Summer Vacation and Your Home!

Summer Vacation and Your Home!

You found your perfect home, you bought it, you moved in and unpacked, and now you're ready for some well deserved R&R.  Whether it's just a few days out of town or a few weeks on a tropical island, there are some things you should do to prepare your home for your absence.

Preparing to Leave

Clean Out the Fridge:  Throw away anything that is or will be expired by the time you come back. Wipe down the shelves and door jams to prevent mold or mildew.

Shut off the water:  If a hose to a dishwasher or washing machine were to break, you could come home to a very large mess.  So turn off the water to at least those appliances.  You might want to run them and then leave the doors open to let them dry out so you prevent mold and mildew.  Also, getting the laundry and dishes done means no mess or extra work when you get home.

Prep Your plants and outdoor space:  Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear.  Overflow could seep under siding and flood basements.  Mow and trim plants and hedges.  Ask a friend or neighbor to help or pay a neighborhood kid to mow and check on the house.

Leave on some lights:  Make it look like your home by leaving on some lights or have them on a timer if you don't want to waste money on your electric bill. Maybe pay the same kid who is mowing to turn on some lights at night. However you do it, it's important that your home look lived in even when your away.  Most criminals are opportunists; they will take the easy route every time.  So don't make it easy.

Unplug and reset thermostat:  Unplug all your appliances; they suck up energy even when not in use and no one wants their house to catch on fire because of a loose or crossed wire. In addition to that, reset your AC. You don't want to turn it off completely because it could get very musty, so set your AC to 85 and your house will stay cool and free of mildew.

Hold mail and newspapers:  A few quick phone calls and the post office and local delivery boy will hold all your stuff till you get back. Or you can give that kid a few more dollars and a key and he can take care of it for you.  

Preparing for your return

Food:  Make sure you have some non-perishables so when you get back, your first meal home is hassle free. (things like pop tarts, coffee, and soup are good to have.

Keep the house fresh:  Plug in an air freshener oooor you know that kid? Yeah have him open a few windows for a couple of hours a day.

Change the sheets:  There is nothing worse then coming home from vacation and having to do work.  Changing your sheets and maybe putting a dryer sheet in the blankets will insure a great night's sleep on your return home.

Tidy Up:  Sweep, Vacuum, Wipe down counters and any other stuff you know you won't want to do when you come home.

Happy vacation and don't forget to tip your neighborhood kid: he worked hard while you were gone!!

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Your Home - The Heat Is On

As the weather gets cooler, it's a good time to check your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system to make sure it's operating properly.  While it's wise to have your HVAC inspected by a heating professional every fall and spring, you can increase the efficiency of your system by following these simple maintenance tips from American Home Shield.

Now: Use a high-efficiency pleated filter with an electrostatic charge that works like a magnet to grab the tiniest of particles.  Replace the filter every 90 days and check it monthly.  If it looks dark and clogged, and if you have pets, you may need to change it more often.

Keep the air-conditioning unit free of leaves, pollen, grass or branches that can interfere with its future efficiency.  Make sure there is at least two feet of space cleared around outdoor units.

Monthly or Seasonally:  Inspect the insulation and refrigerant lines monthly.  Before winter sets in, replace the humidifier filter and turn on the water.

Annually:  Replace the battery in the carbon monoxide detector.  Walk around the exterior of the house and check that outdoor AC units and heat pumps are on firm and level ground.  Pour one cup of bleach mixed with water down the AC condensate drain to prevent a buildup of mold and algae, which can clog the drain.

Always:  Keep at least 20% of the home's registers open to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.

Following these simple tips can prolong the life of your HVAC system and help you be prepared for whatever the winter season may bring.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

www.cynthia-online.com

Drain Trust

Spring is prime time for house cleaning and maintenance, which should include careful cleaning of gutters.  Although they’re designed to act as a drain and protect your home, they often get clogged with leaves and water.  They should be cleaned twice a year.  To get started, consider these steps from Lowes.

First, clean the downspout.  Set a ladder on the side of the house where the gutter starts and where most leaves and twigs get trapped.  With gloves and a towel, remove the debris and let it fall in a bucket.  Move the ladder down the gutter and repeat the process.

Check all gutters for holes, leaks, dents and other features that may need repairs.  If your hangers are loose, tighten them or replace them if they seem damaged.  Sagging gutters are an indication that the hangers are too loose.

After you’ve covered the perimeter and have removed most of the debris, spray the gutter with a garden hose to rid any remaining debris.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your own window cleaner by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water.  The vinegar eliminates window streaks and smudges on glass surfaces.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner  
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR, MDI
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475