Whether you are looking for a new home or have been living in your current house for many years, there are a few things that you need to be aware of as it can ultimately save you thousands of dollars!
FIRST AID KIT
Hopefully you never have to use it but, every household should have a first aid kit. As you all know a first aid kit is used to treat minor injuries, so why not have one in your home?
FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND SMOKE DETECTORS
We see fire extinguishers almost everywhere we go in public places, but how many of us have access to them in our homes? It’s always good to have one around the kitchen area, especially if you are someone who loves to be in the kitchen and cook. Fires are not always caused by our human tendencies, fires in the home can also start from old electrical circuits as well. Again, hopefully you’ll never have to use one, knock on wood, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Before we ever get to using a smoke and Co2 detector, we hope that you have a functioning detector that alerts you when there are harmful particles that circulate your home. Home detectors normally only last 10 years, so be sure to update them after the expiry date.
With today’s technology, there are detectors that will send phone notifications to your phone. This way even if you are not present in the home, you can be alerted if anything does go wrong.
HEATING SYSTEM AND FURNACE FILTER
Especially if you live in an area where you experience cold seasons, your heating system and furnace filter isn’t something that you want to put on the back burner.
We recommend that every fall you do your heating maintenance. Either you check or have a professional come in and make sure there are no problems with your systems. Apart from your heating system, it is very important to update your furnace filter more frequently, 2-4 times a year.
If you are not aware when you should change your filter, like the new detectors, there are filters you can buy with the app that alerts you when it’s time to be changed.
Technology right?!
WINDOWS & DOOR
Have you ever received a cold draft from your windows and doors, especially during windy times? This can simply be fixed with cocking and weather stripping. A quick tip to see if you your windows and doors need attention is, during windy times, take a lit candle and go around your windows and doors. You’ll quickly get indicators of whether or not you have leaks, that can easily be fixed with some cocking.
DRYER DUCTS
In 2017, there were approximately 13,000 dryer fires and third of those were caused by clogged dryer ducts. It is recommended that you clean your ducts at least once a year, which can be done by hired professionals.
DRAIN HOSE
Especially during winter months, make sure to disconnect your hose from the outside of the house. It is advised to turn off the valve in your basement that facilitates the water during the colder times of the year. If the section of the pipe in your basement burst, you could face severe water damage in your home.
A safe home is a happy home and we hope these tips add some value to yours!