(BPT) - Ongoing home maintenance is important to keep the home efficient and safe; however, it can be easy to forget or put off important household tasks. As we prepare for winter, now is the perfect time to conduct key maintenance checks in the home.
Here are five easy ways, according to Culligan International, to inspect the home:
Check your alarms.
Batteries need to be replaced in all the alarms in your house every six months. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms do not last forever, so it’s important to take a look and consider the last time you replaced the batteries. If you can’t remember, it might be safer to replace the alarms altogether, as they only last 10 years.
Inspect your appliances.
The lifespan of appliances, such as HVAC systems, can be lengthened with regular maintenance. Not doing so can also result in efficiency loss, which can lead to higher energy bills. Schedule a professional to inspect your unit, as well as other large appliances including the refrigerator, washer and dryer, to avoid a potentially expensive headache in the future.
Test your water.
All water is not created equal. Consequently, it’s important to re-consider the safety and quality of the water you drink, wash yourself and your clothes in. The changing seasons can provide an annual reminder to get your water tested. A basic water test from your local Culligan water expert can detect impurities such as nitrates, hardness and total dissolved solids that are odorless, tasteless and sometimes harmful.
Clean out your medicine cabinet.
With winter — and flu season — coming, it’s important to make sure your cabinet is stocked with the necessary medicines to get you through the season. Throw out expired medications and replace them with new ones. It’s important to note that most drugs expire within 12 to 60 months from the date of manufacture, so if you can’t remember when you bought a medication, it’s likely time to replace it. Most local pharmacies will dispose of expired prescription medications.
Seal your windows.
With the cooler weather on the way, small cracks and gaps in window frames and doors can allow water, insects and crisp air to creep inside. To save energy, money and protect your home, check the sealant around windows, doors and trim to see what needs replacing. All-weather, waterproof sealant is an easy DIY project that can make a big difference.
For more information about water treatment products, including water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business, or to find your local Culligan representative, visit www.culligan.com.
