Quick Tips for Home Maintenance that Will Save You Money and Make You Safer

Isn't it difficult to maintain the car, house, yard family and not spend a fortune to do so? My husband and I have been married for 20 years and raised four kids in a 80-year old home that needs lots of repair. So we have found all sorts of maintenance tips and tricks along the way. Here are some that are easy and cheap and yet are very often forgotten or overlooked.

CLEANING TIPS

Replace furnace or central air filters every month. Clean air conditioner filters daily when in use. They will run better and safer.

Clean dryer and filters after each use. Rinse and dry them every few weeks or so. Fabric softener can clog the screen. Lint build up is a major safety hazard and causes your dryer to run less efficiently. Take a vacuum hose and vacuum the lint compartment as well. Clean the outside vent as well.

Change your vacuum cleaner bags regularly. Clean out hoses and traps. This well help your vacuum run better and safer.

Empty crumbs out of your toaster frequently; this will help prevent fires and electrical shorts.

Keep dust from accumulating on any plugs or outlets.

Clean your oven every few months; this is a huge safety precaution. Also keep gas stove jets clean.

Keep the fridge defrosted. This is a safety issue and a money saver.

Vacuum out heat ducts.

Use your narrow nozzle to vacuum out your computer vents.

REPAIR TIPS

Caulk or silicone any holes or cracks in walls, baseboards, etc. This keeps heat from escaping and also prevents mice and bats from getting into the house.

Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Don't use outlets that don't hold plugs securely or are cracked. Replace damaged electrical fixtures.

Test your smoke alarm and replace batteries spring and fall.

Check your fire extinguishers; they may need recharging (refilling).

Instant foam insulation works great for all sorts of leaks. ( see link below for details).

REDUCE WATER USAGE

Make sure everyone turns off the water while brushing teeth; you might be surprised how common a habit it is to let the water run while brushing.