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House & Home

Home Maintenance Checklist For The Fall

There are many home maintenance chores we, as homeowners need to do before the winter months set in. Doing them yearly can prevent home repairs that can be costly, and time consuming. So, before the cold weather comes and you don’t feel like doing them, here is a 7 chore list that can help you get organized.

Call to have your furnace serviced. It is so important to have this done yearly, that is not possible to reiterate this enough. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a serious threat for you, your family and pets. Older furnaces specially need to be monitored to make sure they are working properly.

Clean the Gutters of your home. Leaves accumulate, and can cause blockages that can disrupt the flow of water. By cleaning them after the leaves fall every year ensures your gutters will stay clean, and debris free.

Stowing away your lawnmower and trimmers without servicing them, means you will have a hard time starting them next year. If you leave your lawn mower with gas in it, make sure you use a fuel stabilizer to keep your lawn mower engine’s free of excessive moisture and to prevent varnishing. You can buy an 8 oz. fuel stabilizer at your local Home Depot for $5.22 isn’t that cheap enough to avoid headaches in the spring?

Change the batteries in your smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors at home. A ten dollar expense can protect your family.

Make sure the drainage of your home is flowing the proper course. If water is sitting around the foundation of your home, then the drainage is not working properly. Make sure the flower beds around your home are not keeping water stagnate close to the foundation. That water will eventually find a way to the basement of your home if it is not properly waterproofed.

Trimming the shrubbery around your home will keep ants and other critters from finding a way onto the roof. Long branches from trees around your home can do damage to your house during strong winds, keep them short.

Stow away your garden hoses to avoid water backing up and freezing, causing damage to the pipes.

Prevention is the best way to avoid costly repairs to your home. Those yearly chores we must do every year, are a necessity, and can save you time and money if you are diligent. Inspecting the foundation, and roof of your home should be done yearly as well to make sure there are not glaring problems that you overlooked before.

8 Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill this Winter

74 ℉ is a pretty good average temperature for September. Historically, October is 12℉ colder, and November’s average temperature is 50 ℉.  The winters in Northeast Ohio can be extreme, and the electric bills many homeowners receive during these months are pretty high.  During these months, there are many families that struggle to make these high electric bill payments and fall behind.  Then, late fees and higher rates make their ability to pay harder.  This cycle is repeated year after year.  If families start making payments but still have a balance on their bills, they cannot shop around for better electric suppliers and are stuck with suppliers offering high rates.

This winter, lower your electric bill by preparing your home for the frigid winter months.  These tips will help you have a lower bill without making you suffer the cold weather inside.

  1. Shop for a Better Electric Supplier-The Public Utility Commission in your state will have a website and a list of all the major electric and gas suppliers in the state.  Shop around and choose a supplier that will meet your needs.
    • TIP#1 Do not pay a fee to enroll, cancel your contract early, or a monthly fee. There are other suppliers offering electric and gas contracts without fees.
    • Tip #2 Do not enroll in a contract with a variable rate even if the price is lower. They can change the variable rate as they pleased in some cases. Choose the fixed rate every time.
    • TIP #3 Be careful and read all the fine print before switching or choosing a new electric supplier.
    • TIP#4 Keep all signed papers handy in case you need to check the terms of your contract later on.
    • TIP#5 Keep in mind the termination date of your contract.  Choose another supplier ahead of time if your contract is expiring and you will be shopping for a better rate. The change to another supplier is not instantaneous.

2.  Use smart Technology-Buy a Programmable or a smart WiFi thermostat to control the temperature of your home with little difficulty. According to the U.S. Department of energy, for every degree you lower the temperature of the home, you will be saving 1% on your electric bill in an 8-hour period.

3. Change Filters-Most heating and cooling technicians recommend changing the filter in your heating system every 3 to 6 months.  If the filter is full of dust sooner, you should replace it anyway regardless of the last time you changed it. The cleaner the filter is, the better it will perform.

4. Use energy-efficient appliances throughout the home-If you need to replace an appliance in your home, choosing an energy-efficient appliance that will save you money and be good for the environment. Also, make sure to clean the lint from the drier after every load, run the dishwasher when is fully loaded, clean the dust from the bottom of the refrigerator’s motor to keep it working efficiently.

5. Install ceiling fans for the second floor-Changing the thermostat to have a comfortable temperature on the second floor is wasteful. Instead, install ceiling fans in the bedrooms to keep them cool during the summer. It will take less electricity to cool the house, plus prolong the life of your AC system.

6. Turn Off the Lights, TV, and Computers-This is a relatively easy energy-saving tip we can all do.  If nobody is in a room, the lights have to be off. If nobody is watching the TV, the TV has to be off. It is very easy for many families to leave the TV on whether anyone is watching or not. Some houses look like every light in the house is on, even if no one is in the room. It can become a nice habit to have to ensure we are not wasting electricity.

7. Reduce the Temperature-By reducing the temperature one degree, we are saving energy, and saving money.  During the spring season and only if your children don’t suffer from allergies, open the windows to air out the home and cool it down.  It is also true for the autumn months.

8. Apply Window Plastic Seal-You can apply a black, clear, gray, or artistic window plastic seal to your windows and doors to prevent cool or hot air from escaping. In the winter, the sun will warm up the house without wasting too much electricity, and in the summer, the house will be cooler if cold air is not escaping through openings and cracks.

For many families, reducing their kilowatts usage is an environmental issue. For many others, it is a matter of saving money.  Regardless of the reason you want to lower the electric usage in your home, it is both financially smart, and environmentally conscious to reduce the kilowatts you use every month.

It’s Fall, Winterize Your Home

The temperatures in Northeast Ohio can be extreme during the winter. The changing weather and frigid temperatures can sometimes be felt inside the home. Electric bills can skyrocket during the January and February months, and during July and August, the cooling of the home can be an unpleasant bill to get.

If you have some draft coming from the windows or doors, winterizing them might be a good idea to save on those electric and gas bills. Even during the summer months, when temperatures can reach record highs, these 8 tips can save you on high cooling bills.

  1. Sealing cracks around the windows-If you have old windows or broken windows that need to be replaced, there is a high probability that the cold air is coming through the cracks. You might need to replace the seal around the windows or caulking small openings if you cannot replace all the windows at once.
  2. Sealing the doors-The caulk around the doors’ wood frame can become loose and you might have a small opening where the cold air is coming from. Caulking it to seal it is an easy chore to do and it might stop the heat from escaping and the cold from entering your home. If the gap is too big to caulk first, fill in the gap and then apply the sealant. A home improvement store has a huge inventory of calks, sealants, and products to fill in the cracks no matter how big they are.
  3. Sealing the windows-A heavy-duty tape use around the windows to prevent air from coming in or escaping is a cheap solution for many homeowners.  It is easy to apply and easy to remove.  If you feel a draft coming from the windows, applying this tape around the window panes might stop the draft altogether.
  4. Weather Strips for your main doors-Some homes have gaps at the bottom of outside doors that are big enough to feel drafts all year long. If you really want to stop the cold air from entering the home, applying a weather strip at the bottom of the door might do the trick. The weatherstrips in major home improvement stores are easy to install, adjustable, and come in different colors and width. They do not require you to be handy or spend a lot buying them.
  5. Heavy Drapes-Putting up heavy drapes or blinds in drafty rooms can stop the cold from coming into the room. If it is a sunny day, open the drapes or blinds and let the room warm up naturally.
  6. Window Plastic Seal-This is another inexpensive way to prevent cold air from coming into the home.  Applying an indoor or outdoor crystal clear film on the windows can save you a lot in your electric bill. The window plastic seal can be clear, black, gray, or have a different look if you wish.  You can even have an artistic window seal if that’s your preference. The windows do not have to be ugly to protect your home from the winter cold.
  7. Seal the cracks between the window panes-Heavy duty tape or removable caulk to seal the crack between the window panes is another solution that is cheap, and easy to do.
  8. Close and Lock all windows-Make sure all your windows are closed and locked well.  A tiny gap in one window can let a lot of heat escape. It can be difficult to spot if you do not make sure they are locked as well.

There are many ways you can save on your electric bill, and one of them is making sure your home is closed well during the winter and summer months. Keep in mind that a drafty window or door cannot only let cold air come into the home, but it can let it escape as well during the summer months. Plus, exposure to cold temperature, rain, and snow can deteriorate your windows and make their durability much shorter.

8 Easy Tips To Prevent Gnats and Fruit Flies in the Home

Fruit Flies are a very common occurrence during the fall, spring, and summer months. They can multiply easily, and depending on what kind of bugs you have in your kitchen, some of them can reproduce quickly and can carry bacteria into the home. Your kitchen can be spotless, yet you will find fruit flies by the fruit bowl, sugary spots on the table, countertop, thrash can, or recycle bin. Regardless of where you find fruit flies, there are steps to take to stop them from multiplying and becoming a nuisance.

  1. Clean sugar spills on the counter and kitchen table as they occur. Make sure the sugar bowl is firmly closed, and sugary treats are put away in closed lid containers.
  2. Empty the recycle bin and trash can daily and make sure they are clean before bringing them back to the kitchen.  All spills from the bottom of the bins have to be clean with soap and water to get rid of the sugary smell and stickiness from the bottom of the containers.
  3. Refrigerate your fruits placed in the fruit bowl. Bananas attract fruit flies to the bowl and can multiply quickly if you keep leaving them there.  Once the bananas are yellow, put them in the refrigerator and take them out as needed. The less fruit you have outside the refrigerator the better to keep fruit flies at a minimum.
  4. Pour hot water into the drains.  It is not only recommended for the kitchen sinks but bathroom and shower drain as well.  A gallon of hot water poured into the kitchen, bathroom, and shower sink should be enough to kill the fruit flies’ eggs and clear any soap build-up. You can add more hot water if you think it is necessary. Also, you can use a solution of 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup of baking soda to get rid of any blockage you have in the drains.  This will also allow you to have cleaner drains and fewer fruit flies in the kitchen.
  5. Clean your kitchen sink.  Make sure your kitchen sink stays clean overnight.  Snack dishes or ice cream bowls used after dinner should be rinsed and put in the dishwasher.  Dishes with a sugary smell left overnight will most certainly bring ants, fruit flies, and gnats to your kitchen.
  6. Do not store potatoes, onions, or any other root vegetable in bins in warm places where they can rot quickly. Make sure you sort all vegetables and wash them before storing them.  Make sure any vegetable with a brown or discolored spot is used quickly before it rots and contaminates all the other vegetables. Do not replenish the bins with new vegetables before taking inventory of the old ones.  Do not mix new and old ones.
  7. Gnats can be found in potted plants all year round.  Make sure you do not overwater your plants.  Potting soil that is too wet is a perfect environment for gnats. Also, make sure roots that are rotting or decaying are put in the trash can outside the home right away.
  8. Dirty glasses or dishes in your child’s bedroom can also be the reason you have flies or fruit flies in the home.  Checking your child’s bedroom for wrappers or dirty dishes might be a starting point to get rid of fruit flies.

Every year there is a season when it seems impossible to get rid of the flies, gnats, or fruit flies in the home.  By following these 8 easy tips you can have a cleaner and insect-free home all year round.

Get Your Car Ready For Winter

When was the last time you kept track of your car care schedule? Do you remember when you took your car for a full inspection?

Time is money as the old adage goes, and when it comes to the care of our car, time and money are too precious to waste.  That’s why, taking care of your car and doing preventive maintenance or even regular scheduled oil changes can keep your car running well, prevent costly repairs and keeps your car dependable for many years.

Before Winter arrives, here is a list to check to see if you have a car that is ready to see you through the Winter.

  1. Oil change
  2. Transmission flush and fill
  3. Check tires and wheel alignment
  4. Replace wiper blades
  5. Check  brakes and battery
  6. Check your lights – weekly if you can
  7. The Heating and air conditioning of your car
  8. Check the antifreeze fluid
  9. Belts and hoses
  10. Annual tune-up

There are many places in Columbus where you can have your car serviced.  But, do you know which ones have a good rating? By checking the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB), you can check to see if the place you are planning to take your car for a checkup has a good rating. Remember that not even the Better Business Bureau guarantees you will have a nice experience, but it is a good place to start. Asking your friends and family for their favorite place to take their own car is the best bet, and you can probably avoid some headaches.

Now that you have taken your car to be serviced, and want to keep your car running smoothly for the foreseeable future, keeping a reminder of their service schedule can be a very practical thing to do.

At carcare.org, you can build a service schedule for your car by entering your car’s make and model.  Then, they send you a schedule service reminder to your email when the time is approaching to have your car serviced. Is it convenient? You bet. It is easy to do and an easy way for you to then call your favorite car care place and schedule an appointment without forgetting.

3 Home Repairs You Must Do Right Away

If you are the proud owner of a home and have been living there for many years, you are probably accustomed to the daily noises that are particular to your home. It is understandable

you are used to those noises and pay no particular attention to them because you hear them every day.  But, keep in mind that some noises can be an indication of more serious problems in the home. Therefore, it is important for you to take action to avoid costly repairs. Here are three home repairs you must do right away before they become a serious problem.

Drain pipes

If you notice the kitchen sink is not emptying as quickly as before, or you hear gurgling noises when you use the sink or run the dishwasher, you probably have a clogged kitchen pipe.  Any gurgling noises you have in any sink or bathtub means your pipes have a blockage that will eventually stop the drainage in those places. Calling a plumber before you have an emergency it’s the only solution for this problem. Furthermore, in less than an hour, a plumber will unblock any problem you have and will clear the way for the drainage to continue flawlessly.  If you wait and let the problem continue, or have an emergency, you will pay extra for any plumber to come and fix the problem.  It is better by far to be proactive and get a solution to the problem as soon as you notice there is something wrong.

Clogged Gutters

In the Northeast Ohio area, the fall season is full of chores every homeowner must do to prepare their home for winter.  Clean gutters are one of those chores that if you forget to do or choose to ignore to do it, can become expensive later on. After the leaves have fallen and before the cold weather sets in, cleaning the gutters should take precedent over many other chores.  Clogged gutters mean the rainfall and melted snow will pool around the foundation of the home and eventually seeped into the basement. If the gutters are clogged, you will hear the puddles forming around the foundation during a heavy storm. The damage might not be evident right away, but the damage is there and can become an expensive fix to do.  If and when the gutters are clean, every homeowner should make sure the spouting is firmly in place and they are not damaged.  If the spouting is damaged, it can easily be replaced at very little cost.

Leaky Roofs

A leak on the roof might not be too costly to repair if it’s small and it’s done quickly.  A roof with a leak that is not fixed quickly is bound to be expensive to fix.  If your roof is old and needs to be replaced, it is better to do it right away.  As homeowners, we tend to postpone home repairs because we cannot afford them at that particular moment, and it is very unwise to do so.  Postponing fixing a leaky roof is financially irresponsible and will be more expensive in the long run.  Call at least three companies and ask for a quote and references.  You can Google them before you call to find out what customers are saying about the company.  Look for good and bad reviews about them, and when calling them, ask a question that is particular to your problem.

There are many home repairs that are very expensive to do if they are ignored. And many homeowners believe they cannot repair them right away unless those repairs are absolutely necessary.  On the other hand, fixing roofs, gutters, spouting, and pipes in the home before it is an emergency, can save you money, and many headaches in the future as well.  It is imperative you do not postpone any of these repairs for the future.  You, without professional advice, can distinguish between a problem you can fix or one that requires professional help.

Shopping Around – The New Norm

Shopping around for items is normal, but many people are moving towards shopping for items and services that used to not be questioned.  Prices can be very different from one place to another depending on the vendor. And things that used to be a monopoly have a high degree of competition now.  This week I saw a friend on Facebook complain about a new medication he needed be $500 a month and not covered by insurance.  Within an hour he had people telling him how to get it for $60 and places he could maybe get it free (from manufacturer) and how to do it.

Facebook and other social media channels are helping people collaborate and share information to find better deals on things.  But are you looking for better deals when it comes to some of these things?

  1. Utilities – By shopping for utility providers, you can reduce your rate significantly.  Put when your contract is up on your calendar and reshop for it once it expires or your rate will go up and not one will notify you.
  2. Medical – The exact same procedure can be radically different from place to place.  Some people even find it cheaper to go to another country and have a medical vacation versus just taking the first offer on a medical procedure.  (Please do not shop around if it is an emergency though!)
  3. Auto Repairs – If you are one of those people still going to the dealer, you are paying too much for some things.  I do like the dealer for maintenance but not for big jobs unless it requires a specialist.  That said, this is one area asking around is very important.  Just taking the cheapest person to fix your car can be a nightmare.
  4. Prescriptions – Not only does the place matter, but there are programs that will give you a discount at your pharmacy.  Check out online programs but be careful what information you are sharing.
  5. Cars – Sure we all shop around for cars already, but did you know if you know what you are looking for and you start calling dealerships (especially if you are a little flexible) you can get a great deal without ever setting foot on the lot (until you buy)?
  6. Entertainment – I cannot even say “TV” or “Cable” anymore because there are so many options for entertainment.  Do you just watch movies and tv shows?  You probably only need a streaming service.  The trick here is to know what you can’t live without and then shop around for the entertainment necessities and cut out the unused stuff.
  7. Insurance – If you got the best price on insurance more than a year ago, why have you not shopped it around again?  For example, we got a great deal on insurance a year ago and this year they raised the price about  for no reason.  Clearly the first year was a discount to get the business and they hope people will not move after year one and the price increase.  Time to start calling around.

I wish it was not such a hassle.  It is an unfortunate byproduct of our hyper capitalistic economy that businesses are always using gimmicks, specials and tricks to squeeze more money out of you.  You can either accept the games and pay more or you can manage your buying and pay less.  The choice is yours.

Winterize Your Home Before Fall

When Winter season is approaching, many people opt to leave their homes and visit other cities where it is warmer. If you are planning to vacate your home this winter, it is important you make preparations in the right way. The arrangements done should help you secure your property from theft and destruction. Preparations are easy and less costly. Various ideas are used in securing the house and all assets which are vulnerable to the falls. Here are useful tips that could help keep your home a better place to come back after the winter season is over.

Be proactive about your home sewage and plumbing

Heavy downfall is experienced during the winter season. Secure the pipes which are exposed on your compound. Alternating changes of temperatures could affect these pipes causing them to burst up. If you have a swimming pool or any other water spigots that are within your compound, consider cutting off water supply. On the last days, ensure sprinklers are dried of excess moisture using compressed air. Facilities like air conditioners must also be covered to keep off moisture from affecting the equipment.

Trim huge trees near the house

The weather experienced in winter is very harsh. There are frequent thunderstorms and winds. If there are trees that are positioned next to your house, this could pose a huge threat to your home. Accumulation of ice on branches causes them to break off. Hire tree companies that specialize in trimming and felling of trees professionally. They will help in trimming this vegetation thus reducing the risk of falling on your roof. Apart from trimming, cleaning of branches and leaves that have fallen is done.

Enclose the chimney

If your house has a fire point, ensure cleaning is done days before the winter comes. The chimney should be washed using chemicals that reduce acidic reactions on the surface. When cleaning is finished, chimney caps should be installed on top. The advantage of covering the top opening is to reduce any snow that falls into your fireplace. Corrosion is reduced, and your house stays in good condition during the period.

Decluttering Your Home

A common expression is that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  It is safe to say that the opposite is true as well.  Have you seen when someone leaves a home and leaves many of their belongings in it?  Or how about going to a tag sale and seeing all the knickknacks which are on sale for a buck?  We should turn that expression around and say “One man’s treasure is many people’s trash.”

Unless you are very disciplined, you most likely have a lot of stuff in your home that you do not use.  The longer you have been there the worse it has no doubt gotten.

Decluttering your home will make it more enjoyable.  When you go on vacation one of the nicest elements is the lack of clutter in a nice, spacious hotel.

Decluttering will save you money.  You can sell valuable things on ebay or amazon and you can just throw away a lot of stuff.  This will save you money because the more you throw away, the more thoughtful you are before you buy new things.

Decluttering will help you stay more organized.  By only keeping things you really need and keeping things picked up and put away, your life will be simpler and more organized.

Decluttering will make it easier to sell your home or move.  The less you have the more show-ready your home is if you decide to put it on the market.  Everyone knows the more cluttered a house is the less desirable it is to potential buyers.  By keeping it decluttered, you can be ready to move without months of cleaning.

Tips for Decluttering your Home

  1. If you have not used something for more than a year, either put it up for sale or throw it away.
  2. Keep a minimal amount of holiday / seasonal items for decorating.  Only keep what you enjoy the most.  This stuff has a habit of building up.
  3. Take care of papers, mail and deliveries right away.  Do not let stacks grow.  Whenever possible, store documents electronically and dispose of papers quickly.
  4. Know where your local recycling center is and have older documents you no longer need shredded.  This is often free if you know where to go.
  5. Don’t assign emotions to items.  Unless something truly gives you joy see it for the item it is and get rid of it if you do not need it.
  6. Don’t keep clothes you do not wear.  Donating them can give you a tax break while helping someone out.

This is a big start to living a fresher, cleaner and more clutter-free life.  Enjoy the empty space.

 

 

How To Prepare Your Garden In The Fall for Next Spring

As the summer months wean, and the fall and winter months approach, it is time for the gardener to prepare for next year’s bountiful and colorful vegetable and flower gardens. While the temperatures are still mild, there are different chores every gardener must do to prepare themselves for next year’s spring gardening.  From cleaning, storing, and oiling tools to getting ready the soil, many gardeners view the fall as a preparation time for their spring gardening. Here are 8 gardening tips to follow to have a beautiful garden without the backbreaking chores that come in the spring.

  1. Clean the leaves, dead branches, or plants from your garden.  Gardening during the springtime will be less time-consuming and strenuous if you get rid of unwanted plants in the fall.
  2. Trim the bushes and small trees.
  3. Plant bulbs during October for a colorful spring garden. From daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, to Asiatic Lily Blacklist and Dutch Iris Sapphire Beauty, your garden will surely be a beauty to see.  Check the planting periods recommended for the bulbs you buy or want to plant.
  4. Do you want lush grass on your lawn next spring? You need to fertilize and aerate your lawn in the fall, and plant grass seed to obtain great results. Buying a lawn aerator to accomplish this task should not be too expensive, or difficult to accomplish.
  5. Getting your flower pots ready for next spring means you need to clean them and stored them for the winter. The terra cotta pots might break if you leave out in cold climates. For that reason, it is better to store them in your shed in crates or stack them carefully on a shelf.
  6. Bring delicate plants inside to keep them from dying during the winter months. Your lemon tree needs to be inside before the first frost to survive. Any other delicate plants need to have a cool temperature to make it through the winter months.
  7. Store your garden tools in the shed.  Make sure they do not get wet and are safe from the elements.  Your garden hose needs to be stored away as well. Empty your lawnmower from gasoline. You need fresh gasoline next spring for it to start without trouble.
  8. Stored your patio furniture or cover them till spring. A heavy-duty polyester covering can protect your garden furniture from the elements and keep them ready for spring.

Protecting your garden furniture, plants, garden tools, and plants from the winter will make the time you spend gardening more enjoyable in the spring.  If you clean your flower beds, leaves, brush, or dead plants from the garden, you will have more time planning the vegetable garden or design the flower garden you always wanted. Because gardening can be a wonderful hobby and an enjoyable activity, preparation is key to having a wonderful time gardening during the spring.  Fertilizing your front and back yard during the fall might not seem important, but it is if you want to have a beautiful lush lawn during the year. Your local nursery is always a good source of advice if you have a specific question about a plant, tree, or fertilizer.  Moreover, a visit to your local nursery might inspire you to try a new plant or shrub.