Home Improvement New Year’s Resolutions
Home Improvement by Danny Lipford
Though the new year has already arrived, it’s not too late to add a few home improvement resolutions to your already long list. Here are some worth considering that will keep your house in shape, help the environment, and save you money.
- Stay Safe: The start of a new year is the perfect time to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, check to be sure your fire extinguisher is in working order and have the chimney cleaned.
- Winterize Your Home: Cold weather has arrived, so don’t put off sealing up cracks and repairing the weather stripping around your windows and doors any longer. Remember to cover outside faucets and bring in potted plants. It’s also a good time to add additional insulation to your attic.
- Save Energy: Resolve to turn down your thermostat this winter when you’re at work or sleeping. Better yet, replace it with a programmable one that will remember to do it for you. Installing energy efficient compact fluorescents light bulbs can help reduce your carbon footprint while saving money at the same time.
- Go Green: Make the effort to start recycling, and dispose properly of old electronic equipment—such as televisions, computers, and cell phones. Save water by repairing dripping faucets and running toilets, installing low-flow showerheads, and replacing old water guzzling toilets with new water saving models. When buying new appliances or electronic equipment, be sure they carry the federal Energy Star seal for energy efficiency.
- Home Maintenance: Resolve to change the air filter on your central system every month or two and drain your hot water tank once a year. Cleaning your gutters regularly is another important home maintenance project that’s easy to overlook.
So what are your home improvement resolutions for the new year? Share those pet projects that you’ve been putting off by leaving a comment below.
