Like Your Car, Your Home Needs Regular Maintenance to Perform at its Best

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.