Winter spruce up home and save money tips:
You need a few things from the hardware or home improvement
store.
If you are a veteran or veteran spouse Lowes offers discounts
of ten percent.
While you are at Lowe’s buy: canned air, new air filter for
the HVAC (take the old one out to measure), LED bulbs, microfiber rags. W-D40, battery
for the carbon monoxide detector, and baking soda. Do you need a new front door
mat?
Or if you prefer Home Depot here is five dollars
Canned air to clean air vents in your home. With this tool no
more scrubbing the grill with a tooth brush. The house fan blows the dust outside. This
works on the return air grilles of your central heating/cooling system too. Run
the system so that the return airflow pushes the dust to the filter. Then change
the filter (bet you never did this easy thing that keeps your heater, air conditioner
and lungs running longer life).
So
you bought a few LED light bulbs, start replacing burned out ones and those you
use the most. If the traditional incandescent bulb is still good, you can
donate it for a tax deduction. Lighting technology allows for much lower power
use and the same illumination. The cost may be a bit more than traditional
bulbs, CFL and LED bulbs can last for years without having to replace them. You
don’t need to replace all the bulbs in the house. Change your four or five
most-used light bulbs can save you $45 or more a year!
I love microfiber cloths. Rather than rags these attract and hold
dust with an electrostatic charge which make them one of the best tools for how
to clean dust.
Why
did I tell you to buy W-D 40? Don’t re-purchase if you have a little spray can
in the garage. With a paper towel in hand spray the locks and hinges in the
house. We live in a moist coastal climate. Metal tends to rust faster than you
might notice. This little lube will protect and keep them from squeaking.
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| African violets |
A simple cleaning past of baking
soda and cream of tartar and lemon juice works wonders on sink stains and tub
soap scum. Apply to stains and rub in, then wait about an hour and rinse.
Check the flow on the kitchen
sink faucet. Over time faucets start to slow to a reduced flow and may release
water in an uneven spray. This is caused by buildup of tiny grains of sand or
other minerals that gum up the aerator—or mesh screen—at the tip of the faucet.
Wrap some tape around the aerator to protect it and twist left off. Wash out debris and soak in a small mug
vinegar for about an hour. Scrub it clean and then reassemble.
Energy
efficient improvements still have a tax deduction in 2020. From January 1, 2020
to December 31, 2020 remains an IRS twenty six percent deduction on energy
efficient improvements. The least expensive upgrades are to add a programmable
thermostat, add insulation to the attic, changing lighting to LED as I
mentioned, and sealing doors and windows. Of course, you can change out your
water heater to tankless or replace the HVAC; but these may not be the best
short-term investment. You can still claim tax deductions on solar energy–both
for electric and water heating equipment, through 2021. Look in to
solar that is off-grid.
Is your air
conditioner outside? Check it for rust, leaves, and guests. The unit needs
space where it's getting air easily. Many AC units are surrounded by shrubs
that can restrict the airflow it needs to run efficiently. Trim away any bushes
that touch the unit so there is at least a foot of clearance. Clean up the
ground for any loose debris or leaves. Check the wiring.
Is your
water heater crowded in the garage? With long handled scrub brush clean
underneath the unit. There is a tiny grill under the pilot that sucks up air
and tends to have dust, pet hair, debris clog the area. Make sure there is ventilation.
Throw away those paper bags you have stacked there or better yet bring them
back to the grocery store. Storing fabric, paper or flammable items near the
water heater is a problem.
Replace
the battery in the carbon monoxide detector. If you don’t have one add this
life saving item to your list.
This year cut out
those monthly bills for stuff you don’t use. It's easier than ever to rack up
monthly subscription bills since many products and services nowadays offer
monthly plans. But the problem with those is that you sign up and forget or don’t
want to take the time to go online and figure out how to cancel. Sometimes they
make it difficult to cancel.
Did you get the whole list
completed this weekend? Shall we have a contest?
And now since you worked so hard some pretty potted plants just to add joy to my DIY work list for your home
C G
Caroline Gerardo Barbeau
(949) 784- 9699
NMLS 324982
