Home maintenance is important. Regular maintenance will save you. The rule of thumb is for every dollar spent on maintenance, you will save $100 dollars in repairs.

  • Save on water:

    • Take shorter showers.

    • Turn water off while brushing your teeth; better yet, fill a glass and use that water for gargling.

    • Put a brick in your toilet tank and save 1/3 a gallon of water per fill up.

  • If you have air-conditioning:

    • Change the filter every three months.

    • Keep the AC on average settings.

    • Zone it and run only zones needed.

    • Clean outdoor units.

  • To save on electricity:

    • Use fans instead of AC.

    • Use space heaters for rooms you’re in and not the central heating.

    • Wash laundry in cold water.

    • Use a clothesline instead of a dryer.

    • Use compact florescent lighting.

    • Keep appliances updated.

    • Unplug! Unplug whatever you are not using and stop losing “vampire” energy. You can buy plug in strips that allow you to turn off and unplug multiple units at a time.

  • Have a maintenance checklist and follow it regularly.

    • Vacuum under your refrigerator and your baseboard heating units.

    • Clean gutters.

    • Check septic tank level.

    • Check wiring in your attic for exposed areas.

    • Check and clean smoke alarms.

    • Check your gas fireplace. (The flame should be blue with very little yellow.)

    • Check chimney linings.

    • Buy new fire extinguishers every 6 years.

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    Posted in “Homeowner Savings, Maintenance” by Maureen Hodge