-Wait until you can fill up your dishwasher before running it. And if you have a heated-dry option, switch it off. Prop open the door a bit after the cycle to air dry your load.
-If you have an electric cooktop, turn the burners off a few minutes before the allotted cooking time. The heating element will stay hot long enough to finish the cooking without using more electricity.
-Make sure the refrigerator door seals are tight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.
-Turn off lights that are not being used. Consider installing timers or photo cells on some lights.
-Use linear fluorescent and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Exterior Home Maintenance - Tips for Using a Pressure Washer
Over time, the siding and brickwork on your house accumulates dirt, grime and mildew. Using a pressure washer to clean the exterior of your home can clean and refresh the surfaces. Pressure washers have high-pressure sprays and will work much better than the average garden hose or the soap and bucket method.
Here are some tips for using a pressure washer:
• Choose the right tip or nozzle for the pressure washer. Some nozzles could damage your home's exterior.
• If you are using soap or chemicals, be very careful. Cleaning solutions may be harmful to some exterior surfaces. Never allow the soap or solution to dry on your house before rinsing it off.
• Before you begin pressure washing, always test the spray in an inconspicuous area of your house.
• Stay back at least 12 feet while spraying and always spray at a downward angle to avoid damaging the siding. Spraying upwards or straight on could cause water to seep into the walls.
• Start pressure washing at the top of the house.
• Do not point the high-pressure spray directly at electrical boxes or windows.
• Make sure that your eyes are protected. Debris may fly from the house while you are spraying.
Here are some tips for using a pressure washer:
• Choose the right tip or nozzle for the pressure washer. Some nozzles could damage your home's exterior.
• If you are using soap or chemicals, be very careful. Cleaning solutions may be harmful to some exterior surfaces. Never allow the soap or solution to dry on your house before rinsing it off.
• Before you begin pressure washing, always test the spray in an inconspicuous area of your house.
• Stay back at least 12 feet while spraying and always spray at a downward angle to avoid damaging the siding. Spraying upwards or straight on could cause water to seep into the walls.
• Start pressure washing at the top of the house.
• Do not point the high-pressure spray directly at electrical boxes or windows.
• Make sure that your eyes are protected. Debris may fly from the house while you are spraying.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
How to Save Energy and Stay Cool during a Heat Wave
Recent 90-degree-plus days in the nation’s East tested the endurance of even those who thrive on sultry weather. As household electric meters spin at warp speed, how can you rein in energy costs and remain as comfortable as possible?
-add insulation to ensure a well-sealed house
-install an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat
-replace furnace/air-conditioning filters regularly
-close blinds, curtains and shades on the sunny side of the house
-use energy-efficient lights that don’t produce a lot of heat
-turn off lights when you leave a room
-replace older air conditioners or central-air systems
-use a ceiling fan to create a cool breeze and keep air circulating
-take lukewarm showers and baths to avoid humid air, which holds heat
-add insulation to ensure a well-sealed house
-install an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat
-replace furnace/air-conditioning filters regularly
-close blinds, curtains and shades on the sunny side of the house
-use energy-efficient lights that don’t produce a lot of heat
-turn off lights when you leave a room
-replace older air conditioners or central-air systems
-use a ceiling fan to create a cool breeze and keep air circulating
-take lukewarm showers and baths to avoid humid air, which holds heat
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Home Maintenance Tips
Bathroom:
Keep bathrooms ventilated to reduce moisture and subsequent mildew problems. Depending on your water source, you may experience rust stains on your bathroom fixtures; these should be cleaned with a rust-removing cleaning product that will not damage the enamel or finish of your fixtures. If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener. Clean porcelain, cultured marble tubs and sinks, fiberglass showers and tub/shower combinations, and shower stall floors with warm water and non-abrasive cleaner. Clean glass doors with a commercial glass cleaner. Check bathtub stoppers and shower floor drain grates for hair accumulation.
Keep bathrooms ventilated to reduce moisture and subsequent mildew problems. Depending on your water source, you may experience rust stains on your bathroom fixtures; these should be cleaned with a rust-removing cleaning product that will not damage the enamel or finish of your fixtures. If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener. Clean porcelain, cultured marble tubs and sinks, fiberglass showers and tub/shower combinations, and shower stall floors with warm water and non-abrasive cleaner. Clean glass doors with a commercial glass cleaner. Check bathtub stoppers and shower floor drain grates for hair accumulation.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Home Maintenance Tips
Siding, Paint, Masonry and Stucco:
Siding materials should be inspected twice a year. Areas where paint has peeled or fallen off should be repainted. Before painting, fill all cracks, separation and damage with a flexible caulk. Cracks in brick, stone and stucco should be caulked with a flexible masonry caulk, and if the mortar has fallen out, this should be repaired as well. Closely inspect the areas around windows and doors for any gaps or deterioration of caulking and reseal if necessary.
Siding materials should be inspected twice a year. Areas where paint has peeled or fallen off should be repainted. Before painting, fill all cracks, separation and damage with a flexible caulk. Cracks in brick, stone and stucco should be caulked with a flexible masonry caulk, and if the mortar has fallen out, this should be repaired as well. Closely inspect the areas around windows and doors for any gaps or deterioration of caulking and reseal if necessary.
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