There’s a saying, “It’s not how big the house is, it’s how happy the home is.” One of the ways to create a happy home is to respect it by maintaining it properly so that it’s comfortable, safe and secure for all who reside there or visit.
1. New year — less stuff
After the holiday gifts and decorations are put away, you may look around your home and still see lots of stuff you don’t use or need. January is a great time to take stock and declutter your home. Create flow in your life by getting rid of unwanted junk. Contact us to make that junk disappear!
2. Inadequate insulation (attic issue #1)
If your attic is inadequately insulated it may be costing you money. Insufficient or old attic insulation is the #1 cause of heat loss and energy inefficiency in most homes. When was the last time you went up there? Whether you pull down a ladder or remove a ceiling panel to gain access, if you’re able, go up in the attic and inspect the insulation. If it’s less than 12″ thick, if you see holes or gaps in the coverage, then your home is not as energy efficient as it could be. Are your living areas uncomfortably chilly during cold months? You probably need an insulation upgrade. It’s about spending money to save money. Your local hardware store can supply you most any type of insulation you may need. Or schedule a Get Dwell professional to assess your attic to see how we can help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
3. Mold & condensation (attic issue #2)
OK — let’s get up in the attic again. Determine where your bathroom ceiling fan(s) penetrate through the ceiling into the attic space. The ductwork connected to the fan should exit through the roof. Frequently it doesn’t, making it one of the primary causes of attic mold and condensation issues. Schedule a visit with Get Dwell’s roofing specialists to get this corrected as soon as possible.
4. Thaw, freeze, repeat (attic issue #3)
If you were paying attention in school, you’ll recall the second law of thermodynamics. If you weren’t paying attention, it’s this in a nutshell: Unless in equilibrium, heat moves from hot to cold. So in the winter, the warm air in your house seeks something cold, seeping out of your living space through open doors and windows and uninsulated/unsealed areas of your home. In most homes this happens primarily through your attic or roof. Go up in the attic and check the coldest (northernmost) side for mold and rusted nails coming through the roof sheathing. If there’s rust, you might think it’s caused by a roof leak. A more likely cause is the condensing and freezing of moist air on the nails on days when the outside temp is below 32 degrees F. Excess condensation in the attic can lead to structural, electrical, alarm system and health issues. Contact Get Dwell for professional help with this.
5. Cold outside … clean inside!
Deep clean the basement (and while you’re at it, the attic). These oft neglected areas of your home accumulate lots of dirt, dust, bugs and other unhealthy debris that affect the quality of the air you breathe. Schedule Get Dwell’s team of vacuum backpack-wearing experts, who will make sure these hard-to-get-to areas are completely clean.
6. Is heat escaping your house?
The weatherstripping around your doors and windows plays a critical role in keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. If you have difficulty controlling the temperature in your home, check for drafts in areas close to the doorways and windows. Your local hardware store can help you with all the materials you need to seal the gaps around your doors and windows. Your many options include various types of weatherstripping, and depending upon your needs, insulating spray foam sealant and window film — lots of ways to make your home cozier and save you money. Or, schedule a Get Dwell handyman for help.
7. Spin the right direction!
It’s best to keep ceiling fans running year-round. They keep your home comfortable by circulating both cooled and heated air and can save you money on energy bills. But make sure they’re spinning in the right direction. Many people don’t realize that they need to reverse the direction of their overhead fans during the winter months — fan blades should rotate in a clockwise direction. This updraft allows hot air to get pushed down into your room — especially important in rooms with high ceilings. Hopefully you’ll notice a difference when your heating bill arrives!
8. Chimney checkup
Chimneys are exposed to lots of abuse from the elements. Extreme temperature variations really stress chimney materials, which can lead to cracked or failing chimney caps, loose or spalled bricks, and defective or missing mortar joints. Left unchecked, these conditions can infiltrate so much of the structure that a much more expensive rebuild becomes necessary. Keep your chimney in good repair at all times to avoid more costly and serious issues down the road. Schedule chimney repair today.
9. Clean gutters are happy gutters
If you haven’t cleared the autumn leaves and debris from your gutters, it’s too cold to be climbing a ladder now. This is a dangerous job best left to the professionals. Gutters should be clear of leaves and debris so that when roof snow melts your gutters can fulfill their purpose of carrying water away and down the drain pipes. Schedule gutter cleaning today.
10. Ask for help!
Sometimes you just need an extra pair of hands. Did you get frustrated trying to assemble that IKEA furniture you hauled home? We now offer Chore Taskers, a less expensive alternative to our handyman service. Chore Taskers can help with assembly tasks, moving boxes, help with hanging indoor/outdoor seasonal decorations, even changing light bulbs. Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors, gallery walls, bookcases, moving-related packing and unpacking, loading/lifting heavy items — basically anything that doesn’t require a skilled handyperson or carpenter. They show up on time, are professional, organized and get the job done, no matter how large or small. Schedule Chore Taskers today.
“May your walls know joy; may every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility.”
— Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey