Proper maintenance and care are essential to responsible home ownership.  Investing in seasonal home maintenance and safety can pay off in peace of mind, utility cost savings, durability and even resale value.  As spring approaches it is a good time to set aside a weekend to take care of these easy and money saving projects.

The following will keep your home green and save you some green.

• Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and stove hood.
• Change HVAC air filters monthly.
• Use a household air purifier to cut down on airborne allergens, and save the central air conditioner from having to do all the filtering work in addition to cooling the air.
• Install low flow toilets.  If you are a customer of SAWS you may qualify for two free toilets.
• Change light bulbs to fluorescent wherever possible.
• Vacuum the coils of your coil-back refrigerator at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run much more efficiently with cleaner coils.
• Adjust thermostats to energy-saving settings while at home. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperatures at less comfortable levels when you’re not home or sleeping.
• Keep windows open for fresh air and ventilation.
• Test plumbing for leaks annually. Even small leaks can add up to a large loss and cost without knowing it.
• Repair chalk joints at areas of water penetration.
• Use automatic timers for your lighting, heating and air conditioning and water heater instead of leaving them on all day or night
• Plant drought resistant landscaping.
• Examine fascia or soffit boards. Replace if they are soft or rotting because they may allow rain into your attic.
• Make sure attics are properly ventilated.  Replace broken or noisy fans with solar powered fans.
• Use solar outdoor lighting. Solar lighting doesn’t require electrical wiring, there are no additional charges to your electric bill and you can relocate the lighting any place desired. Solar lights enhance the look of walk ways, landscaping and security.