5 Resolutions to Get Your Home in Tip Top Shape

Happy New Year! The start of a new year is naturally an optimistic time. If you’re in the mood for making a few resolutions, why not consider what you can do at home to help enhance your life? Try these resolutions to get your home in order, help the environment, and save you money.

1. Safety First

Start the New Year by making sure your fire extinguishers are in working order and easily accessible. Take the time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Have your chimney inspected and the flue cleaned if necessary. Clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer as lint is highly flammable.

Make sure your house is properly ventilated. You could also install door and window alarms, that don’t cost much these days. And also, ensure that your house is up to date with latest safety standards.

2. Organization is Key

Each year we acquire enormous amounts of useless items, which designers say make your home look dated and dirty. Without some regular purging, cabinets and closets get cluttered and it becomes hard to find the things you need.

There is no better way to start the New Year than getting organized. In fact, it’s probably the best and cheapest way to feel better about your home. Keep your space organized by periodically getting rid of things you don’t use or don’t like and make a commitment to only bring in things you actually need.

3. Energy Saving Measures

You can protect your home through the chilly months by taking just a few quick and easy preventative measures. Seal up cracks and repair the weather stripping around your windows and doors. Remember to cover outside faucets, bring in potted plants, and drip inside faucets when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Winterizing can not only make your home more comfortable; it could also end up saving you money on energy bills. Resolve to turn down your thermostat this winter when you’re at work or sleeping. Better yet, replace it with a programmable thermostat that will remember to do it for you. It’s also a good time to add additional insulation to your attic which can save big money on your heating and cooling bills.

4. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

Make the effort to start recycling and dispose properly of old electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, and cell phones. Invest in low-energy fluorescent lights and LED bulbs. Take steps to save water by repairing dripping faucets and fixing running toilets. Other ways to save water include installing low-flow showerheads, and replacing old toilets with new water saving models. When buying new appliances or electronic equipment, be sure they carry the federal Energy Star seal for energy efficiency.

Learning to properly recycle, remembering to turn off lights and conserving water not only contributes to a better planet but also cuts down your bills significantly.

5. Preventative Maintenance

Make a resolution to change the air filter on your central system every month or two. A clean filter means easier airflow and greater efficiency. Same idea goes for the vents (clean them out). To keep your water heater as efficient as possible, take the time to flush the water through the drain valve. This can make it last longer and work better. Be sure to clean the gutters. Leaves and debris quickly clog up your gutter, making it hard for precipitation to flow through them.

Wishing you – and your home — a happy and healthy 2020!