Friday, February 24, 2012

Spring is among us

As we all get ready for spring, here are a few reminders for things to do around the house

1.  Change your furnace filter on a regular basis, this is a cheap and easy process and will keep your home clean and your HVAC unit working easier.  It is always a good idea to have your HVAC checked twice a year to make sure it is working properly.

2.  Clean your gutters, clean gutters move water more freely and makes sure they do their job and send water where it is supposed to go.  Make sure the gutters are attached properly and that the down spouts are pointed away from the house and that the water is just not dropping right into the foundation.  Using flex hose divert the water away from your foundation to avoid erosion of the dirt, and water into the basement.

3.  Make sure your homes paint is in good condition, when wood is unprotected and comes into contact with water or moisture it acts like a sponge and holds the water and rots the wood.  Wood and wood finishes facing north that get very little sin light need some extra attention.  Have the exterior of your home looked at and wood replaced and primed and painted every few years.

4.  Change your smoke detector batteries.  The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends that you change your detector batteries twice yearly.  The easiest method to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clocks for day light savings time.  Also, every few years you should replace your detectors.  As a reminder most use 9 volt batteries and keeping those on hand for when the existing batteries go bad will make the switch out easy.

5.  Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector.  Carbon Monoxide is a odorless gas that can and will kill.  Carbon monoxide is a by product of a gas furnace, hot water heater or stove.

Currently there are just over 100 single family homes for Sale in Loudoun County under $400,000, some of these are new homes that need to be built.  The rates continue to be good and inventory low.  Keep in mind the spring market is here and the rates are great.

Next week a guest article from Heather Brown who owns and operates a "Organizing" company with some tips and tricks.

Call me with any questions

Mark
571-437-5914

No comments: