The holiday season and the ritual of list-making are two things that go hand in hand every year. Gift lists, grocery lists, and guest lists help make life easier during this very busy time. But a list that can make life easier for years to come is the
Swimming pool and lawn chemicals can be dangerous if not handled properly. Store the chemicals in their original labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater or runoff. Keep different chemicals separated and in undamaged containers to prevent
Wood is highly susceptible to the elements. Water, ice, and sun all affect the wood, leaving it warped and cracked. These cracks create pockets to hold moisture, which leads to rot. Clean, re-stain and re-seal your deck every 1-2 years to prevent cracks and other damage. Also, check
Salt and ice-melting chemicals might be easy to use on your sidewalk and driveway, but they can be harmful to pets, plants and concrete surfaces. An eco-friendly alternative is to use sand or kitty litter to improve traction on icy areas. If you decide to use chemicals, follow
Your air conditioner should be inspected once a year. By getting it inspected early, you can catch minor problems that could potentially become major ones in the hot summer. Not only that, but proper maintenance adds years to your unit's life and helps it run more efficiently.
Get your sump pump checked out now to avoid the risk of water damage and staggering repair costs if it fails. Consider getting a high-water alarm that will alert you of problems and/or a battery-powered back-up sump pump that kicks in if the power goes out. Also,
Advance planning can help prevent damage to your property when storms with high winds pop up during the summer months. Keep potential projectiles stored indoors if possible, including yard tools, toys, and garbage cans. Make it a yearly habit to trim shrubbery and weak or dead tree branches
To safely clean your garbage disposal, put in 2 cups of ice cubes and about 1 cup of coarse salt. Run the cold water and turn on the garbage disposal until the ice is gone. The ice/salt mixture will help loosen the grime and debris from the grinding
