food drain. While the filters should prevent food particles from getting into the food drain, it won’t hurt to take a peek into the drain to verify that it is empty and clean.
Once a Month
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher. Run a cycle when the dishwasher is empty of dishes with a quart of vinegar to clean mineral deposits from the interior of the dishwater as well as the food drain. An alternative is to run a cycle with a scoop of Tang powered drink. It will scour the interior walls and leave a clean scent.
Bi-Monthly
• Clean the sprayer arm. Mineral deposits and food particles can clog the holes in the sprayer. Soak the arm in warm vinegar water to loosen the build up. Finish the cleaning with a pipe cleaner to completely clear the holes.
• Repair the dish racks. Should you see any exposed metal or nicks on the dish rack, purchase a repair kit from your local hardware store. The repairs are easy to make and will protect the rack from further deterioration as well as protect your dishes from rust or stains.
Twice a Year
• Level the dishwasher. Open the door and place an air bubble level on the inside rim of the dishwasher. Adjust the legs on the front of the dishwasher to keep it level.
• Check the sealing gaskets. Look at the rubber or plastic seals around the door to be sure they are pliable with no cracks or tears. Poor gaskets can allow the dishwasher to leak.
Daily
• Clean the front or top of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Follow manufacturer instructions to preserve the finish.
• Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
• Use powdered detergents instead of gels. They don’t contain chlorine bleach to harm your seals or filters. They are less likely to clog the soap dispenser.
• Detergents do have a shelf life of about 2 weeks. Once you open the box, the product starts losing strength. So buy a package that fits your usage for a 2 week time frame.
• Use a rinse aid to help prevent spotting on glassware especially if you use well water or live in a hard water area.
Twice a Month
• Clean the screens or filters. Check the manufacturer’s user manual for the correct way to remove the filters in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm vinegar water to loosen mineral deposits. Brush with a soft-medium brush or old toothbrush to remove any food particles trapped in the filter. Replace a torn or damaged filter. You don’t want to allow food particles to damage the dishwasher.
• Check the food drain. While the filters should prevent food particles from getting into the food drain, it won’t hurt to take a peek into the drain to verify that it is empty and clean.
Once a Month
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher. Run a cycle when the dishwasher is empty of dishes with a quart of vinegar to clean mineral deposits from the interior of the dishwater as well as the food drain. An alternative is to run a cycle with a scoop of Tang powered drink. It will scour the interior walls and leave a clean scent.
Bi-Monthly
• Clean the sprayer arm. Mineral deposits and food particles can clog the holes in the sprayer. Soak the arm in warm vinegar water to loosen the build up. Finish the cleaning with a pipe cleaner to completely clear the holes.
• Repair the dish racks. Should you see any exposed metal or nicks on the dish rack, purchase a repair kit from your local hardware store. The repairs are easy to make and will protect the rack from further deterioration as well as protect your dishes from rust or stains.
Twice a Year
• Level the dishwasher. Open the door and place an air bubble level on the inside rim of the dishwasher. Adjust the legs on the front of the dishwasher to keep it level.
• Check the sealing gaskets. Look at the rubber or plastic seals around the door to be sure they are pliable with no cracks or tears. Poor gaskets can allow the dishwasher to leak.
Tags:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
