Homeowner Resources

Your dishwasher. That magic appliance that willingly accepts our soiled dishes and offers them back to us in a couple of hours, sparkling clean. It works hard all week, but is your dishwasher holiday ready? Do you notice an unpleasant odor when unloading your dishwasher, or maybe you have to re-wash a dish after it's run through a cycle? If so, we've got some tips for you. 1. Clean the Dishwasher Trap If your dishwasher is not self-cleaning, remove the manual filter located under the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Hand wash in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You may need to gently scrub (using an old toothbrush) to remove the tougher particles. Clean the area where the filter goes in the dishwasher before putting the filter back in place. 2. Clean the Dishwasher … [Read more...] about Is Your Dishwasher Holiday Ready?

October is all about Halloween, but did you know it's also a great time to do a little shopping? Don't get carried away, though. Only certain items are a steal during this spooky month. Other deals are best left to the rowdy masses of next month's Black Friday. We've gathered a list of The 5 Best Things to Buy in October. 1. All Things Outdoors Consumer's minds have headed indoors for the upcoming winter, which makes it a perfect time to head outdoors for a deal. October is the perfect month to buy yard tools, outdoor grills, patio furniture, outdoor sporting equipment, hiking, and camping gear. Even if you're not going to use your "outdoor deals" this season, store them away for next year. When you break out your new tent next spring and the in-store prices are now at their … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Things to Buy in October

October begins with beautiful, crisp mornings and ends with a fright. For some of us, the fright isn't Halloween, it's knowing the busy holiday season is on us. Work your way through our checklist of tricks and treats for your October home. By the end of the month, you'll be fearless.  1. Make Sure Your Porch is Safe Before trick-or-treaters are ringing your doorbell this month, make sure your exterior porch lights are in working order, and you have sufficient lighting. Decorative pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of your steps and doorway. 2. Clean Your Gutters Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready for Mother Nature. After most of the leaves have fallen, take time to clear out debris from your gutters. Water should flow through your gutters and … [Read more...] about Tricks and Treats for Your October Home

October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week. No one wants to think about a house fire. Although we don’t want to scare you with statistics, we will share a couple to make a point. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 350,000 home fires in the U.S. each year. Here are 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent. Cooking Fires Cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires. They are responsible for a whopping 48% of all residential fires. Grease is the main culprit, and in particular, unattended cooking. Prevent: Never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking with oil. This includes foods such as bacon that produce grease. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen. There are several different grades and uses for fire extinguishers. Be … [Read more...] about 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent

To achieve the ultimate assessment of where and how air leaks occur in your home, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests hiring a qualified technician. The technician will conduct an energy audit of your home. On the other hand, we know you don’t need an expert to tell you there’s a draft coming in from beneath your basement door. But what about less obvious sources of air leaks? Give your house an Indoor Air Leak Check Up this month and cut your home's energy costs. Winter weather is around the corner, so keep the drafts out and warm air in. Don't let your energy budget from escape your home through places you may not have considered. These include: Light switch platesElectrical outlet platesFireplace dampersCable lines for TVPhone linesMail slots Most of these leaks can be … [Read more...] about Give Your House an Indoor Air Leak Check Up