Like Your Car, Your Home Needs Regular Maintenance to Perform at its Best
Just like our automobiles,
our homes need routine maintenance to perform at their
best. And, unlike automobiles which depreciate in
value over time, investing in your home is often the
best investment you can make, since homes often substantially
appreciate in value.
Through proactive home maintenance,
homeowners can help reduce energy costs, keep their
families more comfortable and help their investment
perform at its best.
“Your home is a major
investment in money and in time,” says Kathy
Krafka Harkema, Pella Corporation spokesperson. “Energy
costs are continuing to rise, so it makes sense to
check your home and eliminate energy inefficiencies.
Completing a few small home improvement projects now
can help provide greater comfort and safety and lasting
value for years to come.”
Follow these tips to keep your
home in good working order:
* Mechanical systems such as
furnaces and air conditioners require regular safety
and maintenance checks to perform at their peak. Have
these systems inspected at least annually by a qualified
professional. Change filters regularly and consider
using allergen-reducing filters if family members
suffer from dust allergies or a smoker resides in
the house.
* If your furnace is equipped
with a humidifier, make sure it is appropriately set
for your region’s conditions and for the season.
Too much moisture can damage the home’s structure
and furnishings. Too little moisture can cause wood
furniture to crack and windows and doors to stick.
No matter when the home was built, the key is to strike
the right balance when it comes to humidity levels.
Though moisture is present in every home, excessive
levels should be addressed. Adjust humidity levels
inside the home throughout the year to avoid moisture
build up and damage. If interior condensation begins
to form on your windows, reduce interior humidity
by opening windows, running exhaust fans or humidifiers,
or minimizing sources of moisture. For a chart of
recommended relative humidity levels inside the home,
visit http://www.pella.com/maint/condensation.asp?path=/maint/cond.
* Look for dripping pipes and
faucets. Repairing or replacing faulty plumbing parts
can save hundreds of dollars in extra, needless water
charges, as well as more costly repairs in the future
due to water damage.
* Be sure chimneys are free
and clear of ash and soot. This not only could prevent
a fire, but also ensures that moisture in combustion
gases can escape. To locate a qualified chimney sweep
in your area, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of
America Web site at www.csia.org.
* Check the manufacturer’s
recommendations for properly venting gas appliances.
In most cases, this means venting directly to the
outdoors. If you cannot locate your owner’s
manual, check the manufacturer’s Web site for
the information.
* Look closely at exterior surfaces
for cracking, deteriorated wood and other damage that
might be caused by condensation or water penetration.
Re-caulk around windows and doors where necessary.
Also, check for cracked and peeling paint on windows
and doors. This could signal that it’s time
for replacement. If it’s time to replace, select
energy-efficient products, such as those earning the
ENERGY STAR for added performance and comfort all
year.
* When building new homes, or
remodeling existing ones, insist on quality materials
and construction practices which result in a solid
home that can stand the test of time.
* Poorly installed windows and
doors won’t perform efficiently, or last as
long as they should, no matter how well they’re
built. Whether you install it yourself, or hire someone
else to do it for you, make sure the manufacturer’s
installation instructions are followed to ensure products
perform and will comply with warranty terms.
* Before making home improvements,
check with your utility company to inquire about additional
savings on energy-efficient products. Many utilities
offer rebates on energy-saving appliances and home
improvements, such as those which have earned the
ENERGY STAR for overall energy-efficient performance.
* Take the time to test and
replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make
sure that smoke alarms are installed on every floor
of your home, near key rooms, such as bedrooms. To
help protect your home and your personal safety, replace
smoke alarms every 10 years, unless they are hard-wired
into your home’s electrical system. Practice
your family’s fire escape plan to ensure everyone
can exit easily and safely in case of fire. Identify
two exits from every room: a door and a window. Make
sure your home’s doors and windows open quickly
and easily, and keep paths to them free of clutter
to ensure a quick exit if needed.
