Take advantage of the cold winter weather to stay productive in your house
Now that the holidays are behind us, many of us who live in colder climates, like Michigan and surrounding states, are likely suffering from post-holiday let-down. With limited sunlight and cold winter temperatures experts say that it’s important to stay active and productive – even when we’re stuck inside – to help alleviate the winter blues.
While you’re looking for projects to keep busy, we can’t think of anything more valuable than taking time to make sure your house is running efficiently, while also protecting your family from any avoidable mishaps. These few simple and dual-purpose tasks not only help ensure your house’s safety, but can also save you money in the end. So, take some time over the next few months to cross some of these to-do items off your list.
Simple Household Tasks to Undertake this Winter
Change your furnace filters. Such a simple task, yet you’d be shocked by how many of your Michigan neighbors don’t do this. While seemingly a simple item, the furnace filter actually plays a huge role in the efficient operation of your furnace. When clogged with dust, pet hair, etc… your furnace is forced to work much harder to pass air through and heat your house, resulting in not only poorer air quality, but higher energy costs. Replacing filters, at minimum, every 3 months, will help your furnace work to its optimal level.
Clean your sump pump. Like any other mechanical item in your home, your sump pump should be maintained annually to ensure it is ready and working when needed. Dirt, sand and other debris can clog the pump and prevent it from working properly. However, if you don’t conduct annual checks, you won’t even know that it’s clogged until it’s too late.
Clean your gutters and ensure water is flowing away from your house. Moving water away from your home is important as winter temperatures drop to below freezing. When debris builds up in your gutters, it can cause clogs, which keeps the water from draining properly from your roof. Should water fail to drain away from your home, it can cause water damage along your foundation, walls, and attic.
Check toilets and faucets for leaks. Beyond the irritation of a dripping faucet or running toilet, is the irritation of wasting money. If you have toilets and faucets that leak, it’s like you are flushing money down the toilet. Every drip, every drop is mocking you with a rhythmic cha-ching. Replacing valves and washers can help stop leaks that are costing you your hard-earned dollars.
Clean your your dryer vent and hoses. Blocked dryer vents are a fire hazard that could spark up at any time. Take time to clean out your lint traps and venting hoses to ensure there is no debris. A clean dryer works more efficiently… again helping you save on your energy bill.
Switch to LED lights and install dimmers. Not only will you save money on your electricity bill by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs, but adding a dimmer to your rooms will cut that energy output even further. As a bonus, your LED light bulbs will last you a lot longer, so you won’t have to deal with replacing bulbs at the most inopportune times.
Upgrade your insulation. Adding more insulation is like wrapping your home in a warm, cozy scarf. More insulation means that the heat is staying put right in your home. You won’t be paying to warm the outdoors any longer.
While there are many more tips that we could offer to keep your home energy-efficient, this is a great start that won’t break the bank. If you want to connect on saving money elsewhere, call our team of insurance experts and let them conduct an insurance audit on your behalf.
You are making the best choice when you bring your tax questions to our Michigan tax experts. With decades of experience, we can answer your questions and provide the advice that has you breathing a sigh of relief. Let’s get your back on track today.
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