Many of us are busy creating long New Year’s resolutions to improve our lives this 2015, but what are you forgetting?
Although most resolutions are unfortunately not very “resolute,” we’ve compiled a list of New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home that you may actually be able to accomplish.
We know a little something about following through on our promises, so here is a list of manageable resolutions that are broken up into simple tasks to help you achieve your goals this year.
This year,
I will remember to check and/or change my air filters.
When asked what the most important thing a homeowner can do to extend the life and improve the operation of their HVAC system, without pause we say, “check and/or change your air filters every month.” Many people forget this basic maintenance requirement for HVAC systems. Remember that if you have pets or people with asthma and other breathing problems, you should be changing your air filter more frequently.
I will remember to schedule annual HVAC maintenance.
The second most important thing you can do as a homeowner this year is to remember to schedule annual heating and cooling maintenance. Not only will regular maintenance save you money on your monthly heating and cooling bills; it will also double the life of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run on expensive repairs.
Call Boulden Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your furnace tune-up today! (302) 368-3848 for 24 hour emergency service.
I will remember to schedule annual maintenance for my water heater.
In general, your water heater should be serviced once a year to drain it of harmful sediment, check/replace the sacrificial anode, and inspect for corrosion and other damage. Most people forget this annual chore and as a result have a water heater that will last half as long as a regularly maintained one. Tankless water heater models do not require service this frequently, but it is a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations even if your water heater is brand new. There is no substitute for proper maintenance service and it will likely save you a lot in the long run.
I will remember to purchase/use my programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat is essential for cutting HVAC costs. When you are asleep or away from the home, the temperature should be dropped to compensate for a lower demand for heating and cooling.
Nest, a “smart” thermostat (purchased by Google early last year) is the next-generation thermostat which learns your schedule after just a couple days of setting the temperature to your preference.
I will be better about electrical safety.
Remember to schedule an annual electrical safety inspection every year along with your HVAC maintenance inspections. This will ensure that you have proper Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed by a qualified professional electrician. AFCIs protect your home against unintented electrical arcs, while GFCIs protect a person from getting shocked due to wetness or moisture. All outdoor outlets and any outlets in the bathroom and kitchen should be GFCI-protected.
Also, make sure that you have the appropriate wattage bulb for each light fixture and that you are not overloading your circuit. Don not use extension cords for long periods of time and never run them under rugs or where they can cause a tripping hazard.
Hopefully these are New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home that you can actually keep this year.
Follow these tips for a safe and energy efficient 2015! For more plumbing, HVAC, and electrical information, visit us on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Wishing you a Happy New Year from everyone here at Boulden Brothers!