It's important to find leaks in pipes or leaks from the outside as soon as possible. Water can breed mold and mildew while animals can damage home systems and spread disease.
This is a do-it-yourself project. If you see uninvited pests or dampness in your home, you can find waterproofing pros and pest control experts on Kudzu.com.
Filters prevent dust and other allergens from circulating through the ductwork. However, blocked filters can make a furnace work much harder, causing it to run less efficiently and possibly reducing its lifespan. And a dirty filter won't be as effective as a clean filter at blocking dust from eventually making its way into your living spaces.
This is a do-it-yourself job, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. HVAC pros can answer any questions you might have or you can schedule regular maintenance with them.
You'll receognize the GFIs by the little buttons between the plugs on outlets located in spots where electrical shock hazards exist, such as in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. They're designed to prevent electrical shock by "tripping," or breaking the current. So, it's clearly a good idea to push the test & reset buttons regularly to make sure they're working.
Hidden leaks can, over time, cause damage to floors, ceilings beneath, or walls in adjacent rooms.
How
Turn on the faucet and check for leaks in the pipes under the sink. Look for mold on shower walls that could indicate there's leakage behind them. And check for cracks in the grout where the tub meets the floor.
Dirty hood filters won't be able to prevent kitchen smells from being circulated throughout the house.
Who Can Help
This is a do-it-yourself job, with some help from a degreaser. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or contact an appliance repair pro for help.
Vacuuming the condenser coils will keep your refrigerator running efficiently.
Who Can Help
This is a do-it-yourself job, but refer to your refrigerator's manual or manufacturer's Web site to find out specifics on how to do it. Or, contact a recommended appliance repair pro on Kudzu.com.
Lawns naturally need sunlight to thrive. And there's less of it during the shorter days of late fall and winter. A mat of thick leaves can kill that grass you so carefully tended during the warmer months.
You must apply pre-emergent crabgrass killer before the crabgrass seeds germinate, which happens in the early spring when the temperature of the surface soil rises into the 50s and 60s. So, timing is critical.
Check the roof for repairs
