Remember the Tom Hanks movie, The Money Pit? While a comedic exaggeration of what can go wrong with a house and all it can cost to make the repairs, there’s a lesson to be learned from watching it and cable network home TV shows. Actually, three lessons:
- Don’t buy a house without a thorough inspection
- Don’t remodel or expand without carefully planning all details in advance
- Keep up with basic home improvements to help prevent potentially costly problems and save you money now
In this Norhio Plumbing blog, we’re going to focus on item #3 – the kinds of things you can do to step up your Home Improvement game with minimal cost and effort.
Drain the water heater.
Over time, sediment collects at the bottom of your water heater tank, thereby limiting its ability to keep pace with your hot water needs. So, to help prevent internal corrosion and keep your water heater running at peak capacity, drain about a quart of water every three months of or so, following your manufacturer’s instruction manual.
Install a programmable thermostat.
If you still have an old-fashioned dial thermostat, it’s time to upgrade to a programmable model. That way, you can come home to absolute comfort while reducing your energy costs during your absence. You can save even more by dividing your home into multiple zones so you can control the temperature one area at a time.
Update your switch plate covers. From vibrant graphics, to modern nickel and antique brass, there’s a switch place cover to fit every style and budget. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to add a little pop to any room.
Clean your dryer ducts. If your dryer doesn’t work as quickly or effectively as it once did, the vent duct could be clogged with lint and other debris. This condition also represents a fire hazard. You can clean the duct by unplugging the dryer, detaching the duct, and vacuuming the inside of it.
Install weather stripping. Weather stripping will make your home feel more comfortable while taking some of the load off your furnace. Permanent weather stripping, which has adhesive, is recommended around doors and windows that you routinely open. For windows that will stay shut until spring, consider temporary weather seals or sealant that peels off when it’s no longer needed.
Replace faucets. Sick of your drab, sometimes leaky faucet? If you can wield a wrench, you can easily install a new faucet. Before you begin, turn off the water supply. Then just unscrew the connections from your old faucet and screw in the replacement. Add an aerator, and you’ll lower your water bill at the same time.
Of course, not everyone feels handy enough or inclined to tackle home plumbing jobs, but we are! In fact, for plumbing jobs large and small, Norhio Plumbing is your all-in-one resource. That includes drain cleaning and water heater service. Contact us today or any time for prompt and dependable service.
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