We care for your home long after the day you purchase it. We want you to enjoy your home and keep it in great condition year after year.

Follow these easy tips to keep your home in good shape.

• Replacing your air filter regularly will save you money on your utility bill. In order to maintain the clean air quality in your home and to keep the dust particles at a minimum, you should replace the air filters in your heating and air conditioning system. Do this at the beginning of each season and you will cut down on harmful particles that can cause ill health and damage to your home’s interior and furnishings. If you write the date on the filter frame when you change it, you can keep track of when you need to change it next.

• Keeping an eye on the caulking that seals your home will help keep it insulated and cut down on energy costs. All homes are built from natural materials that will expand and contract based on the moisture levels in the air. It is important to check the caulking to ensure the seals remain intact. Make sure that that the caulking has not cracked or separated from the surface it adheres to. Check these areas every season:

• Exterior doors and windows
• Tubs, sinks, kitchen backsplash, and toilets
• Moldings alongs walls and ceilings

You can easily repair cracked or separated caulking by removing it carefully with a razor knife. Replace the seal with a thin bead of caulk applied with a caulking gun. Your local home improvement store can help you with supplies and advice.

• If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, you may have odors emanating from the sink at times. A couple of tablespoons of baking soda sprinkled into the disposal will eliminate the odor.

• It is important to check your dryer vent to see that it is clear and free of lint. This will keep your dryer in good working order, cut down on energy costs, and avoid the risk of an appliance fire. Do this at least twice a year. Check the outside vent as well to ensure that it is not clogged with lint.

• Check the filter on your dishwasher to ensure there is no food buildup, which can cause the appliance to wear out quickly. This will keep the dishwasher in good working order and will extend the life of the appliance. Refer to the owner’s manual to find and clean the filter.

• The seals around your home’s doors are very important to keeping the elements out and in managing energy costs. Twice a year, you should check the gaskets that seal your exterior doors from the weather. Close the door and check around the edges for any spots where light passes through. If any gaps are found, replace the seal with an adhesive foam strip from your local home improvement store.

• Disconnect water hoses from exterior faucets during the winter months to avoid water freezing and costly repairs from a broken water line.

• If an electrical outlet is not working properly, it may be that the circuit is tripped. These circuits help keep your home’s electrical system safe.

• To check the circuit, press the small red button on the outlet. You should hear a pop and the red light will turn on.
• If the light does not come on, simply press the reset button.
• If this does not correct the problem, contact a certified electrician for assistance.