With energy costs constantly on the rise consumers are becoming more conscious of energy conservation. With winter approaching, handyman services and homeowners are busy with seasonal maintenance and home weatherizing projects. Here are some things you can do to now to prepare for winter:
For Drafty Doors and Windows: Check the caulk around the windows. If it is dry, brittle and crumbling, scrape it out and run a new bead of caulk. This will keep heat from escaping and the cold from getting in. Check the weather stripping around the door to be sure it isn’t torn; replace if necessary.
Automatic Programmable Thermostat: You can save up to 20% on your heating bill by turning back the thermostat when they go to sleep or are out of the house for the day. Installing a programmable thermostat will eliminate the need to always remember to do this. Programmable thermostats also save money on AC bills in the summer for those who have central air.
How is Your Attic Insulation? Heat rises, so be sure you have adequate insulation in the attic. An attic fan and proper ventilation also prevents the rafters from overheating in the summer.
Adjust the Heat Vents: Close the vents in rooms that are rarely used to reduce the amount of energy used to heat the home.
Replace your Furnace Filter. Be sure to replace the furnace filter every month to keep the furnace working efficiently. A clogged filter creates extra strain on the blower motor and restricts air-flow. Also, have the furnace professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to be sure it is operating safely and efficiently.
Check your Humidifier. A home with the proper level of humidity will feel warmer than one that is too dry. Humidity also helps prevent health issues including dry mouth and itchy skin, and upper respiratory problems. Be sure the humidifier is working properly and there are no leaks.
These are just a few items that will help conserve on energy used to heat your home this winter. The cost of doing all the above will quickly pay for itself in energy savings.
Paul Doughty owns HandyPro Handyman Services, a company of professionals who handle most seasonal home maintenance including weatherizing homes to reduce energy costs. HandyPro offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and building maintenance. Paul serves homeowners and commercial business owners in El Paso County, Colorado Springs and neighboring cities and communities.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Handyman Service: Gutter Cleaning and Repair Tips from your Local Colorado Springs Handyman
Gutters and downspouts are designed to help protect the foundation of your home by directing rain water away. Handyman services and homeowners will be busy in the next couple months cleaning gutters, repairing gutters or having new gutters installed before winter.
This is the time to call your local handyman service or, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are some gutter maintenance tips:
1. Clean leaves, twigs and other debris from the gutters, and make sure the downspouts are clear to allow water run-off. Be sure gutters are sloped properly to allow water to flow and extensions are directing the water where you want it to go.
2. Make sure the downspouts and extensions allow water to drain far enough away from the home to avoid puddles in the grass.
3. If you have lots of trees around your home, consider putting screen over the gutters to keep most debris out and reduce gutter cleaning work.
4. Check the seams in the gutters and downspouts for leaks. If the seams are leaking, clean the seam with a wire brush to remove old caulk or adhesive, and re-caulk with a silicone caulk. If gutters are in very bad shape and in need of replacing, consider having seamless gutters installed.
5. Make sure gutters are secure with the proper length gutter spikes going right into the rafters. When gutters get weighed down from debris, sometimes the nails loosen and need to be pounded back in.
Homeowners should check their gutters before the heavy storm and rain season. Properly working gutters allow water to drain quickly and away from the house to avoid future problems.
Gutter maintenance is fairly simple for the professional, but the average homeowner, especially senior citizens, may not be comfortable working on their roof or being on ladders. This is one example of a home maintenance project that is better left to the professional handyman service.
Paul Doughty owns HandyPro Handyman Services, a company of professionals who handle most seasonal home maintenance including gutter cleaning and new gutter installation. Handypro offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and building maintenance. Paul serves homeowners and commercial business owners in El Paso County, Colorado Springs and neighboring cities and communities.
This is the time to call your local handyman service or, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, here are some gutter maintenance tips:
1. Clean leaves, twigs and other debris from the gutters, and make sure the downspouts are clear to allow water run-off. Be sure gutters are sloped properly to allow water to flow and extensions are directing the water where you want it to go.
2. Make sure the downspouts and extensions allow water to drain far enough away from the home to avoid puddles in the grass.
3. If you have lots of trees around your home, consider putting screen over the gutters to keep most debris out and reduce gutter cleaning work.
4. Check the seams in the gutters and downspouts for leaks. If the seams are leaking, clean the seam with a wire brush to remove old caulk or adhesive, and re-caulk with a silicone caulk. If gutters are in very bad shape and in need of replacing, consider having seamless gutters installed.
5. Make sure gutters are secure with the proper length gutter spikes going right into the rafters. When gutters get weighed down from debris, sometimes the nails loosen and need to be pounded back in.
Homeowners should check their gutters before the heavy storm and rain season. Properly working gutters allow water to drain quickly and away from the house to avoid future problems.
Gutter maintenance is fairly simple for the professional, but the average homeowner, especially senior citizens, may not be comfortable working on their roof or being on ladders. This is one example of a home maintenance project that is better left to the professional handyman service.
Paul Doughty owns HandyPro Handyman Services, a company of professionals who handle most seasonal home maintenance including gutter cleaning and new gutter installation. Handypro offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and building maintenance. Paul serves homeowners and commercial business owners in El Paso County, Colorado Springs and neighboring cities and communities.
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