EL SEGUNDO HERALD January 13, 2022 Page 7
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Inexpensive, Easy Weekend Home Maintenance Projects
(BPT) - Home maintenance. The very words
might evoke thoughts of an entire weekend
spent laboring at home instead of relaxing in
it, but that doesn’t always have to be the case.
“Not every home maintenance project has
to be a large undertaking or one that takes
up all of your free time,” said Christopher
O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president
of property claims. “There are small weekend
projects that can save you time, worry and
money in the long run.”
To keep your refrigerator properly working,
it’s best to clean the coolant coils every six
months. Coolant coils, which can be located
on the back or bottom of the refrigerator, keep
warm air out. When the coils are covered with
dust, dirt or hair they aren’t able to release
heat efficiently. In turn, the coils work harder
and longer, using more energy and shortening
the life of the appliance. This might end up
costing you more in the form of a higher
energy bill or purchase of a new refrigerator.
Clean your refrigerator coils with a vacuum
and coil cleaning brush.
Caulking is customary around wet areas
like bathtubs and sinks to keep water from
seeping into the wall, but it is also used
around windows and doors to prevent air
from escaping. Check for significant air
temperature differences near windows and
walls and use a digital thermometer to verify
air leaks. Make sure to also check areas
where vents and plumbing fixtures meet the
outside wall.
The first step of roof inspection is to check
the inside of your home. At ground level do
a visual examination of your roof’s exterior
for any cracked or missing shingles. Notice
if you have to trim back tree branches that
may make contact as they can damage your
roof’s exterior. If you suspect any type of
damage, contact an experienced roofer who
can perform a thorough inspection.
Gutters are necessary to direct water away
from your home’s foundation. Their exposure
to the elements means that they need to be
cleaned and inspected regularly. While cleaning
out dirt and leaves, make sure the gutters are
securely attached to your house. “Gutters
that are free of dirt and debris will keep rain
from running down the sides of your home
and coming in through the foundation,” said
O’Rourke. “Routine maintenance means lower
homeowner costs by addressing small issues
before they become problematic.”
Programmable thermostats are both a money
and energy saver. They allow you to set a
comfortable temperature when you’re home
and can be scheduled to lower the temperature
while you’re away, helping you save money by
cutting down energy usage. “Programmable
thermostats allow homeowners to set the
heating and cooling of their home to their
schedule,” said O’Rourke. “It’s one less thing
for homeowners to worry about and they are
fairly easy to install.”
Your home is not only your sanctuary, it’s your
commitment. Assessing your homeowners’
coverage and understanding your policy is a
simple household task you can accomplish
and one that can save you money. *
Lynn O♥Neil Real Estate
(310) 261-0798
Assoc Broker 31 years/Manager
♥
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